Baker Bar Stool
2010s American Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery, Wood
Early 2000s American Regency Revival Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Metal, Brass
2010s American Country Ottomans and Poufs
Hide, Maple
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Dining Room Chairs
Iron, Wrought Iron
People Also Browsed
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
2010s French Modern Chairs
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary German Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Plywood
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights an...
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Wood
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Sheepskin, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Night Stands
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary South African Campaign Ottomans and Poufs
Zebra Hide
2010s American Modern Stools
Oak
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Benches
Bronze, Wrought Iron
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants
Silk
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Benches
Fabric, Velvet, Lacquer, Wood
Antique Late 19th Century English Empire Revival Dining Room Tables
Mahogany
2010s French Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Recent Sales
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Vintage 1980s Post-Modern Stools
Aluminum
1990s Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Leather
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery, Walnut
Vintage 1950s American Ottomans and Poufs
Walnut, Leather, Upholstery
Vintage 1930s Canadian Machine Age Industrial and Work Tables
Steel
20th Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Ottomans and Poufs
Vintage 1960s American Ottomans and Poufs
Mahogany
Late 20th Century Danish Ottomans and Poufs
Walnut, Leather
Finding the Right ottomans-poufs for You
Antique and vintage ottomans and poufs add comfort and style to any living room, game room, home office or minimalist lounge space. An ottoman is a short seat or footstool that is also often used to store items. A pouf is similar, but it’s typically more petite than an ottoman, usually without the storage space inside.
When one thinks of the Ottoman Empire, it’s easy to overlook the iconic seat named for the region. The ottoman — originally an upholstered seat or small bench without a back or arms — was a family’s main seating furniture, a way to merge floor seating with cushions and mats. It wasn’t until they were brought to Europe from Turkey, during the 18th century, that it became popular to join ottomans with other pieces of furniture, such as at the base of a chair. Eventually, these footrests were transformed into storage furnishings to organize quilts and blankets or other textiles. Furniture makers crafted their ottomans with lids that revealed a hidden cupboard, which rendered them both comfortable and practical.
Poufs, which appeared in France during the 1840s, are also of the low-platform seating variety. These versatile furnishings have been made available in all manner of shapes and sizes over time, and depending upon their firmness can be used as a side table should an occasion call for an extra one. However, your average ottoman is almost always firmer than a pouf, and even if the plush pouf in your living room feels sturdy, it’s probably not the best surface for your early-evening cocktail.
Both ottomans and poufs can help create an inviting and warm atmosphere in your living space. For the smaller rooms that are characterized by a casual feel, a shaggy or woven wool pouf might be a better choice, as it’s likely to be more compact and floor-cushion-like than an ottoman. The latter are often larger and more table-like and are comparatively a good fit for a more formal room such as a library or a study. Today, you might find that an ottoman works well in your bedroom, where there isn’t room for a sofa, or perhaps it can serve as a reliable perch in front of your vintage vanity table.
Whatever your seating needs are, find a collection of antique, new and vintage ottomans and poufs in varying styles on 1stDibs that include neoclassical, Industrial and mid-century modern. From the bright colors and bold patterns deployed by Milan-born designer Lorenza Bozzoli to the classy leather furnishings created at family-run Brooklyn, New York, atelier Moses Nadel, there is an endless range of these lovable low stools that merge seamlessly with most decor.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The height of a bar stool is typically around 28 to 38 inches tall. This is because bar tops are usually around 40 to 42 inches high, so bar stools need to be under this height in order to provide ample leg room.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021The most comfortable bar stool is a matter of preference. There are many different types of bar stools for your house, and many different comfy versions have been developed over time. To select the best one, we suggest thinking about height, weight, design and fabric so you can find the best set for your preferences and budget. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary bar stools from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024The difference between bar stools and counter stools comes down to height. Bar stools are usually between 28 and 32 inches tall to provide comfortable seating at bars and bar-height tables. To pair with kitchen counters and counter-height tables, counter stools are normally 24 to 27 inches tall. Find a large collection of dining stools on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, bar stools are taller than counter stools. The average height of counter stools is 24 inches, and they are best suited for counter height tables and kitchen islands. Barstools are typically an additional five to six inches taller to fit the height of traditional bar counters. Shop a wide selection of bar stools and counter-height stools on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Since counters are generally 34 to 39 inches high, counter stools should be 24 to 27 inches tall; bars are 40 to 46 inches from the ground, so bar stools typically stand 30 to 36 inches tall.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Counter height bar stools are stools that typically have a seat around 24 inches to 27 inches high and are designed to provide seating along a bar or at counter height tables. On 1stDibs, find an array of counter height bar stools from top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The comfort of a rattan bar stool is really a matter of preference. Some styles are crafted with a back or cushion for additional comfort, while some may support the addition of a cushioned seat. On 1stDivs, find a range of rattan bar stool styles to suit any preference.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023The best wood for bar stools is largely a matter of personal preference. Walnut, oak, cherry and birch are commonly used materials. On 1stDibs, find a selection of bar stools from some of the world's top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A standard bar stool will sit around 29 to 32 inches high, and extra-tall bar stools will sit around 33 to 36 inches high. To ensure the best fit for your space, measure the height of the bar or table you want to accent. Shop a wide selection of bar stools on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2023Whether saddle bar stools are comfortable is largely a matter of personal opinion. However, some people find the curved seats featured on these stools supportive because they conform to the body's contours. Find a variety of saddle bar stools on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To identify Marcel Breuer bar stools, start by examining the frame. Genuine models will usually feature smooth, welded ends. Most reproductions have end caps instead. You can also look for a sticker that bears the model name on the underside of the seat. On 1stDibs, find a range of expertly vetted Marcel Breuer bar stools.
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