Black Iron Ottomans and Poufs
Pair of Danny Ho Fong Cane Stools
By Danny Ho Fong, Tropi-cal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of cane and iron stools by Danny Ho Fong for Tropi-Cal c.1960s, USA. The stools feature iron frames and the original caning.
Dimensions
14.75" width x 14.75" depth x 12.5" heig...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Stools
Materials
Wrought Iron
Pair Of Paul McCobb Ottomans in Green Leather
By Paul McCobb
Located in Phoenix, AZ
This set of 2 Paul McCobb ottomans have been reupholstered with new green leather. The original iron legs are in great condition.
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Iron
Pair of Midcentury Gilt Iron Ottomans
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of midcentury gilt iron ottomans. This beautiful pair of gilt ottomans, benches or stools with a knot design were taken down to the frame
and newly upholstered in steel blue mo...
Category
Vintage 1960s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Iron, Metal
Modern Curule Stool
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Modern curule stool with a button tufted leather cushion seat above a pewter-finished iron curule form base with gilded accents.
Dimensions: 20" W x 16" D x 21" H.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Iron
Pair of poufs style Giò Ponti Ico Parisi
By Gio Ponti, Ico Parisi, Lina Bo Bardi
Located in Lugo, IT
Couplings of poufs in good condition.
Non-period fabric with two stains of 1 and 2 cm in a pouf
Thank you
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Iron
20th Century X-Form Iron and Saddle Stitched Leather Coffee Table
By (after) Jean Michel Frank
Located in Morristown, NJ
20th c., black X-form iron base with tan saddle stitched leather top, in style of Jean Michel Frank, (1895-1941, French), unmarked. This classic X-form base table packs substantial s...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Iron
Pair of Woodard Wrought Iron with Steel Mesh Ottomans
By John Woodard, Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of Woodard steel mesh over wrought iron ottomans. Part of the Woodard Sculpture series. Designed to work with the large Woodard lounge chairs as ottomans stools or side tables. ...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Wrought Iron
Pair of Large Faux Fur 'Strapontin' Stools by Design Frères
By Gilbert Poillerat, Design Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of large faux fur 'Strapontin' stools by Design Frères.
Environmentally conscious design.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Stools
Materials
Wrought Iron
Pair of Large Faux Fur 'Strapontin' Stools by Design Frères
By Design Frères, Gilbert Poillerat
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of large faux fur 'Strapontin' stools by Design Frères.
Environmentally conscious design.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Stools
Materials
Wrought Iron
Pair of Large Faux Fur 'Strapontin' Stools by Design Frères
By Design Frères, Gilbert Poillerat
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of large faux fur 'Strapontin' stools by Design Frères.
Environmentally conscious design.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Stools
Materials
Wrought Iron
Patinated Bronze Caryatids Iron Empire Style Bench
Located in Chicago, IL
Cast iron Empire style bench with paw feet, draped swag and winged maidens, patinated bronze lacquer finish. Black textured velvet seat covering. Would also make an uncommon vanity s...
Category
Vintage 1920s American Stools
Materials
Iron
French Triangular Pouf
Located in Stamford, CT
Metal framed poufs with Louis XV legs. Priced individually. 3 available.
Category
Vintage 1960s French Baroque Revival Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Wrought Iron
Recent Sales
Leather Upholstered Puff Eve
By Maroeska Metz
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Puff created in 1998 for a showroom of Yves saint Laurent.
Category
1990s Dutch Baroque Revival Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Iron
Pair of Iron X-Base Ottomans, 1950s
Located in San Diego, CA
A pair of iron X-base ottomans. Solid iron legs. Restored finish and new upholstery, 1950s.
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Iron
Pair of Mike Bell Rust Bell IV Ottomans
By Joann Westwater
Located in Chicago, IL
Our popular rust belt ottoman in a smaller, square shape with a blackened base. Shown in custom stitched leather.
These pieces can also be customized in the COL or COM of your cho...
Category
2010s American Industrial Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Iron
Barcelona Style X-Base Bench
Located in Northbrook, IL
Elegant Interpretation of the Classic Barcelona Stool. The Gently Curved Iron Base has an Aged Bronze Finish and is Newly Upholstered in a Stippled Grain Embossed Bronze Metallic Fa...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Iron
Au Petit Parisien "Lion" Cast Iron Ottoman with Tufted Leather Top
By Au Petit Parisien
Located in Chicago, IL
Contemporary French "Lion" Cast Iron Ottoman with button tufted leather top by Au Petit Parisien. The cast iron base terminates in lion paw feet with manufacturer's tag, sturdy leat...
Category
Early 2000s French Regency Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Iron
Harry Bertoia for Knoll Associates Black Lacquered Slat Bench
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century rectangular bench with a black lacquered slat wood seat resting on two Y-shaped black iron legs. (HARRY BERTOIA FOR KNOLL ASSOCIATES).
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Metal, Iron
Custom Made Antique Turkish Rug Cocktail Ottoman
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Custom made iron cocktail ottoman with vintage wool Turkish rug. Frame is metal in an antique bronze finish. Upholstered top in an antique wool turkish rug, in faded neutral tones of...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Iron
Pr. Grenada Benches by Umanoff for Shaver Howard
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in New York, NY
Great pair of diminutive saddle seat benches from the classic Grenada series designed by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard circa 1960's. Both benches are in very good original conditi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Wrought Iron
Pair of Woven Leather Folding Stools
By Michael Van Buren, Domus, Michael van Beuren
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of woven leather stool featuring a folding wrought iron base with an x-frame profile and hammered metal details. The seat is composed of brown leather in a plain weave. The le...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools
Materials
Metal, Iron
Pair of Wrought Iron Stools by Paul McCobb, US, 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of wrought iron stools, designed in the 1950s by Paul McCobb and manufactured by Winchendon Furniture (Planner Group), great fabric Missioni style the bases have been repainted ...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Iron
Custom Iron and Vintage Basket Woven Batik Ottoman Stool
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Custom made by bloom home inc, we've designed these stools for extra seating.
They are upholstered in a basket woven textured antique indigo blue batik cloth, that has been fully lin...
Category
20th Century Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Iron
Pair of Jean-Charles Moreux Gilt Wrought Iron Benches with Mohair Cushions
By Jean-Charles Moreux
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic to intricate wrought iron work, Jean-Charles Moreux is synonymous with the use of hand wrought iron in an elegant and sophisticated twist. The pair of benches are a wonderful ...
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Wrought Iron
Sculptural John Risley Style Ottoman/Pouf of Ivory Bouclé & Iron Wire circa 1960
By John Risley
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Iron frame ottoman / pouf in the style of John Risley, circa 1960. A uniquely sculptural and airy ottoman consisting of a heavy iron wire form topped with a soft and textured ivory c...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Iron
Pair of Woodard Wrought Iron with Steel Mesh Ottomans
By John Woodard, Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in Ferndale, MI
John Woodard for Woodard steel mesh over wrought iron ottomans. Made to work with the large Woodard lounge chairs or as stools. Beautifully restored in gloss black powder coat.
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Wrought Iron
Custom Made Iron Upholstered Cocktail Table Bench Ottoman
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Custom made iron upholstered cocktail table bench ottoman
The base is a custom finished iron base, with antique rug upholstered top. The very durable top is a heavy weaved wool, wit...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Iron
French Art Deco Wrought Iron Footstool
Located in New York City, NY
An original period wrought iron foot stool with circular pattern and double "U" shaped base finished in
satin / semi flat black finish.
Some old wear, barely discernible as shown...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Footstools
Materials
Wrought Iron
Pair of Hollywood Regency Faux Bamboo X-Base Stools, Benches or Ottomans
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of Hollywood Regency Chinese Chippendale painted iron faux bamboo X-base ottomans. Older re-upholstery shows stains should be updated. Inquire on price to upholstery COM. Well-m...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Hollywood Regency Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Iron
H 17.5 in W 19.5 in D 19.5 in
Stool with Wrought Iron Legs and Leopard Upholstered Top
By Frederic Weinberg
Located in New York, NY
Nice midcentury three leg stool having a newly upholstered pad top in furry leopard fabric. The wrought iron legs show cosmetic wear to the paint finish, normal and consistent with a...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools
Materials
Wrought Iron
Vintage Warren Planter Chair Ottoman
Located in Phoenix, AZ
This ottoman or small sofa side table has been recently reupholstered in a Root Cellar cotton indoor/outdoor fabric.
Category
Vintage 1980s American Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Iron
Two Leopard Upholstered Footrest Ottoman Stools on Iron Hairpin Legs
By Frederic Weinberg
Located in New York, NY
Chic stylish upholstered stools on wrought iron hairpin legs. Offered and priced individually, but we would love to see them stay together.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Materials
Wrought Iron
Mid Century Leopard Upholstered Pouf Ottoman on Wrought Iron Legs
By Frederic Weinberg
Located in New York, NY
Pure Glam style, newly reupholstered in Leopard pattern fabric on solid wrought iron legs. Pad seat 5 inch thick.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Wrought Iron
Tufted Leather Ottoman on Iron Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Leather tufted ottoman on an iron base with walnut lower shelf. Leather upholstery is new and we had the base powder coated in satin black. A walnut shelf underneath offers a place t...
Category
2010s American Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Iron
Salterini Pair by Mario Papperzini Italian Wrought Iron Ottomans
By John Salterini
Located in Pasadena, CA
Salterini antiques specializes wirework and wrought iron furniture made in Salterini, simple but sleek, this eye-catching openwork ottoman is composed of patinated wrought iron and f...
Category
20th Century American Other Chairs
Materials
Wrought Iron
Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy Black Wrought Iron "Butterfly" Sling Stool, 1950s
By Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy, Knoll
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy designed Knoll Leather and Steel Butterfly Ottoman / Foot Stool, circa 1950. Featuring a sturdy Black Wrought Iron frame with new Black leather saddle cover. The...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools
Materials
Wrought Iron
Handmade Crochet Elements Cotton and Polyester Mini Pouf
By iota
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
The iota mini pouf challenges the classic upholstery technique and offers a new concept. The luscious, soft look and feel conceals a metal construction which gives it stiffness. The ...
Category
2010s Israeli Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Iron
Pair of Italian Gilt Iron Icelandic Pony Hair Hides Ottomans
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of vintage Italian gilt iron ottomans newly upholstered in a chocolate brown Icelandic pony hair hide.
Category
20th Century Italian Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Wrought Iron
Pair of Mario Papperzini Ottomans, Italy 1950
By John Salterini
Located in Southampton, NY
Rare pair of ottomans designed by Mario Papperzini and manufactured by Salterini; wrought iron, naturally worn original paint finish; Italy, circa 1950.
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Wrought Iron
John Risley Woman Chair and Ottoman in Wrought Iron
By John Risley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
John Risley woman chair and ottoman in his whimsical style of a wide eyed maiden as the chair. The maiden envelops the seated guest with her body and arms. A single slippered foot pr...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Wrought Iron
Bench or Ottoman by John Salterini
By John Salterini
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Iron bench or ottoman or stool by John Salterini.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Iron
Mid-Century Modern Hocker, Italy, 1970s
Located in Sint Annaland, NL
Handcrafted Mid-Century Modern hocker/ottoman in iron with details in brass and the original fabric which has a geometric pattern.
Inspired on a curule seat which is a design of c...
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Brass, Iron
Italian Gold Gilt Metal Tassel Bench Stool
Located in New York, NY
Twisted metal legs with decorative metal tassels and original upholstered tufted seat cushion. Upholstered pad seat is removable if you prefer the metal mesh surface. (Measures: H wi...
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Hollywood Regency Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Wrought Iron
Ottoman in Cast Iron, Patinated, Cushion in Leather
By Modshop
Located in Cuy Saint Fiacre, FR
Ottoman in cast iron, patinated, cushion in leather. Dimensions: 62 x 40 cm - 42 cm high.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Iron
Indigo Tonus (Ed. 3+1 AP) by Aldo Bakker Low Stool or Sculpture Carved in Wood
By Aldo Bakker
Located in New York, NY
The Indigo Tonus is hand-carved out of a solid piece of European oakwood and covered with iron oxide, giving off the tonality of a deep indigo blue.
With its organic curves and ma...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Iron
H 12.8 in W 12.01 in D 18.9 in
Vintage Midcentury Leather Butterfly Chair with Ottoman
Located in San Francisco, CA
This is a Mid-Century Modern butterfly chair and ottoman with a vintage wrought iron frame and new black leather covers.
Measurements:
Chair: Approximately 34.25" H, 15&qu...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Wrought Iron
Pair of X-Form Gilt Metal Faux Bamboo Ottomans with Leopard Print Fabric
Located in New York, NY
A pair of X form gilt metal faux bamboo ottomans with leopard print fabric, leg supports ending in ball feet.
Category
Vintage 1950s American Hollywood Regency Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Iron
Delightful Rene Prou Gilt Iron Ottoman
By René Prou
Located in North Miami, FL
This newly upholstered in thick charcoal grey linen ottoman has all original gilt iron base with chips and nicks and such. It works perfectly as is and the natural patina you would e...
Category
Vintage 1940s French Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Iron
Pair of Woodard Wrought Iron with Steel Mesh Ottomans
Located in Ferndale, MI
Russell Woodard for Woodard
Category
Vintage 1950s Unknown Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Wrought Iron
Pair of Iron and Brass Benches
Located in San Francisco, CA
This is a very decorative and nicely made pair of Mid-Century benches. Constructed of heavy iron with brass accents, the pair has been newly upholstered in a supple glazed black leat...
Category
Vintage 1940s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Iron, Brass
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Pair of Art Deco Style Murano Glass Wall Sconces, in stock
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Murano glass wall sconces, in stock
Fume color and horizontal striation texture
Black opaline finials and brass accents
Art Deco inspired design.
Gives off warm beams of lig...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Fumed Oak Round Top Foundation Side Table / Stool
Located in Portland, OR
Solid wood stool / side table in fumed white oak with round top. The fuming process reacts with the tannins in the wood and results in a color through, rich amber tone. With a clean ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Stools
Materials
Oak
1950's Style Curved Velvet Sofa in Custom Velvet Colors
Located in NEW YORK, NY
The Sofa inspires itself nature where green is the predominant element and where valleys and hills prevail. The item’s details allow it to be the perfect statement piece for any cont...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
Pair of Constant Night Stands in Poplar Burl wood by Master for Lemon
By Lemon
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Envisioned by designer Yaniv Chen, the Constant nightstand exudes an air of refined luxury, celebrating the inherent splendor of Poplar burl wood. Meticulously crafted with impeccabl...
Category
2010s South African Minimalist Night Stands
Materials
Poplar, Burl
Organic Modern Small Table Lamp Natural Wood Handmade Ivory Fluted Shade
By Isabel Moncada
Located in San Antonio, TX
PATA DE ELEFANTE SMALL table lamp was designed for the Atomic collection by Mexican artist Isabel Moncada.
Named Pata de Elefante –Elephant's Foot– for the prominent shape at its ba...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Fiberglass, Linen, Fabric, Wood
Custom Made Oak and Velvet Bench by Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Bench designed by Danish master Kai Kristiansen in the 1950s and now produced under license by Dagmar.
Hand-made to order, this upholstered bench has a fumed and oiled oak frame. Th...
Category
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Tables
Materials
Mohair, Oak
'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö
By Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Glendale, CA
'Plissé White Edition' pleated textile table lamp by Folkform for Örsjö.
This unique table lamp was awarded “Lighting of the Year 2022” by Residence Magazine Sweden, who called it “...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Textile
Set of 2 Alabaster and Bronze Sconces
By Glustin Creation
Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR
Pair of wall lights in polished brass and enlightened alabaster cups.
France, 2023.
Category
2010s French Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Alabaster, Bronze
Gino Sarfatti Model No. 2065 Ceiling Light for Astep
By Flos, Astep, Gino Sarfatti
Located in Glendale, CA
Gino Sarfatti model no. 2065 ceiling lamp for Astep.
Designed in 1950, this is an authorized re-edition by Alessandro Sarfatti, grandson of Gino Sarfatti, who applies his grandfathe...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and...
Materials
Aluminum
Solana Wall Sconces
By Blueprint Lighting
Located in Westport, CT
The "Solana" wall mount sconce or reading light is strongly influenced by Scandinavian, Danish, French, and Italian Mid-Century Modernism. The walnut back plate (available in natural...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights an...
Materials
Enamel, Brass
Small 'Floatation' Japanese Paper Suspension Lamp for Ingo Maurer
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Glendale, CA
Small 'Floatation' Japanese paper suspension lamp for Ingo Maurer.
Designed and produced by Ingo Maurer, one of the most celebrated German lighting icons since 1966. With imaginatio...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and ...
Materials
Metal, Iron
Joe 640 Tailored Minimal 20th Century Inspired Pendant Light by Wende Reid
By Wende Reid
Located in Paddington, NSW
This Classic, tailored pendant light, inspired by menswear, is reminiscent of 1940s style and the early simplicity of Art Deco. Also available as a flush mount, its clean geometric s...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers ...
Materials
Brass
Chic 'Méandre' Gilt Bronze Side Chair by Design Frères
By Design Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Undulating 'Méandre' gilt bronze finish side chair by Design Frères.
Gilt bronze finish over steel frame. Natural linen upholstered cushion with contrasting piping.
Chic and unders...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Pair of Constant Night Stands in Iroko Wood by Master Studio for Lemon
By Lemon
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Neatly proportioned with exceptional detailing, the constant nightstand is your perfect bedside partner. In our furniture making, the IDEA is to create special pieces that you can bu...
Category
2010s South African Minimalist Pedestals
Materials
Hardwood
Jean Prouvé Tabouret Solvay / Bois Stool in Solid Natural Oak by Vitra
By Vitra, Jean Prouvé
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Tabouret Bois (Solvay) is designed by Jean Prouvé and manufactured by Vitra. The design of the Tabouret Bois clearly bears the signature of Jean Prouvé. The shape is based on the...
Category
Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Stools
Materials
Metal
H 17.72 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Florian Schulz Double Onos 55-Pendant Lamp with Side Counter Weights
By Florian Schulz
Located in Berlin, DE
Really beautiful Florian Schulz double Onos 55-pendant lamp with one E27 / model for each lamp 100 Watt bulbs.
Also available in US wired.
Category
2010s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass
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Black Iron Ottomans and Poufs For Sale on 1stDibs
Find a variety of black iron ottomans and poufs available on 1stDibs. We have 23 antique and vintage black iron ottomans and poufs in-stock, while there are 6 modern editions to choose from as well. Black iron ottomans and poufs have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 20th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. Mid-Century Modern, Art Deco and Hollywood Regency black iron ottomans and poufs are consistently popular styles. Not every interior allows for large black iron ottomans and poufs, so small black iron ottomans and poufs measuring 1 inches across are available at 1stDibs. Black iron ottomans and poufs have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by Design Frères, Jorge Ferrari Hardoy and Knoll are consistently popular.
How Much are Black Iron Ottomans and Poufs?
Black iron ottomans and poufs can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $1,970, while the lowest priced sells for $295 and the highest can go for as much as $15,000.
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.
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