Henredon Poufs
Vintage 1950s American Hollywood Regency Ottomans and Poufs
Brass
Late 20th Century American French Provincial Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-20th Century French Louis XVI Ottomans and Poufs
Cotton, Satin, Walnut
Vintage 1950s Ottomans and Poufs
Mahogany
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Cowhide
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery, Mahogany
Recent Sales
Late 20th Century American American Classical Ottomans and Poufs
Leather
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Fabric, Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Suede
Late 20th Century American American Classical Ottomans and Poufs
Velvet
Vintage 1960s American Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Late 20th Century Empire Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery, Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Ottomans and Poufs
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1950s Ottomans and Poufs
Mahogany
Vintage 1950s Ottomans and Poufs
Vintage 1950s Ottomans and Poufs
Vintage 1950s American Ottomans and Poufs
Vintage 1950s Ottomans and Poufs
Mahogany
Vintage 1950s Ottomans and Poufs
Vintage 1950s American Ottomans and Poufs
Wood, Velvet
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Late 20th Century Chinese Ottomans and Poufs
Leather, Wood
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Mahogany
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Arts and Crafts Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery, Oak
20th Century American Chesterfield Ottomans and Poufs
Metal
20th Century American Ottomans and Poufs
Mahogany, Upholstery
Vintage 1950s American Ottomans and Poufs
Walnut, Upholstery
20th Century American British Colonial Ottomans and Poufs
Leather, Wood
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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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