Ottoman Uses and Shopping Guide

NORTHAM COCKTAIL OTTOMAN 1573-920

The ottoman got its name from its unique European origins. The hassocks and low seat were initially imported from Turkey in the 1700s, a time when the area was very much a part of the Ottoman Empire. Pretty soon, European salons caught on and employed the use of these wonderful seats.

The term ottoman covers a wide array of styles; the most common being a padded bench or a footstool. This can used either as a chair or a makeshift coffee table. Nowadays, you can choose from a variety of ottoman shapes, styles and sizes.

More Hassock History

To truly appreciate ottomans, you have to understand about its functions and its beginnings. During the 18^th century in Turkey, an ottoman was just a low platform that was covered with cushion. It was a common residential seat.

Larger ottomans were built the way that sectionals are built nowadays. They were used to wrap around the bare walls. Eventually, the style was adapted to a round, padded seat that surrounded poles or columns in public rooms.

The European ottomans were used ot fit into the drawing rooms as well as salons. They were octagonal or circular in shape. There were even some that featured a hinged platform so that they doubled as storage units. This idea has been translated into modern use.

Footstools and ottomans became interchangeable, both being a low, upholstered stool complete with legs and set right next to a hearth. The bigger versions of upholstered and legged ottomans and the small pouf-style ottoman, those that come with built-in storage and the padded hassocks now share the same name these days.

Ottoman as an Extra Seat

The ottoman does not require a lot of space yet it can be a real lifesaver once you welcome more guests. Just imagine a scenario when even a sectional won’t be able to sit everyone then you know how functional the ottoman could get.

A gold velvet ottoman could be a lovely bench as it can also be relocated into different parts of your home. If you need it in the living room, then that’s where it should go. If you want extra seat in the bedroom, then have it transferred there. If you’re welcoming guests in the den then just pull the ottoman there and you’re good to go.

Hickory White Living Room Ottoman 153X

Ottoman as a Versatile Table

When your ottoman stops being a seat, then it can also be used as a table. This can double as a coffee table. A big, tufted ottoman can hold an enameled tray with saucers, cups, croissants, and a coffeepot to welcome guests in your patio.

A linen ottoman in gray and ebony legs could also be the sturdy counter for your platter of grapes, cheese, wineglasses and a champagne bottle. It could also be used as a station for sandwich eaters in your den.

Cylindrical or cube ottomans can be used as end tables in your living room or as nightstands in the bedroom.

Ottoman as a Storage Unit

One can never have too much storage. Go ahead and use that extra space in your ottoman. A small apartment could make good use of this piece of furniture. An upholstered ottoman could serve as sock storage inside the guest room. It could also be a bench that stores music sheets beside the piano.

Shopping for Ottoman

When choosing an ottoman, you have to know what size the room requires. Have it at least an inch lower than the regular chair or sofa. Consider also mobility especially if you would be moving it around. See also if you need it to be chunky or leggy.

Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, ottoman, ottoman buying, ottoman history

This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 31st, 2017 at 8:02 am and is filed under Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.