Ottomans and Poufs
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Ottomans and Poufs
Leather
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery
1940s American Art Deco Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
21st Century and Contemporary South African Campaign Ottomans and Poufs
Zebra Hide
2010s American Organic Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Wool
20th Century American Art Deco Ottomans and Poufs
Fabric
2010s American Ottomans and Poufs
Zebra Hide
2010s Ottomans and Poufs
Travertine
2010s American Ottomans and Poufs
Zebra Hide
2010s American Other Ottomans and Poufs
Fabric
2010s Indian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Cotton
2010s American Ottomans and Poufs
Velvet
1980s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery, Foam
2010s American Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Zebra Hide
2010s American Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Wool, Felt
Mid-20th Century North American Ottomans and Poufs
Leather
2010s Italian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Textile
1960s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Faux Fur
2010s Italian Ottomans and Poufs
Textile
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Brass
2010s American Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Brass
1980s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Metal
1990s Italian Ottomans and Poufs
Velvet
Mid-20th Century American Chippendale Ottomans and Poufs
Cotton, Bamboo, Rattan, Polyester
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Stainless Steel
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Stainless Steel
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Wool
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Brass
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Faux Fur, Fiberglass, Foam
Late 20th Century Bohemian Ottomans and Poufs
Cotton, Wicker, Foam
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Fabric
2010s American Ottomans and Poufs
Velvet
2010s Italian Ottomans and Poufs
Metal, Brass
2010s Italian Ottomans and Poufs
Metal, Brass
2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Hardwood
2010s Italian Ottomans and Poufs
Textile
Mid-20th Century Bohemian Ottomans and Poufs
Cotton, Wicker, Foam
2010s Italian Ottomans and Poufs
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Bouclé, Upholstery
1970s French Space Age Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Stainless Steel
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Steel
2010s American Ottomans and Poufs
Cowhide
2010s Austrian Ottomans and Poufs
Textile
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Canvas
2010s Italian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Brass
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Sheepskin
2010s American Ottomans and Poufs
Sheepskin
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery
2010s Italian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Textile
2010s Turkish Post-Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Marble, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery
2010s Italian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Brass
2010s Italian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Brass
2010s American Ottomans and Poufs
Fabric
20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Leather, Rope, Wood
2010s French Ottomans and Poufs
Leather
Antique and Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
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.