Coastal Pouf
Late 20th Century Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery, Bamboo
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1990s French Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Rattan
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Wood
20th Century English Art Deco Pillows and Throws
Velvet
1990s Table Lamps
Chrome
1990s British Dinner Plates
Ceramic
1990s Sri Lankan American Classical Dinner Plates
Porcelain
2010s Central American Sofas
Leather, Hardwood
Vintage 1980s Settees
Cotton
1990s American Neoclassical Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Nickel
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Decorative Boxes
Silk, Leather
20th Century Rustic Scientific Instruments
Brass
Antique 1880s Chinese Chinoiserie Furniture
Wood
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Nesting Tables and Stacking Tables
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Metal
1990s French Modern Barware
Crystal
Late 20th Century American Art Deco Armchairs
Chrome
Recent Sales
Late 20th Century North American Ottomans and Poufs
Fabric
Mid-20th Century Philippine Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery, Rattan
Late 20th Century Philippine Ottomans and Poufs
Rattan
20th Century Asian Organic Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Seagrass, Rattan
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Metal
Vintage 1970s Hong Kong Bohemian Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery, Rattan
20th Century American Organic Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Fabric, Wicker, Rattan, Wood
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.
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