Skip to main content

20th Century Upholstery Ottomans and Poufs

2
1,510
to
107
1,400
101
1,491
1,491
1,491
661
68
67
44
33
23
12
8
8
7
5
4
4
2
2
2
2
1
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
354
265
33
34
4
8
3
5
4
5
3
6
915
892
395
113
109
50
32
28
24
23
Sort By
Vintage Bohemian Poufs in Post Modern Velvet Upholstered Stools 1970s Style
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Modern vintage cylindric stools in bronze, red, white and red psychedelic velvet fabric upholstery in 1970s style. Pair of highly decorative post modern contemporary cylindric stools...
Category

20th Century American Bohemian Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery, Fabric

Mid Century Mushroom Ottoman in Textured Wool
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A classic mid century mushroom ottoman. Newly reupholstered in a cream and beige textured wool fabric.
Category

Vintage 1960s American Space Age Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Wool, Upholstery

Art Deco Benches Attributed to Paolo Buffa for Arrighi - a Pair
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A pair of wooden benches attributed to Paolo Buffa for Arrighi. Wooden ladder style silhouette. Newly reupholstered in a high quality wool bouclé. Heavy patina on wood frames through...
Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Wool, Upholstery, Wood

Pair of "Karate" ottomans by Michel Cadestin, Ed.Airborne, France, circa 1970
By Michel Cadestin
Located in Paris, FR
A pair of ottomans in white fiberglass shell accommodating a fabric-covered cushion with grey « Alpaga » wool from Bisson-Bruneel. Tubular chromed metal base forming two semi-circles...
Category

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Chrome

Mid-1970s Luxurious White Bouclé Ottoman with Floating Brass Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover the nostalgic allure of the mid-1970s in our expertly crafted Ottoman or Pouf. In great condition and skillfully restored, this wooden gem boasts cushions artfully bound and...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass

Victorian Style Upholstered Ottoman, 20th C
Located in New York, NY
The Victorian-inspired shaped floriform purple corduroy upholstered pouf or ottoman, has dimensions of approximately 16 inches in height and 36 inches in diameter.
Category

20th Century European Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Vintage Modern Footstool or Ottoman
Located in Trenton, NJ
Add a touch of sophistication to your living space with this striking upholstered ottoman. This unique modern piece, with its rich, velvety texture and unique geometric base, is a cl...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Post-Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery

Vintage Modern Footstool or Ottoman
Vintage Modern Footstool or Ottoman
H 17.5 in W 24 in D 18 in
Mid-century Dark Blue-Grey Swivel Ottoman on Polished Steel Base
Located in Pasadena, CA
Inspired by the timeless designs of Charles Eames, this Mid-Century Swivel Ottoman combines simplicity and functionality. A polished stainless steel base provides stability to this...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Steel

Edward Springs Custom Made Rolling Upholstered and Tufted Ottoman with Fringes
Located in Germantown, MD
A Custom Made Rolling Upholstered and Tufted Ottoman with Fringes by Edward Springs. Measures 29" in width, 22" in depth and 17.5" tall. Very good vintage condition.
Category

Late 20th Century American Hollywood Regency Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery

Pierre Paulin Ribbon Chair Ottoman by Artifort
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Highland, IN
This Pierre Paulin ottoman is waiting to be paired with a ribbon chair to make a set. It retains its original red fabric and silver paint on the base, but both show wear from age and...
Category

Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Pair of Kazuhide Takahama “Marcel” Ottomans
By Kazuhide Takahama
Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL
Artist/Designer: Kazuhide Takahama (Japanese, 1930-2010); Dino Gavina Additional Information: The Japanese designer Kazuhide Takahama studied architecture between 1949 and 1953 at u...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Metal

Storage Ottoman Stools on Casters, 2
Located in New York, NY
Upholstered ottoman stools or benches, with storage beneath lid, and on rolling plinths, the whole covered in a geometric weave. 19" H x 32" W x 24" D.
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Exceptional Jack Lenor Larsen ~Primavera~ Velvet Playpen Sofa and Ottomans
By Jack Lenor Larsen
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Gorgeous down filled sofa upholstered in Jack Lenor Larsen Primavera velvet with a pair of oversize matching ottomans. This is a huge living room set, gently used and in amazing cle...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Two Mid-Century Stools by Arne Vodder FD164 Ottomans France & Son, Denmark 1960s
By Arne Vodder
Located in München, BY
Two very nice stools designed by Arne Vodder for France & Son, Denmark 1962. They were originally designed as ottomans of the FD164 adjustable armchair. But they can also be used as ...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

Pair of Dark Walnut Ottoman's
By Edward Wormley
Located in Georges Mills, NH
Pair of Edward Wormley oversized ottomans. Solid oak frame is paired with a palladian blue mohair velvet cushion w a grid of shallow button pulls. Sturdy construction and versatile h...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Pair of Dark Walnut Ottoman's
Pair of Dark Walnut Ottoman's
H 16 in W 28 in D 28 in
Pair of Pillow Top Upholstered Parsons Ottomans in the Style of Milo Baughman
By Milo Baughman
Located in Dallas, TX
Super sexy pair of 1970s Parsons style ottomans or stools in sultry rainbow leopard with piping detail. Tufted top cushion is complimented with upholstered piped legs. A timeless Sil...
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

An upholstered ottoman on ebonized base by Jacques Charpentier circa 1970.
By Jacques Charpentier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An upholstered ottoman on ebonized base by Jacques Charpentier circa 1970. Having new fabric.
Category

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Louis XVI Style French Upholstered Ottoman with Fluted Legs, Gilded Accents
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Louis XVI style wooden ottoman from circa 1900 with fluted tapering legs, gilded accents and muslin double welt upholstery. Immerse yourself in the elegance of French design...
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Wood, Upholstery, Muslin

Hollywood Regency Tufted Upholstered Ottoman
Located in Jacksonville, FL
Tufted ottoman or footstool features gold rope accents and skirted bottom. Perfect touch of Hollywood Regency style for any decor. Good condition with only very minor imperfections c...
Category

Late 20th Century Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

French Turn of the Century Ottoman with Giltwood Rosettes and Upholstery, 1900s
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French wooden ottoman from circa 1900 with tapering cylindrical legs, carved giltwood rosettes and muslin double welt upholstery. Step into the allure of French sophistication with...
Category

Early 20th Century French Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Muslin, Upholstery, Wood, Giltwood

Art Deco Vintage Beech White Josef Frank Fabric Pouf or Stool 1930s Vienna
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco vintage pouf or stool beech white Josef Frank Fabric 1930s Vienna. A stunning pouf or stool from beech and white fabric with lush pattern by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn wit...
Category

Vintage 1930s Austrian Art Deco Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Beech

Mid-Century French Louis XVI Style Pink And Gilt Venetian Ottomans / Stools - 2
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of mid-century Venetian Louis XV style ottomans. They are painted pink with gilt floral accents and trim. Sadly, the upholstery is in need of replacing. They are unmar...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Louis XV Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery, Poplar

Pair Lucite Ottomans with electric Pink Cushions
By Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of Lucite Ottomans with Pink Cushions. Little punch of color to shake and wake up that room! Newly upholstered cushions.
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery, Lucite

Bleached French Os De Mouton Tabouret Stool, White Cotton Upholstery, C. 1900
Located in Dallas, TX
Easily recognized by its highly shaped legs and stretchers, os de mouton is an elegant style of carving that was first seen during the reign of Louis XIII. Although typically used fo...
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Louis XIII Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Metal

Chinese Chippendale Style Silver Gilt Tole Turquoise Leopard Velvet Ottoman
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a 1950s Chinese Chippendale style silver gilt tole ottoman newly upholstered in a turquoise velvet. It is unmarked. It is most likely Italian.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Chinese Chippendale Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Metal

Pair of Floral Upholstery Custom Studio Made Ottomans Poufs Benches Stool MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of 16" Round Tufted Floral Upholstery Custom Studio Made Ottomans Poufs Benches Stool MINT!
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery

Stylish Pair Vladimir Kagan for Directional Waterfall Ottoman Bench Mid-Century
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Sculptural pair of Vladimir Kagan for Directional waterfall ottomans. This pair will need to be reupholstered original fabric is worn and dated. They measure 17.5"t x 27"l x 17.5"d.
Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery

Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Barcelona Ottomans circa 1979 Pair Available
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Atlanta, GA
Iconic Barcelona Stools or Ottomans, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, American, circa 1979. Signed with Knoll labels underneath. Please note they have some cat scratch...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Metal

Ib Kofod-Larsen Reclining Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Highland, IN
This reclining lounge chair and ottoman by Ib Kofod-Larsen combines sexy lines, incredible comfort, and great function. The chair features five positions of recline accommodating eve...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Birch, Upholstery

French Style Carved Oak Ottoman W/ Nailheads In Leopard Upholstery
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a large scale upholstered ottoman with rustic French styling. The leopard upholstery is vintage and in very good condition. The frame is a dark stained oak. It is attributed ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Rustic Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

20th Century Pair of Sherrill Furniture Upholstered Rolling Ottomans
Located in Germantown, MD
A pair 20th Century Pair of Sherrill Furniture Upholstered and skirted Ottomans on wheels in good vintage condition. Measure 21" in width, 25" in depth and 16" in height.
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery

Jacques Charpentier for Maison Jansen pair of ottomans Dedar upholstery 1970s
By Jacques Charpentier, Maison Jansen
Located in Paris, IDF
Beautiful pair of ottomans or stools by French Designer Jacques Charpentier for Maison Jansen designed in the 1970s. The stools ottomans are made of two large cushion elements connec...
Category

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery

Pair of Pillow Top Ottomans in Kelly Wearstler Fabric
Located in Dallas, TX
Great looking pair of pillow top ottomans newly upholstered in a Kelly Wearstler fabric.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery

20th Century Italian Polished Walnut Piano Stool - Vintage Rectangular Ottoman
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A rectangular, vintage Mid-Century modern Italian piano stool made of hand crafted polished Walnut, in good condition. The detailed ottoman is supported by four arched wooden legs. N...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut, Upholstery, Cotton

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

Vintage 1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather, Upholstery

Georgian Style Carved Mahogany Ottoman / Stool Att. Theodore Alexander
By Theodore Alexander
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This a a lovely Georgian style carved mahogany ottoman attributed to Theodore Alexander. The vintage upholstery is in very good condition. It is unmarked.
Category

Late 20th Century American Georgian Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

1970s Billy Baldwin Style Reupholstered X-Benches Ottomans– a Pair
By Billy Baldwin
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a pair of X-benches in the style of Billy Baldwin, circa the 1970s. Elevate your living space with these captivating ottomans that have been beautifully ...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Hollywood Regency Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

Giacometti Style Lion Head Ottoman in Bronze & Iron with Faux Zebra Seat 1970s
By Alberto and Diego Giacometti
Located in St. Louis, MO
1970s Alberto & Diego Giacometti style classic X form ottoman with lion heads and paw feet, bronze fittings on heavy iron frame faux upholstered zebra seat. In very fine original con...
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Fantastic Pair Upholstered Floral Linen Ottoman
By Billy Baldwin
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fantastic pair of upholstered floral linen ottomans. These are in very nice vintage condition with very little wear to their original fabric. The colors are just fabulous with earth ...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery

Oversized Needlepoint Hassock Ottoman 20thC
Located in Big Flats, NY
A large hassock ottoman offers floral needlepoint upholstery and raised on stylized bun feet, 20th century Measures- 15.5''H x 30''W x 29.75''D Catalogue Note: Ask about DISCOUNTED...
Category

20th Century Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Pair Postmodern Ottomans, 1980
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair Post Modern Ottomans, 1980. Original upholstery, great vintage condition. No rips or tears.
Category

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery

Pair Postmodern Ottomans, 1980
Pair Postmodern Ottomans, 1980
H 16 in W 34.5 in D 34.5 in
Upholstered Oak Bench from the Mid-20th Century
Located in Opole, PL
Upholstered Oak Bench from the Mid-20th Century We present you this simple in its form piece of furniture from the mid. 20th century. The seat is soft and the rounded legs are mad...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

Marsala Ottoman in Red Velvet by Michel Ducaroy for Lignet Roset, France 1970s
By Ligne Roset, Michel Ducaroy
Located in Chicago, IL
A 1970s French Marsala ottoman designed by Michel Ducaroy for Lignet Roset. This ottoman features a curved amber plexiglass frame and has a removable cushion in original red striated...
Category

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Velvet, Plexiglass, Upholstery

Modern Upholstered Rolling Ottoman with Two Matching Decorative Pillows
Located in Germantown, MD
Modern upholstered rolling Ottoman with two matching decorative pillows. Measures 29" in width, 18" in depth and 21" in height. Pillows are 12" in diameter and 15" x 12" respectively...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

20th Century Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Painted Ottomans - Pail lol
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a classic pair of black lacquer painted chinoiserie ottomans dating approximately to the 1980s. The upholstery is vintage and shows light wear. They are American. add
Category

Late 20th Century North American Chinoiserie Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

John Hutton for Donghia Jacquard-Fabric Upholstered Ottoman
By Donghia, John Hutton
Located in Vienna, AT
Hardwood frame with with spiral feet silver-plated and upholsterd seat designed in the 1990s by John Hutton for Donghia.
Category

1990s Italian Post-Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Silver

Postmodern Pix 95 2 Seat Modular Ottoman by Ichiro Iwasaki for Arper
By Arper
Located in Basel, BS
Two seat pouf. Upholstery in leather, faux leather, fabric or customer's own material. Fitted with glides. Gorgeous Mint Condition EUC Ottomans by Arper. These ottomans fit beautifu...
Category

20th Century Post-Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery

Wave Ottoman by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti
By Giovanni Offredi, Saporiti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A “Wave” ottoman by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti. Heavy textured metal base supports a wave form upholstered footrest. Original red textured upholstery. 2 chairs and 1 ottoman avail...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Metal

Pair of 1980s Billy Baldwin Style Pillow Top Tufted Fully Upholstered Ottomans
By Heirloom Furniture, Billy Baldwin
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of fully upholstered Heirloom x519 tufted pillow top vintage ottomans in the style of Billy Baldwin. Retaining their original tan Lee Jofa upholstery with orange welt from Stroh...
Category

Vintage 1980s American Hollywood Regency Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery, Foam

1990s Postmodern Round Pouf Ottoman Footstool attr. to Kagan for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in West Reading, PA
This periwinkle blue chintz pouf ottoman not only swivels, but it also has hidden casters… lots of excitement for a seemingly simple pouf. It is a solid piece, purchased from a hom...
Category

1990s American Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery

Vintage Karl Springer Style Souffle Ottomans - a Pair
By Karl Springer
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Vintage pair of brass base souffle ottomans in the manner of Karl Springer. Timeless design offers versatile use as ottoman or additional seating. Curbside to NYC/Philly $350
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass

Pr. Contemporary Os De Mouton Style Ottoman Pouf, Benches
By Henredon, Baker Furniture Company
Located in New York, NY
Pair of high quality os de mouton style ottomans having carved wood bases, and thick down filled seat cushions, in their original brocade fabric upholstery. The benches are contempo...
Category

Late 20th Century American French Provincial Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Late 20th C. Modern Oak Buckled Suede Strap Ottoman Square Foot Stool Bench MCM
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 20th century square ottoman with open wood base and a cushioned top finished in blue and brown lattice pattern upholstery and crossed with suede leather straps.
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

Pair of Square Mid Century Upholstered Ottomans/ Footstools W/ Wooden Cube Feet
Located in New York City, NY
A pair of vintage square yellow upholstered ottomans with cubist wood feet. The poufs are covered in the original bright yellow velvet fabric that adds a pop of color to the space....
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Pair Reupholstered Lichen Mohair Karl Springer Style Poufs or Ottomans by Weiman
By Weiman Preview Furniture, Karl Springer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This pair of poufs or ottomans were made in the 1980s after the design was made iconic by Karl Springer. On a base of brass plated sheet metal over a wooden frame, this pair has been...
Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass

Pair of Karl Springer Style Poufs or Ottomans by Weiman in Floral Pattern
By Weiman Preview Furniture, Karl Springer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This pair of poufs or ottomans were made in the 1980s after the design was made iconic by Karl Springer. On a base of brass plated sheet metal over a wooden frame, this pair is uphol...
Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass

Billy Baldwin Pair of Vintage X-Benches Slightly in as is Condition
By Billy Baldwin
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Billy Baldwin pair of vintage x-benches slightly in as is condition.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery

Antique English Bobbin Turned Hexagonal Upholstered Stool Ottoman, circa 1920
Located in London, GB
Antique English Bobbin Turned Hexagonal Upholstered Stool Ottoman circa 1920. In good condition commensurate of age.
Category

Early 20th Century Tudor Stools

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

Charles and Ray Eames Midcentury Cherry Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Countryside, IL
Charles and Ray Eames midcentury Cherry lounge chair and ottoman The chair measures: 32 wide x 34 deep x 32 high, with a seat height of 15 inches and arm height/chair clearance of...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Cherry

Navy Blue Suede Mid-Century Modern Ottoman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing our Mid-Century Modern ottoman, hand-crafted from wood and in great condition. This unique ottoman showcases a standout design, adorned with a navy blue suede fabric and ...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Metal

Navy Blue Suede Mid-Century Modern Ottoman
Navy Blue Suede Mid-Century Modern Ottoman
Free Shipping
H 16 in W 30 in D 19 in
  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "20th Century Upholstery Ottomans And Poufs", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

20th Century Upholstery Ottomans and Poufs For Sale on 1stDibs

Find a variety of 20th century upholstery ottomans and poufs available on 1stDibs. 20th century upholstery ottomans and poufs bearing Mid-Century Modern or Modern hallmarks are very popular at 1stDibs. Some 20th century upholstery ottomans and poufs are too large for some spaces — a variety of smaller 20th century upholstery ottomans and poufs, measuring 1 inches across, are available at 1stDibs. There have been many well-made 20th century upholstery ottomans and poufs over the years, but those made by Milo Baughman, Edward Wormley and Dunbar are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much are 20th Century Upholstery Ottomans and Poufs?

The average selling price for at 1stDibs is $2,499, while they’re typically $175 on the low end and $62,795 highest priced.

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.