Mcm Pouf
Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Cotton
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Steel
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Rattan
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Iron
Vintage 1960s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Iron
Late 20th Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery, Hardwood
2010s Backpacks
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Organic Modern Floor Mirrors and Fu...
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Benches
Fabric, Velvet, Lacquer, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Metal
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools
Aluminum, Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Organic Modern Floor Mirrors and Fu...
Wood, Ash
Mid-20th Century German Bauhaus Shelves
Wood
20th Century French Regency Floor Lamps
Wood
1940s Modern Portrait Prints
Lithograph
21st Century and Contemporary American Ottomans and Poufs
Fabric, Ash, Mahogany
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Books
Paper
2010s American Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Velvet
Early 20th Century Moroccan Moorish Ceramics
Ceramic
Early 20th Century Italian Renaissance Floor Lamps
Giltwood
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and P...
Hardwood, Walnut
Recent Sales
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Metal
Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Velvet, Wood
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal
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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