Ottomans and Poufs
19th Century Biedermeier Antique Ottomans and Poufs
Wood, Fur, Fabric, Upholstery, Elm
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Sheepskin, Oak
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Leather
2010s American Ottomans and Poufs
Wool, Jute
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Steel
2010s American Ottomans and Poufs
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Fur
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Rosewood
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Wicker, Rattan, Wood
2010s American Ottomans and Poufs
Mohair
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Post-Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Velvet, Natural Fiber, Foam, Polyester, Wood, Fabric, Upholstery
2010s Ottomans and Poufs
Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Leather, Oak
2010s British Ottomans and Poufs
Oak
Late 20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Leather, Beech
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Silk, Upholstery, Wood
19th Century English Victorian Antique Ottomans and Poufs
Thread, Oak
2010s Ottomans and Poufs
Linen
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery, Wood
20th Century English Ottomans and Poufs
Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Post-Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Foam, Polyester, Wood
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Velvet, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Post-Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Natural Fiber, Foam, Polyester, Wood
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery, Wood
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery, Walnut
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Faux Leather, Walnut
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Brass
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Fabric, Wood
2010s Italian Post-Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Leather, Suede, Poplar, Plywood
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Steel, Chrome
Late 20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Faux Leather, Wood
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Beech
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Wood
20th Century Indian Ottomans and Poufs
Wood
1680s English William and Mary Antique Ottomans and Poufs
Fabric, Beech
2010s Turkish Kilim Ottomans and Poufs
Wool, Oak
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Teak
Late 20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Leather, Beech
1970s American Bohemian Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Wicker
1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery, Rosewood
2010s Italian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Textile
Late 19th Century English Aesthetic Movement Antique Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Ottomans and Poufs
Iron
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Leather
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Ottomans and Poufs
Leather
1970s Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Leather, Rosewood
20th Century Danish Ottomans and Poufs
Beech
2010s American Ottomans and Poufs
Velvet, Fabric
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Sheepskin, Oak
1990s Moroccan Bohemian Ottomans and Poufs
Leather, Wood, Paint
2010s German Art Deco Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery, Bentwood
18th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Ottomans and Poufs
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
1980s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Brass
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
1970s Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Leather, Beech
Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Ottomans and Poufs
Velvet
2010s American Art Deco Ottomans and Poufs
Leather, Upholstery, Oak
2010s Turkish Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery, Burl
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.