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Midcentury Modern Pouf

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Pop Art Boxing Shoe Mid-Century Pouf, Ottoman, 1970s, Switzerland
By De Sede
Located in Den Haag, NL
Boxing Shoe Mid-Century Pouf, Ottoman, 1970s, Switzerland With Large Pockets on each side, perfect
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Faux Leather

Pair of Italian Mid Century Round Poufs Stools in Green Velvet Produced, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare pair of round Italian mid century poufs / foot stools in green original velvet with black
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Velvet

Pair of Round Mid-Century Modern His & Her Poufs
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Pair of newly upholstered poufs with one a bit smaller than the other. They swivel too. Smaller of
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

Italian Mid-Century Large Pouf, 1950s
Located in Meda, MB
Rectangular mid-century ottoman of the 1950s with new upholstery and velvet. The feet are in brass.  
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass

Italian Mid-Century Large Pouf, 1950s
Italian Mid-Century Large Pouf, 1950s
H 18.51 in W 59.85 in D 36.62 in
1950s Mid-Century Modern Brass and Dedar Fabric Italian Poufs or Stools
By Dedar
Located in Aci Castello, IT
complemented the clean lines and minimalist aesthetic of mid-century designs. The seating surface of the poufs
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Round Mid Century Modern Blue Upholstery Ottoman Foot Stool Bench Pouf MINT!
By McGuire, Ficks Reed
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Round Mid Century Modern Blue Upholstery Ottoman Foot Stool Bench Pouf MINT!
Category

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

Materials

Bamboo

Mid-Century Modern c1970s Round White Naugahyde Tufted Pouf Ottoman Bench Mint!
By Milo Baughman, Harvey Probber
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern c1970s round white Naugahyde tufted pouf ottoman bench mint!
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Naugahyde

DOOQ Mid-Century Modern Pouf Ottoman, Burnt Orange, Silk Fringes La Folie
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
With voluptuous curves and perfect poise, the Mid-Century Modern inspired La Folie Pouf Ottoman
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and...

Materials

Silk, Velvet

Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rattan Pouf Stool Franco Albini attr Italy, 1950s
By Franco Albini
Located in Vienna, AT
A mid century modern vintage rattan pouf or stool, which was designed attributed to Franco Albini
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Rattan

Mid-Century Modern Brass Soufflé Pouf Rolling Stool Ottoman, Karl Springer Style
By Karl Springer
Located in Pemberton, NJ
This sophisticated Mid-Century Modernist soufflé pouf is in the manner of Karl Springer, it
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass

Trio of Mid Century Italian Modern Poufs or Ottomans, Set of 3
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A vintage 1980's set of three poufs. All in very good original condition. Price includes set of 3.
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric

Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rattan Pouf in the Style of Albini 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Vienna, AT
We present a very elegant woven rattan pouf or ottoman designed in the style of Franco Albini
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Rattan

DOOQ Mid-Century Modern Pouf Ottoman with Wine Velvet, Silk Fringes La Folie
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
With voluptuous curves and perfect poise, the Mid-Century Modern inspired La Folie Pouf Ottoman
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and...

Materials

Silk, Velvet

Dooq Mid-Century Modern Pouf Ottoman with Dijon Velvet, Silk Fringes La Folie
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
With voluptuous curves and perfect poise, the Mid-Century Modern inspired La Folie Pouf Ottoman
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and...

Materials

Silk, Velvet

DOOQ Mid-Century Modern Pouf Ottoman with Rich Velvet, Silk Fringes La Folie
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
With voluptuous curves and perfect poise, the Mid-Century Modern inspired La Folie Pouf Ottoman
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and...

Materials

Silk, Velvet

Pair of Mid Century Modern Ottomans or Poufs by Pier Luigi Colli, Italy 1950s
By Pier Luigi Colli
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a stunning pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern hand-hammered and gilt
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Alabaster, Wrought Iron

Mid-Century Modern Czech Wooden Upholstered Ottoman
Located in High Point, NC
fireplace or gracing the corner of a chic lounge area, the Mid-Century Modern Czech Wooden Upholstered
Category

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

Materials

Bouclé, Wood

Pair of Red Mid-Century Modern Ottomans
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A pair of Mid-Century Modern ottomans in brilliant red upholstery and chrome. Featuring an elegant
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Custom Ottoman
Located in Southampton, NJ
An unusual custom Mid-Century Modern tufted ottoman in vibrant Sunflower raw silk upholstery with
Category

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

Materials

Silk, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Custom Ottoman
Mid-Century Modern Custom Ottoman
H 15.5 in W 38 in D 38 in
Franco Albini Mid-Century Rattan, Bamboo and Wicker, Pouf, Ottoman, Italy 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Roma, IT
unique stools will make a great addition to a Mid-Century organic porch or French Riviera style project
Category

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

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan

Northern European Mid Century Yellow Fabric and Beech Pouf or Footrest, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Northern European Mid-Century Modern yellow fabric and beech pouf or footrest, 1960s Pouf or
Category

Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric, Beech

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Ottoman
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid century modern walnut ottoman manufactured in the United States, circa 1950s. Looking for the
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Ottoman
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Ottoman
H 17.5 in W 27 in D 19.25 in
Mid Century Modern Custom Designed Ottomans
By Frank Lloyd Wright
Located in Boynton Beach, FL
A pair of Mid Century Modern ottomans. These ottomans were custom made for a house in New Jersey
Category

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

Materials

Textile, Wood

Northern European Mid Century Green Fabric Pouf or Footrest and Bench Legs 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Northern European mid-century modern green fabric pouf or footrest and bench legs 1960s Bench or
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Italian Mid Century Barcelona Pouf by Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll, 1970s
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Mid-Century Modern white leather Barcelona pouf or footrest by Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Modern Brown Leather Ottoman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Plush vintage modern ottoman upholstered in a rich brown leather. Versatile size and shape allows
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather

Pouf Luigi Caccia Dominioni 'Pouf 1' around 1960
By Azucena, Luigi Caccia Dominioni
Located in Berlin, DE
This exceptional, unique pouf, known as model 'Pouf 1', was designed by Milanese architect and
Category

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

Materials

Wool, Wood

Pouf Luigi Caccia Dominioni 'Pouf 1' around 1960
Pouf Luigi Caccia Dominioni 'Pouf 1' around 1960
H 15.75 in W 44.49 in D 44.49 in
Italian Mid Century Pair of Green Fabric and Wooden Legs Poufs or Stools, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Mid-Century Modern pair of green fabric and wooden legs poufs or stools, 1960s. Pair of
Category

Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

The Freeform Ottoman by Stamford Modern
By Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing the Freeform Ottoman by Stamford Modern – Where Elegance Meets Organic Beauty Elevate
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and P...

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Sheep Brass Stool, 1950s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Mid-Century Modern Sheep Brass Stool, 1950s The frame have great patina.
Category

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Sheep Brass Stool, 1950s
Mid-Century Modern Sheep Brass Stool, 1950s
H 14.97 in W 21.26 in D 16.93 in
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Adjustable Angle Ottoman Footstool with Wooden Legs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Mid-Century Modern adjustable angle ottoman footstool with wooden legs. Item features
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Pouf Turquoise Velvet Smooth Circular Midcentury Modern Italian Design 1960s
Located in Palermo, IT
Circular shaped pouf made of smooth velvet in shades of turquoise. Made in Italy in the 60s
Category

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

Materials

Velvet

Mid-Century Modern Oversized Faux-Ostrich Ottoman
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern oversized faux-ostrich ottoman. Nice tapered walnut legs having an "X" stretcher
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Faux Leather, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Style Woven Rush Ottomans
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern style, ottomans / stools / benches feature walnut and ash tapered legs with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and P...

Materials

Rattan, Ash, Walnut

Vintage Upholstered Mid-Century Modern Ottoman Stool
Located in North York, ON
Vintage Upholstered Mid-Century Modern ottoman stool. Newly restored in dark grey fabric and sleek
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Norco Mid Century Modern Sculpted Footstool Ottoman Tapered Leg Black Vinyl Seat
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Norco Mid Century Modern Sculpted Footstool Ottoman with Tapered Legs and Black Vinyl Seat. Circa
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Franco Albini Italian Rattan Pouf / Ottoman
By Franco Albini
Located in New York, NY
Italian mid-century rattan pouf / ottoman with an open design and rounded shape. (FRANCO ALBINI)
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Wood, Rattan

DOOQ Organic Modern Powder Pouf Malibu in Rich Cotton Velvet
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
proportions and strong curves with softness and Fine detailing resulting in a must-have piece. The Mid-Century
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and...

Materials

Silk, Velvet

Mid-Century Modern Ottoman by John Stuart
By John Stuart
Located in Brooklyn, NY
-Century stool ottoman the perfect addition to any modern interior. Please confirm item location (NY or NJ).
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Faux Leather, Walnut, Lacquer

DOOQ Organic Modern Coral Pouf Malibu in Rich Cotton Velvet
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
proportions and strong curves with softness and Fine detailing resulting in a must-have piece. The Mid-Century
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and...

Materials

Silk, Velvet

DOOQ Organic Modern Red Pouf Malibu in Rich Cotton Velvet
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
proportions and strong curves with softness and Fine detailing resulting in a must-have piece. The Mid-Century
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and...

Materials

Velvet, Silk

DOOQ Organic Modern Blue Pouf Malibu in Rich Cotton Velvet
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
proportions and strong curves with softness and Fine detailing resulting in a must-have piece. The Mid-Century
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and...

Materials

Silk, Velvet

DOOQ Organic Modern Beige Pouf Malibu in Rich Cotton Velvet
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
proportions and strong curves with softness and Fine detailing resulting in a must-have piece. The Mid-Century
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and...

Materials

Silk, Velvet

Mid-Century Modern Upholstered X-Stretcher Ottoman
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

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Hardwood, Velvet

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
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
Mid-Century Modern Cow Hide Upholstered Round Bench
Located in North Bergen, NJ
A Mid-Century Modern cow hide upholstered round bench or ottoman raised on a metal X-form base.
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Mid Century Modern Walnut Ottomans- Set of 2
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Pair of mid-century walnut ottoman designed and manufactured in the United States circa 1970s
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Minimal Mid-Century Modern Wrought Iron And Ultrasuede Ottomans
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of mid-century modern, square ottomans in the manner of Paul McCobb feature minimal wrought
Category

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

Materials

Wrought Iron

Mid-Century Modern Ottomans, Fully Refurbished, Yugoslavia, 1960s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find two Mid-Century Modern Ottomans or Stools. The stools are fully
Category

Vintage 1960s Serbian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass

Italian Mid-Century Modern Hex Bamboo and Boucle Ottomans
Located in Dallas, TX
Stylish Italian Mid-Century Modern style hexagonal style bamboo and Boucle ottomans. Creates a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric, Bamboo

Footstool pouf Year 1940
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
Pouf poggiapiedi Anni '40.  Rivestito con pelliccia ecologica / faux fur degli anni '70, colore
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fur

Footstool pouf Year 1940
Footstool pouf Year 1940
H 15.75 in W 23.63 in D 14.97 in
Footstool pouf Year 1940
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
Pouf poggiapiedi Anni '40.  Rivestito con pelliccia ecologica / faux fur degli anni '70, colore blu
Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fur

Footstool pouf Year 1940
Footstool pouf Year 1940
H 40 in W 63 in D 50 in
Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency Brass Ottoman Footstool
By Paul McCobb
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Only 1 available. Fabulous satin brass ottoman - footstool- bench. Reupholstered in a vintage style 1960s weave fabric with fabulous coloring that contrasts greatly with the brass. S...
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Vinyl Storage Ottomans
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This matching pair of ottomans make a beautiful modern addition to any living room, and offer a
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric

Danish Mid-century Modern stool reupholstered in grey sheep skin
Located in Berlin, DE
Danish Mid-century Modern stool reupholstered in grey sheep skin This ottoman/pouf/ stool was
Category

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

Materials

Sheepskin, Wood

Leather Patchwork Pouf, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice leather patchwork pouf. In an sand color. Comes with storage under the lit. And of
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather

Leather Patchwork Pouf, 1970s
Leather Patchwork Pouf, 1970s
H 16.93 in W 21.26 in D 21.26 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern White Faux Snakeskin Ottomans
Located in Brooklyn, NY
and comfortable midcentury pair are sure to compliment any modern interior. Please confirm item
Category

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

Materials

Faux Leather

De Sede Pouf 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Antwerp, BE
A beautiful leather patchwork pouf from the 1970s, produced by Swiss company De Sede who is famous
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather

De Sede Pouf 1970s
De Sede Pouf 1970s
H 15.75 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Ottoman in Mahogany by Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in Belmont, MA
Mid-Century Modern 1950s ottoman, designed by Harvey Probber, with a rectilinear mahogany frame and
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Chromed Mid-Century Modern Stools Ottomans
Located in Miami, FL
Chromed metal stools with vinyl seats.
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Metal, Chrome

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Midcentury Modern Pouf For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the midcentury modern pouf you’re looking for. A midcentury modern pouf — often made from fabric, wood and metal — can elevate any home. If you’re shopping for a midcentury modern pouf, we have 1100 options in-stock, while there are 104 modern editions to choose from as well. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer midcentury modern pouf, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. When you’re browsing for the right midcentury modern pouf, those designed in Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern and Modern styles are of considerable interest. A well-made midcentury modern pouf has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Franco Albini, De Sede and Montage are consistently popular.

How Much is a Midcentury Modern Pouf?

The average selling price for a midcentury modern pouf at 1stDibs is $1,850, while they’re typically $99 on the low end and $22,000 for the highest priced.

A Close Look at Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.

Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively. 

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.

The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by legendary manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

Finding the Right ottomans-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.

Questions About Midcentury Modern Pouf
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Organic shapes, clean lines and elegant simplicity describe mid-century modern American furniture well. The style, which emerged primarily in the post-World War II era, is characterized by furniture that was crafted by creators who believed that good design was key to good living.Today, mid-century modern is by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.