Large Square Ottoman
2010s American Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Wool, Alpaca, Mohair, Maple
20th Century Ottomans and Poufs
Sheepskin
1990s Ottomans and Poufs
Sheepskin
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery, Walnut
20th Century Chesterfield Ottomans and Poufs
Cowhide
Vintage 1980s American Chesterfield Ottomans and Poufs
Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary South African Campaign Ottomans and Poufs
Zebra Hide
2010s Italian Ottomans and Poufs
Other
20th Century French Ottomans and Poufs
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Velvet
20th Century American Organic Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wicker, Rattan
Recent Sales
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Mid-20th Century Italian Ottomans and Poufs
20th Century Post-Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Linen, Hardwood
20th Century Unknown Ottomans and Poufs
Tapestry
Vintage 1970s American Ottomans and Poufs
Faux Bamboo
20th Century American Ottomans and Poufs
Wood, Cowhide
21st Century and Contemporary American Ottomans and Poufs
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery
20th Century Unknown Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery
20th Century Ottomans and Poufs
21st Century and Contemporary Ottomans and Poufs
Wool, Goat Hair, Foam
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Faux Leather
1990s Italian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
1990s Moroccan Moorish Ottomans and Poufs
Fabric
Late 20th Century Moroccan Moorish Ottomans and Poufs
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1980s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1970s American Modern Ottomans and Poufs
20th Century American Ottomans and Poufs
Metal
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1940s American Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery, Mahogany
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Benches
Macassar
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches
Metal, Brass
Vintage 1940s American Lounge Chairs
Vintage 1970s American Ottomans and Poufs
Cotton
20th Century Ottomans and Poufs
Wood
20th Century American Ottomans and Poufs
Mahogany
1990s American American Classical Ottomans and Poufs
20th Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Late 20th Century Ottomans and Poufs
Leather
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Ottomans and Poufs
Muslin, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Stainless Steel
Late 20th Century American William IV Ottomans and Poufs
Wood
Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Velvet, Wood
20th Century American Ottomans and Poufs
Vintage 1950s American Ottomans and Poufs
21st Century and Contemporary American Ottomans and Poufs
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary American Ottomans and Poufs
Chrome
20th Century French Ottomans and Poufs
Wood, Raffia
Vintage 1950s American Ottomans and Poufs
Vintage 1960s American Ottomans and Poufs
Steel
Vintage 1950s Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Mid-20th Century Hollywood Regency Ottomans and Poufs
Velvet, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Regency Ottomans and Poufs
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Vintage 1970s Ottomans and Poufs
People Also Browsed
Vintage 1980s English Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Fabric, Walnut
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Daybeds
Mohair, Wood
20th Century American Beds and Bed Frames
Wood
2010s British Art Deco Lounge Chairs
Beech, Oak, Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary Organic Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Linen
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Other Porcelain
Porcelain
21st Century and Contemporary Organic Modern Benches
Linen, Foam, Wood
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Loveseats
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1980s American Organic Modern Console Tables
Rattan
Antique 19th Century Dining Room Tables
Elm
Vintage 1980s Stools
Leather
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longues
Leather
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Upholstery
Antique 19th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Brass
Antique 19th Century Desks and Writing Tables
Mahogany
Large Square Ottoman For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Large Square Ottoman?
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.
Read More
All the Furniture in This Organic Modern Soho Loft Can Be Yours
Andrianna Shamaris has filled her epic new home with pieces of her own design.
20 Inviting Dining Rooms Perfectly Arranged for Entertaining
Top interior designers show — and tell — us how to create delectable spaces for hosting dinner parties.
Nobody Puts This Sunny Sofa in a Corner
With its plush cushions, cane details and dazzlingly colorful back, it’s inviting from every angle.
The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
Fred Rigby’s Modular Seating Can Be Configured in So Many Handy Ways
The plush Cove Slipper 2.5 Seater sofa is just one of many convenient combinations from the London-based maker.
This Chubby-Chic Quilted Stool Stands on Its Own Two Feet
Sam Klemick's cool stool is edgy, cozy and environmentally sustainable all at once.
Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?
From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.
Rock Your Cares Away on This Sunny Hand-Crocheted Swing
The boho-chic Enchanted Forest Swing, handmade by marginalized women from Turkey and Syria, is uplifting in every way.