Edward Ferrell Ottoman
2010s North American Ottomans and Poufs
Leather, Mahogany
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2010s British Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Sheepskin, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Wall Mirrors
Marble, Brass
Vintage 1950s American Desks and Writing Tables
Leather, Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary American End Tables
Maple
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery
Late 20th Century Italian Rococo Ottomans and Poufs
Velvet, Fruitwood
21st Century and Contemporary North American Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1940s French Wall Mirrors
Mirror
1990s Neoclassical Revival Benches
Cotton, Velvet, Wood
20th Century Side Chairs
Leather
20th Century Slipper Chairs
Wood
20th Century Indonesian Chippendale Ottomans and Poufs
Hardwood
1990s Chinese British Colonial Ottomans and Poufs
Wood
Mid-20th Century Ottomans and Poufs
Velvet
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Velvet
Early 2000s Chesterfield Loveseats
Leather, Cherry
Recent Sales
20th Century Armchairs
Damask
2010s Ottomans and Poufs
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.
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