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Ottomans and Poufs For Sale
Period: 1960s
Period: 1970s
De Sede Tan Patchwork Leather Ottoman, 1960s Switzerland
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful tan colored leather pouf/ottoman by Swiss designer De Sede with square patchwork. Wonderful faded patina of varying degrees of tan, beige and brown. Perfect accent piece. G...
Category
1960s Swiss Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Leather
Vintage Design Leather Patchwork Bean Bag, 1970s, Italy
By De Sede
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian Design Leather Patchwork Bean Bag in the style of De Sede. Made in Italy 1970s. Cognac leather patchwork ...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Leather
Vintage Brass Ottoman / Stools by Marge Carson
By Marge Carson
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful pair of vintage brass poufs/ottomans designed by Marge Carson in the United States, circa 1970s. These poufs have been professionally reupholstered in custom velvet. Each p...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Brass
Soriana Pouf by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Scarpa; Afra & Tobia Scarpa; Soriana; Cassina; Pouf; Ottoman; Red Fabric; 1970s; Mid-Century Modern; Italian Design; Italy;
Pair of red Soriana poufs des...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Chrome
Pair Vintage BKF Hardoy for Knoll Cream Leather Butterfly Stool
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic butterfly ottoman in stunning cream leather, designed by Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy and produced by Knoll. An essential companion to the butterfly ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Iron
Pair of Pace Style Oversized Architectural Poufs
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Pace Style Oversized Architectural Poufs, Wrapped Steel Shell Base with leather cushion top French stitched detail, reupholstered with Spinneybeck leather.
Dimensions:
18"he...
Category
1970s Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Steel
Pair of Waterfall Benches Newly Upholstered in Ivory White Bouclé, circa 1970s
By Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Sculptural and modern 1970s waterfall benches attributed to Directional professionally reupholstered in soft ivory bouclé fabric and photographed with a pair of Vladimir Kagan Nautilus swivel chairs - also by Directional - and a Charles Hollis Jones faux bamboo Lucite and brass console also available in our shop. Sculptural. Timelessly sexy waterfall silhouette. Neutral color makes this pair of waterfall...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Bouclé, Upholstery
De Sede Navy Patchwork Leather Bean Bag, 1970s Switzerland
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous navy blue leather patchwork bean bag manufactured by Swiss company De Sede in the 1970s. Wonderful deep coloring and patina to leather. Some very light scuffs give the bag some life and personality. Good condition to leather which remains supple and soft. Presents beautifully. Extremely comfortable and gorgeous to look at. Newly stuffed with foam beads.
Additional De Sede bean...
Category
1970s Swiss Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Leather
De Sede Multi-Color Patchwork Leather Bean Bag, 1970s Switzerland
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous leather patchwork bean bag manufactured by Swiss company De Sede in the 1970s. Wonderful coloring and patina to leather. Multi-color bag with beige, creme and tan leather patchwork. Good condition to leather with some marks and staining as shown. Presents beautifully. Extremely comfortable and gorgeous to look at. Newly stuffed with foam beads.
Other color De Sede bean...
Category
1970s Swiss Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Leather
Pouf or Ottoman Leather Patchwork by De Sede in Beige or Off-White, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Halle, DE
A soft and very comfortable Pouf made of leather patchwork by De Sede in Creme-Beige up to off-white color, 1970s.
Category
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Leather, Upholstery
Pouf in vimini di Tito Agnoli per Bonacina, 1960s, set di 2
By Bonacina, Tito Agnoli
Located in Quarrata, IT
Pouf in vimini, realizzati a mano, disegnati da Tito Agnoli per Bonacina negli anni ‘60.
Category
1960s Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Wicker, Rattan, Rush
Wonderful Pair of Adrian Pearsall Sculptural Walnut Lounge Chairs plus Ottoman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Gorgeous pair of Adrian Pearsall sculptural walnut lounge chairs plus ottoman. This pair will need to be re-upholstered but frames are tight and stu...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Two Rattan Pieces Small Cylindrical Table, Small Square Ottoman
Located in Stamford, CT
Sturdy, well-made rattan round side table and square rattan ottoman. Both in beautiful condition. Ottoman is 20 inches square, 10.5 inches high.
Category
1960s Hong Kong Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Rattan
Mid-Century Modern Upholstered X-Stretcher Ottoman Pairs Available
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Upholstered ottoman from the early 1970s. X stretcher design. Have 3 that are slightly different. However, once reupholstered they will match.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Velvet, Hardwood
Pine Stool Attributed to Charlotte Perriand, France, 1960s
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Carved solid pinewood stool design Les Arcs attributed to Charlotte Perriand. Famous design like Pierre Jeanneret, Chandigarh, Le Corbusier, Jean Prouvé.
Price by stool, in sale s...
Category
1960s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Wood, Pine
Rare Pair Jean Gillon Rosewood Leather Lounge Chair Ottoman Probel Brazilian
By Jean Gillon
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Rare pair Jean Gillon for Probel rosewood and leather lounge chairs and ottomans. The rosewood frames are in great condition with minor wear. The original beige leather is in good co...
Category
1960s Brazilian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Barcelona Ottoman by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The iconic Barcelona ottoman from Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll International c.1970s, USA. The ottoman has an X-shaped base with a polished chrome finish. The cushion features ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Chrome
Mid-Century Tooled Leather Sling Ottoman by Angel Pazmino, Ecuador, c. 1960s
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a rare sling stool by the incomparable Angel Pazmino. Recently and painstakingly restored by our team of craftsmen this iconic ottoman has a new lease on life and we love the results. The solid jacaranda wood frame has been hand-sanded and refinished but we left some of the archetypal and intentional patina which adds character to an already character-rich piece.
The upholstery has been re-done in a thick-cut genuine leather hide in homage to Pazmino's original design and intention. The seat has been hand-tooled with love and dedication to the exact dimensions and methods of the original and perfectly offsets the rich woodgrains of the jacaranda wood and even show the ranch brand of the cow as Pazmino often did to emphasize his rustic, back to basics approach.
Angel Pazmino is an Ecuadorian furniture maker who has, in recent years, earned world-wide acclaim for his unlikely merging of pre-Columbian American and Mid-Century Modern design elements into his works. Born in 1926, Pazmino began his woodworking career in 1944 as a cabinet maker. Throughout the 1950's and 60's Pazmino travelled throughout the Americas where he exhibited his work and took inspiration from traditional Ameri-Indian artists and techniques. In the late 1960's he added his second authorial characteristic, incorporating graphic elements from the continent's native cultures reviving, as he put it, “the ancient and aristocratic art of leather embossing,” learning from such artisans as master saddler Ignacito Ortiz. His works have been collected by designers, state leaders and most famously Pope John Paul II who, according to Pazmino himself, took two sling chairs back to the Vatican when they were only meant to be borrowed during his 1985 visit to Ecuador.
Simultaneously rustic and elegant, functional and aesthetically pleasing this restored sling stool is absolutely arresting from every angle. Ideal for collectors and designers alike who appreciate the unparalleled designs and artwork of Angel Pazmino and are searching for a Pazmino sling ottoman that is ready for a lifetime more of use. With it's mesmerizing variegated woodgrains unique to the jacaranda tree, expert hand-tooled leather work and instantly recognizable stance this artfully crafted and restored ottoman is sure to make a BOLD impression in any space it inhabits. The very epitome of one-of-a-kind, make this sling footstool...
Category
1960s Ecuadorean Spanish Colonial Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Leather, Jacaranda
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Mid-Century Ottoman with Sleeper Bed
Located in Countryside, IL
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin mid century ottoman with sleeper bed.
The ottoman measures: 44 wide x 44 deep x 16 inches high.
The case measures: 52 w...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Metal
Warren Platner, Knoll International, Kvadrat Tonus Fabric Stool Bronze Metal
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Authentic stool, designed by Warren Platner in 1966.
Recent Knoll edition in red Kvadrat Tonus fabrics and bronze metal structure.
Knoll ''K'' fabrics ...
Category
1960s American Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Metal
Hugo Frandsen Ottoman by Spøttrup, 1960s Denmark
Located in Balen, BE
Teak ottoman or stool designed by Hugo Frandsen, upholstered with a very dark olive green/nearly black analine leather for Spøttrup Møbler Denmark. Great piece to accompany a lounge ...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Leather, Teak
De Sede DS 47 Neck Leather Ottoman Pouf
By De Sede
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Vintage De Sede DS 44 neck leather ottoman pouf
This DS-44 was manufactured in Switzerland by De Sede and is upholstered in 3-5 mm thick, natural hide.
...
Category
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Leather, Upholstery, Wood, Beech
Pair Of Borge Jensen Danish Ottomans in Brown and White Cowhide
Located in New York, NY
A pair of midcentury Danish teak wood rectangular ottomans or stools with newly upholstered light whiskey and cream loose cushions designed by Borge Jensen & Sonner for Bersnstorffsm...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Pair of Laquered Bamboo Ottomans-Poufs w/ Faux Fur Seats, Pair
Located in North Miami, FL
Newly re-lacquered and new seats covered in faux rabbit fur which is super soft and comfy. Great lattice work throughout and perfect additional seating options.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Faux Fur, Bamboo
Ottoman in Cognac Leather and Chromed Metal Base
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ottoman, leather, chromed metal, Europe, 1960s
This ottoman from the 1960s exemplifies timeless and modern furniture design. Featuring a Z-shaped base crafted from chromed metal, it...
Category
1960s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Pair of Vintage "X" Frame Upholstered Ottomans
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This unique pair of vintage ottoman's feature stylish upholstered x-frame bases with added stretchers for support. Pouf style design adds to t...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Upholstery
1970s Design Institute of America Chrome and Brown Mohair Ottomans, a Pair
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a pair of sophisticated ottomans by the Design Institute of America, circa the 1970s. Featuring a clean Silhouette, these beautiful ottomans showcase stu...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Chrome
Neo-Classical Revival Silver Pewter Finish Metal Upholstered Bench
Located in Sheffield, MA
Stylish and elegant pewter colored neoclassical metal bench frame with silver moire upholstered cushion. Perfect for foot of the bed or entr...
Category
1970s European Hollywood Regency Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Metal
De Sede Brown Patchwork Leather Bean Bag, 1970s Switzerland
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous brown leather patchwork bean bag manufactured by Swiss company De Sede in the 1970s. Wonderful coloring and patina to leather. Multi-color bag with varying hues of brown patchwork leather. Good condition to leather with some marks and staining as shown. Presents beautifully. Extremely comfortable and gorgeous to look at. Newly stuffed with foam beads.
Other color De Sede bean...
Category
1970s Swiss Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Leather
De Sede Navy Leather Patchwork Ottoman, 1970s Switzerland
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lovely navy blue leather pouf/ottoman by Swiss designer De Sede with square patchwork. Handmade with wonderful faded patina. Gorgeous accent piece. G...
Category
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Leather
Pair of Edward Wormley Green Leather Ottomans for Dunbar
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of ottomans by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, USA, c.1960s. The tufted seat cushions are upholstered in a dark olive green leather, a beautiful compliment to the rich mahogany frame...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Ib Kofod-Larsen for Povl Dinesen Danish Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Povl Dinesen
Located in New York, NY
Ib Kofod-Larsen for Povl Dinesen Danish modern lounge chair and ottoman. The lounge chair rocks slightly and the ottoman is height adjustable. Mechanism on the side of the chair locks the chair in place. Has a removable headrest...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Teak, Upholstery
Pair of Brass and Pink Pouf's Ottoman's, 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Pair of brass and pink pouf's ottoman's, 1970s.
Karl Springer attributed
Awesome pair of pink pouf's.
Brass bases with patina on the brass.
Perfec...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Brass
Rare Ottoman Designed by Katavolos, Littell and Kelley for Laverne International
Located in Kansas City, MO
Original black leather ottoman / stool, model 21-LC, from the Architectural Group One line designed by William Katavolos, Ross Littell and Douglas Kelley for Laverne International. C...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Vintage Retro Original 1960s Tan & Brown Leather Footstool Pouffe
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Here we have for sale this lovely vintage Mid-Century Modern leather patch work footstool pouffe.
This Pouffe screams mid century cool and would look fabulous in a multitude of se...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Leather
Vintage Wild Leather Ottoman, 1970s German Design
Located in Hamburg, DE
Introducing our exquisite Ottoman, crafted from genuine wild leather and supported by a sturdy metal frame. This practical piece of furniture is the perfect companion for your armcha...
Category
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Metal
Mid Century Velvet Upholstered Bench/Ottoman with Chrome Base, Salmon Velvet
By Hastings
Located in Bedford Hills, NY
Very cool mid century bench newly reupholstered in cotton velvet with a triangular shaped chrome base, beautiful salmon color. Made by The Hastings Hall Furniture Co. in Canada.
Category
1960s Canadian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Chrome
Italian modern pouf on brass wheels with orange and brown striped fabric, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern pouf on brass wheels with orange and brown striped fabric, 1970s
Rectangular pouf covered in striped fabric in warm tones of orange, brown, beige and yellow. It has fo...
Category
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Brass
De Sede Oxblood Patchwork Leather Bean Bag, 1970s Switzerland
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous oxblood leather patchwork beanbag manufactured by Swiss company De Sede in the 1970s. Wonderful warm coloring and patina to leather with amazing veining to the leather dye. ...
Category
1970s Swiss Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Leather
Marge Carson Mid-Century Brass Souffle Poof Ottoman, Pair
By Marge Carson
Located in Countryside, IL
Marge Carson mid-century brass souffle poof ottoman - pair.
Each ottoman measures: 16 wide x 16 deep x 16 inches high.
All pieces of furniture can b...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Brass
Ottoman in Multicolored Velvet Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ottoman or footrest, steel, fabric, Europe, 1970s
This comfortable ottoman is made in Europe in the 1970s. The colorful velvet upholstery catches the ...
Category
1970s European Post-Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Metal
Brass Framed Biscuit Tufted Ottoman in Original Black Leather by Harvey Probber
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Square, brass-framed ottoman on casters with its original biscuit tufted, black leather upholstery, designed by Harvey Probber. 1960s.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Brass
Arne Norell Ottoman 'Merkur' in Brown Leather
By Arne Norell
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Norell for Norell AB, 'Merkur' ottoman, leather, oak, Sweden, 1960s
This rectangular shaped ottoman by Arne Norell features a comfortable cushion with tufted details. The brown...
Category
1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Oversized De Sede Black Leather Patchwork Ottoman, 1960s Switzerland
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sophisticated black leather pouf/ottoman by Swiss designer De Sede with triangular patchwork and a final octagonal leather patch at the top. This pouf is in a slightly larger size. H...
Category
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Leather
De Sede Stone Leather Patchwork Ottoman, 1970s Switzerland
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous stone colored leather pouf/ottoman by Swiss designer De Sede with square patchwork. Handmade with wonderful faded patina of varying hues of stone and accents of tan. Gorgeou...
Category
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Leather
Rare Caltagirone Terracotta Ottoman, Sicily 1970s
Located in London, GB
A rare Caltagirone Terracotta Ottoman hand painted in the traditional Sicilian blue, yellow and ocher tones. Sicily 1970s
Excellent vintage condition
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Terracotta
Kagan for Directional Midcentury Lounge Chairs with Ottoman, Pair
By Directional
Located in Countryside, IL
Vladimir Kagan for Directional midcentury lounge chairs with ottoman - pair
Each chair measures: 35.25 wide x 35.25 deep x 28....
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Metal
Pair of 1970's ottomans in glass Attributed to Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte
Located in Bois-Colombes, FR
Pair of Fontana Arte ottomans in glass, brass and leather
Circa 1970's
Italy
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Brass
Vintage Leolux Leather Ottoman 1970s
By Leolux
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice robust Ottoman or Pouf .Manufactured by Leolux
Beautiful smooth Brown Leather upholstery . Solid Oak frame . Good quality piece . Heavy . on destructible .
Category
1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Oak
Mid-Century Modern Leather Patchwork Turtle Pouf, Switzerland 1960s
By De Sede
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Very good vintage condition.
Category
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Leather
Acrylic Lucite bench upholstered in white faux fur
Located in Ferndale, MI
Substantial lucite frame with cushion covered in white faux fur . Similar in style and design to a Charles Hollis Jones or Ritts piece .
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Acrylic, Faux Fur, Lucite
Franco Albini Rattan Ottoman / Stool
Located in East Hampton, NY
Franco Albini woven rattan ottoman / pouf... open weave rattan with little feet...
Category
1960s Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Rattan
Mario Bellini “Le Mura” Pouf for Cassina, 1972
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Mura” Pouf for Cassina, cognac leather, 1972
Mario Bellini designed “Le Mura” modular sofa for Cassina in 1972, creating an ic...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Leather
Pr Lane Rolling Cube Storage Ottoman End Tables Game Board Black Vinyl Flip Top
Located in Topeka, KS
Awesome vintage Mid-Century Modern Lane Style No. 997-87 rolling cube storage ottoman walnut veneered cedar lined end tables with flip tabletop game board on one side black vinyl or ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Faux Leather, Walnut, Cedar
Verpan Welle Ottoman by Verner Panton, Newly Reupholstered
Located in Toronto, CA
The organic form of this lounger is a hallmark of designs by Danish iconoclast Verner Panton (1926 – 1998). Part of his Welle series, which comprised 6 different units, (Welle 1-6) t...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Fabric, Foam
Pair of John of Finn Juhl Stools For John Stuart in White Alpaca
By John Stuart
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Finn Juhl stools for John Stuart, the concave seats resting on
ruddy colored wood newly upholstered in white alpaca with manufacturer's label on the underside.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
C. 1970s Cy Mann Designer's Collection Ottoman in Cognac Leather 26x26 inches
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Cy Mann designer's collection ottoman, produced in New York, NY in the 1970s. The ottoman is comprised of a wooden base, foam, and upholstered in a cognac leather.
The ...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Foam, Wood, Leather
Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Westnofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful vintage modern lounge chair and ottoman with sculpted teak frames and elegant plush blue upholstery. Sleek design offers the ability for both pieces to recline for optimal ...
Category
1970s Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Upholstery, Teak
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.