Oval Tufted Ottoman
2010s Ottomans and Poufs
Fabric
2010s Canadian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Leather, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Chrome
Antique 19th Century American Victorian Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery, Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Ottomans and Poufs
Leather, Mohair, Velvet, Acrylic, Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches
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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and...
Brass
Late 20th Century Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Stainless Steel
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Mohair, Velvet, Oak
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Bird Cages
Copper, Iron, Bronze
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Beds and Bed Frames
Giltwood
2010s Ottomans and Poufs
Leather
2010s Italian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Textile
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Armchairs
Wood, Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs
Bouclé, Wood, Oak
Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Alpaca
21st Century and Contemporary Ottomans and Poufs
Hemp
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery
Early 2000s Italian Anglo-Japanese Bathroom Fixtures
Marble
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Footstools
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Game Boards
Marble, Chrome
20th Century American Hollywood Regency Swivel Chairs
Upholstery
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century Ottomans and Poufs
Mahogany, Leather
20th Century American Hollywood Regency Benches
Upholstery
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Brass
20th Century American Ottomans and Poufs
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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