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Used Ottomans

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Victorian Period Box-Shaped Ottoman
Victorian Period Box-Shaped Ottoman

Victorian Period Box-Shaped Ottoman

Located in Harrodsburg, KY

A Victorian period box-shaped ottoman. The sides are upholstered in an old (and possibly original) burgundy-colored velvet above a wooden molding that has been grain-painted to simul...

Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Used Ottomans

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet, Wood

Baker Furniture Contemporary Upholstered Ottoman
Baker Furniture Contemporary Upholstered Ottoman

Baker Furniture Contemporary Upholstered Ottoman

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in South Bend, IN

A very nice contemporary ottoman. By Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1990s Down-filled cushion with upholstery and solid legs.

Category

1990s American Modern Used Ottomans

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Paint

Barcelona Frame Ottoman w/ Cushion
Barcelona Frame Ottoman w/ Cushion

Barcelona Frame Ottoman w/ Cushion

By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Famously designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe with a heavy metal frame in polished chrome. Tufted black leather cushion on leather straps. Please confirm location with vendor NY or NJ

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Used Ottomans

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Ottomans on Rollers
Pair of Ottomans on Rollers

Pair of Ottomans on Rollers

Located in Palm Springs, CA

Ottomans measure 17" wide, 17" deep and 17" high. Seat height is also 17".

Category

1980s American Modern Used Ottomans

Materials

Fabric

Beautifully Upholstered Octagon Shaped Ottoman
Beautifully Upholstered Octagon Shaped Ottoman

Beautifully Upholstered Octagon Shaped Ottoman

Located in Pasadena, TX

Nicely upholstered, this ottoman is octagon shaped. It has a really nice fabric with piping along its edge.

Category

20th Century American Used Ottomans

Materials

Upholstery

Ottoman by unknown designer, Sweden, 1950s
Ottoman by unknown designer, Sweden, 1950s

Ottoman by unknown designer, Sweden, 1950s

By Josef Frank

Located in Eskilstuna, SE

Generously proportioned ottoman resting on sculptural beech legs with softly turned details.

Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Used Ottomans

Materials

Sheepskin, Beech

Walter E Smithe Cocktail Ottoman
Walter E Smithe Cocktail Ottoman

Walter E Smithe Cocktail Ottoman

$556Sale Price|30% Off

Walter E Smithe Cocktail Ottoman

Located in Lake Worth, FL

Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Walter E Smithe Cocktail Ottoman Approximate Measurements in Inches 18 1/2" high x 40" deep x 40" wide ...

Category

1990s Modern Used Ottomans

Materials

Cotton, Velvet

Vintage Boho Channel Tufted Ottoman
Vintage Boho Channel Tufted Ottoman

Vintage Boho Channel Tufted Ottoman

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A striking vintage Boho ottoman. A chic channel tufted piece with a wrap around laminated brass plinth.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Used Ottomans

Materials

Upholstery, Laminate, Wood

Pair of Vintage Floral Ottomans
Pair of Vintage Floral Ottomans

Pair of Vintage Floral Ottomans

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Great as ottomans, or as children's stools. Please confirm item pickup location (New York or New Jersey) with dealer

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Used Ottomans

Materials

Faux Leather, Wood

Hide Covered Cylinder Ottoman Stool
Hide Covered Cylinder Ottoman Stool

Hide Covered Cylinder Ottoman Stool

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Hide covered cylinder ottoman stool.

Category

1970s American Modern Used Ottomans

Materials

Hide, Upholstery, Wood

Oversized Louis XIV Style Ottoman
Oversized Louis XIV Style Ottoman

Oversized Louis XIV Style Ottoman

Located in New York, NY

Oversized Louis XIV style ottoman with brass casters and upholstered in leather.

Category

20th Century Louis XIV Used Ottomans

Materials

Leather, Wood

Brazilian Rosewood Ottoman or Stool
Brazilian Rosewood Ottoman or Stool

Brazilian Rosewood Ottoman or Stool

Located in Oakland, CA

c. 1955 Brazilian rosewood ottoman crafted of solid Brazilian rosewood and upholstered in the original green mohair.

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Used Ottomans

Materials

Mohair, Rosewood

White Faux Shearling Ottoman, 1960s
White Faux Shearling Ottoman, 1960s

White Faux Shearling Ottoman, 1960s

Located in Rīga, LV

Vintage Teddy ottoman from the 1960s upholstered with ivory white faux sheepskin fabric.

Category

20th Century European Minimalist Used Ottomans

Materials

Fabric, Wood

American Empire Mahogany & Needlepoint Ottoman C1860
American Empire Mahogany & Needlepoint Ottoman C1860

American Empire Mahogany & Needlepoint Ottoman C1860

Located in Big Flats, NY

An antique American Empire mahogany and needlepoint ottoman, dating to approximately 1860. This charming footstool features a sturdy mahogany base with a rich, dark finish and elegan...

Category

Mid-19th Century Used Ottomans

Materials

Mahogany

MCM Michael Weiss Larkin Ottoman
MCM Michael Weiss Larkin Ottoman

MCM Michael Weiss Larkin Ottoman

$836Sale Price|30% Off

MCM Michael Weiss Larkin Ottoman

By Michael Weiss

Located in Lake Worth, FL

One or two extra chairs, or an ottoman to balance out an accent chair or cocktail table.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Used Ottomans

Materials

Steel

Great Pair Sea Shell Encrusted Ottomans
Great Pair Sea Shell Encrusted Ottomans

Great Pair Sea Shell Encrusted Ottomans

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Gorgeous pair of Neoclassical Revival ottomans in distressed crackled finish and French linen upholstery, encrusted with sea shells.

Category

1940s American Neoclassical Revival Used Ottomans

Materials

Shell, Linen, Wood

Svend Ellekaer 1950s Rosewood & Fabric Ottoman
Svend Ellekaer 1950s Rosewood & Fabric Ottoman

Svend Ellekaer 1950s Rosewood & Fabric Ottoman

By Svend Ellekær, Christian Linnebergs Møbelfabrik

Located in London, England

Round ottoman, 1962 3-leg rosewood frame with round seat pad covered in new Italian bouclé wool fabric.

Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Used Ottomans

Materials

Rosewood, Fabric

Edward Wormley Ottoman for Dunbar
Edward Wormley Ottoman for Dunbar

Edward Wormley Ottoman for Dunbar

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in San Francisco, CA

Edward Wormley design x-base ottoman for Dunbar Furniture. Timeless and classic design by Wormley offering additional seating for any arrangement.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Used Ottomans

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Wicker Hourglass Stool or Ottoman
Wicker Hourglass Stool or Ottoman

Wicker Hourglass Stool or Ottoman

Located in Grand Rapids, MI

USA, 1970s Cute little wicker stool or ottoman with an hourglass form. Great texture and accent for any space.

Category

1970s American Bohemian Used Ottomans

Materials

Wicker

Vintage Clover Shaped Upholstered Ottoman
Vintage Clover Shaped Upholstered Ottoman

Vintage Clover Shaped Upholstered Ottoman

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This unique vintage ottoman features a clover shaped design completed by a warm red upholstery.

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Used Ottomans

Materials

Upholstery

Hide Covered Cylinder Ottoman Stool
Hide Covered Cylinder Ottoman Stool

Hide Covered Cylinder Ottoman Stool

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Hide covered cylinder ottoman stool.

Category

1970s American Modern Used Ottomans

Materials

Hide, Upholstery, Wood

19thc Suede Top Drum Ottoman
19thc Suede Top Drum Ottoman

19thc Suede Top Drum Ottoman

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This fantastic Glendale High School Drum was made into a ottoman with a suede top cushion and feet added to the base.

Category

Late 19th Century American Adirondack Used Ottomans

Materials

Pine

De Sede Patchwork Leather Ottoman
De Sede Patchwork Leather Ottoman

De Sede Patchwork Leather Ottoman

By De Sede

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Classic patchwork leather ottoman by De Sede in a chic cream finish. Comfortable accent piece that fits in any room.

Category

1970s Swiss Used Ottomans

Materials

Leather

Large Cognac Leather and Beechwood Ottoman
Large Cognac Leather and Beechwood Ottoman

Large Cognac Leather and Beechwood Ottoman

Located in Las Vegas, NV

A large, high-end and custom made cylindrical ottoman crafted of fine cognac leather with a solid turned beech ring base.

Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Used Ottomans

Materials

Leather, Beech

Montauk Cognac leather ottoman , circa 2000s
Montauk Cognac leather ottoman , circa 2000s

Montauk Cognac leather ottoman , circa 2000s

Located in Miami, FL

Montauk Cognac leather ottoman , circa 2000s

Category

Early 2000s Neoclassical Used Ottomans

Materials

Leather

Pair of French 1950s Ottoman
Pair of French 1950s Ottoman

Pair of French 1950s Ottoman

Located in Miami, FL

Pair of French 1950s ottoman, original vintage condition. Black faux leather, brass feet.    

Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Used Ottomans

Materials

Brass, Steel

Taylor King MCM Ottoman Footstool
Taylor King MCM Ottoman Footstool

Taylor King MCM Ottoman Footstool

$276Sale Price|30% Off

Taylor King MCM Ottoman Footstool

Located in Lake Worth, FL

Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A MCM Upholstered Ottoman Footstool by Taylor King This ottoman came with a Taylor King Chaise Lounge, w...

Category

1980s Mid-Century Modern Used Ottomans

Materials

Cotton

1960s Mid Century Large Zebra Ottoman
1960s Mid Century Large Zebra Ottoman

1960s Mid Century Large Zebra Ottoman

Located in North Hollywood, CA

This striking oversized ottoman makes a bold statement with its eye-catching zebra-pattern upholstery and generous, plush proportions.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Used Ottomans

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Upholstered Cube Storage Ottomans, a Pair
Upholstered Cube Storage Ottomans, a Pair

Upholstered Cube Storage Ottomans, a Pair

Located in Bradenton, FL

Finished with square wooden feet. Dimensions per ottoman.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Ottomans

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

Original Round Shagreen Leather Ottoman
Original Round Shagreen Leather Ottoman

Original Round Shagreen Leather Ottoman

Located in Miami, FL

Modern round shagreen leather ottoman. Can be used as footstool or as a pouf.  

Category

2010s American Modern Used Ottomans

Materials

Shagreen, Wood, Leather

Southwood Traditional Upholstered Ottomans, a Pair
Southwood Traditional Upholstered Ottomans, a Pair

Southwood Traditional Upholstered Ottomans, a Pair

By Southwood & Co.

Located in Bradenton, FL

A pair of traditional ottomans made by Southwood of Hickory, North Carolina.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Used Ottomans

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Wood

Hans Wegner Ottoman for GETAMA
Hans Wegner Ottoman for GETAMA

Hans Wegner Ottoman for GETAMA

By Hans J. Wegner

Located in San Francisco, CA

Hans Wegner design ottoman for GETAMA, Denmark. Model GE 290 solid oak frame in very good original condition with a newly upholstered wool cushion, signed.

Category

1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Used Ottomans

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

Hide Covered Cylinder Ottoman Stool
Hide Covered Cylinder Ottoman Stool

Hide Covered Cylinder Ottoman Stool

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Hide covered cylinder ottoman stool.

Category

1970s American Modern Used Ottomans

Materials

Hide, Upholstery, Wood

Canvas Ottoman from the 1930s
Canvas Ottoman from the 1930s

Canvas Ottoman from the 1930s

$1,330Sale Price|30% Off

Canvas Ottoman from the 1930s

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Ottoman in its original condition from the 1930s Located in Brooklyn.

Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Used Ottomans

Materials

Fruitwood

De Sede Leather Patchwork Ottomans
De Sede Leather Patchwork Ottomans

De Sede Leather Patchwork Ottomans

By De Sede

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Large collection of patchwork leather ottomans by Swiss designer De Sede. Original soft leather with beautiful patina and age.

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Used Ottomans

Materials

Leather

Pair of Midcentury Swiveling Ottomans
Pair of Midcentury Swiveling Ottomans

Pair of Midcentury Swiveling Ottomans

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This impressive pair of midcentury ottomans feature a sleek white faux-leather upholstery, vibrant chrome swivelling bases, and comfortable soft cushioning.

Category

1980s Mid-Century Modern Used Ottomans

Materials

Chrome

Italian Ottoman in Red Chenille
Italian Ottoman in Red Chenille

Italian Ottoman in Red Chenille

Located in Buchanan, NY

A sleek Italian ottoman in red chenille. Bring a modern flair to your home with this stylish Italian ottoman upholstered in bold red chenille and supported by sleek black metal legs.

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Ottomans

Materials

Chenille

Pair of Paul Laszlo Ottomans
Pair of Paul Laszlo Ottomans

Pair of Paul Laszlo Ottomans

By Paul Laszlo

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

A pair of Paul Laszlo ottomans. Green laquered notched legs with brass cross stretchers.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Used Ottomans

Mid-Century Waterfall Ottoman / Footstool (single)
Mid-Century Waterfall Ottoman / Footstool (single)

Mid-Century Waterfall Ottoman / Footstool (single)

By Dunbar Furniture

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Single waterfall shape footstool with wild 1960s polkadot fabric. These are strong for both resting your feet or sitting on. Please confirm location with vendor NY or NJ

Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Used Ottomans

Materials

Fabric

Large Geoffrey Beene estates ottoman
Large Geoffrey Beene estates ottoman

Large Geoffrey Beene estates ottoman

By Geoffrey Beene

Located in Westport, CT

Black Satin stripped button Geoffrey Beene Estate ottoman

Category

1970s American Used Ottomans

French Empire Sword Bench Ottoman
French Empire Sword Bench Ottoman

French Empire Sword Bench Ottoman

Located in Los Angeles, CA

French gilt Empire sword bench with ultra sueded fabric. Beautiful carving details. Leave as is or have your upholstery shop recover and tighten frame.

Category

1950s French Empire Used Ottomans

Materials

Wood

Bleached Wood Hoofed-Foot Ottomans
Bleached Wood Hoofed-Foot Ottomans

Bleached Wood Hoofed-Foot Ottomans

Located in New York, NY

Pair of square hoofed-foot stools in bleached wood, newly upholstered in neutral linen with brass nail-head trim—perfect as extra seating or chic bedside perches. Priced individually.

Category

Late 20th Century North American Neoclassical Used Ottomans

Materials

Linen, Fruitwood

Tufted Large Black Leather Ottoman
Tufted Large Black Leather Ottoman

Tufted Large Black Leather Ottoman

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid-Century Modern large black leather ottoman. Comfortable tufted top, perfect addition to any living room.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Used Ottomans

Materials

Leather

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Ottomans
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Ottomans

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Ottomans

By Edward Wormley

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Ottomans model #5314, ultra suede and mahogany priced as a pair

Category

20th Century American Used Ottomans

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Post Modern Waterfall Ottomans
Pair of Post Modern Waterfall Ottomans

Pair of Post Modern Waterfall Ottomans

By Milo Baughman

Located in Redding, CT

Pair of Post Modern Ottomans. Classic 1980's style . Off white with a cream satin design finish.

Category

1980s American Post-Modern Used Ottomans

Materials

Upholstery

Vintage Boho Brown Jordan “Florentine” Ottoman
Vintage Boho Brown Jordan “Florentine” Ottoman

Vintage Boho Brown Jordan “Florentine” Ottoman

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This sophisticated vintage ottoman from the esteemed Brown Jordan "Florentine" collection captures the essence of Mid-Century Hollywood Regency design.

Category

Late 20th Century American Hollywood Regency Used Ottomans

Materials

Aluminum

Large Chesterfield Leather Tufted Ottoman, 1960s
Large Chesterfield Leather Tufted Ottoman, 1960s

Large Chesterfield Leather Tufted Ottoman, 1960s

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A generously sized rectangular ottoman upholstered in rich brown tufted leather.

Category

1960s Italian Modern Used Ottomans

Materials

Leather

Square Billy Baldwin Pillow Top Ottoman
Square Billy Baldwin Pillow Top Ottoman

Square Billy Baldwin Pillow Top Ottoman

By Billy Baldwin

Located in Redding, CT

Square Billy Baldwin Pillow Top Ottoman. Classic ivory ottoman with button top . Nice durable neutral fabric .

Category

1980s Used Ottomans

Materials

Upholstery

Midcentury Milo Baughman Style Parsons Ottoman
Midcentury Milo Baughman Style Parsons Ottoman

Midcentury Milo Baughman Style Parsons Ottoman

By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin, Billy Baldwin, Marge Carson

Located in Houston, TX

Midcentury Milo Baughman Style Parsons Ottoman. Stunning midcentury Milo Baughman or Billy Baldwin Parsons style upholstered ottoman.

Category

1980s American Hollywood Regency Used Ottomans

Materials

Bouclé

1960's Oak and leather Ottoman
1960's Oak and leather Ottoman

1960's Oak and leather Ottoman

Located in Bois-Colombes, FR

1960's Oak and burgundy leather ottoman Great quality

Category

1960s French Used Ottomans

Materials

Leather, Oak

Mid-Century Danish Modern DUX Ottoman - Restored!
Mid-Century Danish Modern DUX Ottoman - Restored!

Mid-Century Danish Modern DUX Ottoman - Restored!

Located in Clarksboro, NJ

This striking Mid-Century Danish Modern ottoman, attributed to DUX, showcases the clean lines and sculptural craftsmanship synonymous with Scandinavian design.

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Used Ottomans

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Walnut

De Sede Yellow Patchwork Ottoman, 1970s Switzerland
De Sede Yellow Patchwork Ottoman, 1970s Switzerland

De Sede Yellow Patchwork Ottoman, 1970s Switzerland

By De Sede

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Great Mustard Yellow leather pouf/ottoman by Swiss designer De Sede with square patchwork.

Category

1970s Swiss Used Ottomans

Materials

Leather

De Sede Yellow Patchwork Ottoman, 1970s Switzerland
De Sede Yellow Patchwork Ottoman, 1970s Switzerland

De Sede Yellow Patchwork Ottoman, 1970s Switzerland

By De Sede

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Great Mustard Yellow leather pouf/ottoman by Swiss designer De Sede with square patchwork.

Category

1970s Swiss Used Ottomans

Materials

Leather

De Sede Yellow Patchwork Ottoman, 1970s Switzerland
De Sede Yellow Patchwork Ottoman, 1970s Switzerland

De Sede Yellow Patchwork Ottoman, 1970s Switzerland

By De Sede

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Great Mustard Yellow leather pouf/ottoman by Swiss designer De Sede with square patchwork.

Category

1970s Swiss Used Ottomans

Materials

Leather

De Sede Red Patchwork Ottoman, 1970s Switzerland
De Sede Red Patchwork Ottoman, 1970s Switzerland

De Sede Red Patchwork Ottoman, 1970s Switzerland

By De Sede

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Stunning Reddish Orange leather pouf/ottoman by Swiss designer De Sede with square patchwork.

Category

1970s Swiss Used Ottomans

Materials

Leather

Baker Furniture Contemporary Ottoman Stools - Pair
Baker Furniture Contemporary Ottoman Stools - Pair

Baker Furniture Contemporary Ottoman Stools - Pair

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Baker Furniture Contemporary ottoman stools - Pair Each ottoman measures: 25 wide x 25 deep x 17 inches high This set is in Great Vintage Condition - There are a few spots on the u...

Category

2010s American Modern Used Ottomans

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

De Sede Blue Patchwork Ottoman, 1970s Switzerland
De Sede Blue Patchwork Ottoman, 1970s Switzerland

De Sede Blue Patchwork Ottoman, 1970s Switzerland

By De Sede

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Gorgeous blue leather pouf/ottoman by Swiss designer De Sede with square patchwork.

Category

1970s Swiss Used Ottomans

Materials

Leather

De Sede Green Patchwork Ottoman, 1970s Switzerland
De Sede Green Patchwork Ottoman, 1970s Switzerland

De Sede Green Patchwork Ottoman, 1970s Switzerland

By De Sede

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Beautiful rich green leather pouf/ottoman by Swiss designer De Sede with square patchwork.

Category

1970s Swiss Used Ottomans

Materials

Leather

De Sede Brown Patchwork Ottoman, 1970s Switzerland
De Sede Brown Patchwork Ottoman, 1970s Switzerland

De Sede Brown Patchwork Ottoman, 1970s Switzerland

By De Sede

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Beautiful rich brown pouf/ottoman by Swiss designer De Sede with square patchwork.

Category

1970s Swiss Used Ottomans

Materials

Leather

Modern Burnt Orange Velvet Upholstered Circular Ottoman
Modern Burnt Orange Velvet Upholstered Circular Ottoman

Modern Burnt Orange Velvet Upholstered Circular Ottoman

Located in Astoria, NY

Modern Burnt Orange Velvet Circular Ottoman.  12.5" H x 23.25" Diameter. Provenance: From a New York City Collection.

Category

20th Century Modern Used Ottomans

Materials

Velvet

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Used Ottomans For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of used ottomans is available at 1stDibs. Each of these unique used ottomans was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, fabric and animal skin. Used ottomans have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. There are many kinds of used ottomans to choose from, but at 1stDibs, Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern and Modern used ottomans are of considerable interest. De Sede, Charles and Ray Eames and Knoll each produced beautiful used ottomans that are worth considering.

How Much are Used Ottomans?

Prices for used ottomans start at $50 and top out at $175,000 with the average selling for $2,200.

Finding the Right Ottomans And 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.