A simple search on Google about Ottomans’ will mostly show you facts about the famous Turkish Empire. These are all good-to-know facts, besides you wouldn’t know when your kids will start asking about World History, so you’ll at least know a thing or two about the Ottoman Empire. But it’s not exactly what you need to know at the moment, right? What you want is to know what ottomans, the furniture, are. Is it a couch, a foot stool, a table?
So to save you from your search woes, here’s a quick guide to ottomans – not the empire!
Ottomans – A Brief History
An ottoman is a type of upholstered furniture without a back or arms which you’ll usually see in living rooms, at the foot of beds, or in bathrooms. They are used as a seating or a foot stool; but there are ottomans that come with a hinged top so that it can also be used for storage or a hard platform so the ottomans can function as a coffee table. That is why there is much confusion as to what type of furniture they really are.
It originated in Western Europe, specifically, Turkey in the late 18th century; hence the name Ottoman, referring to the empire. Traditionally, this upholstered furniture was large enough to be the main seating of the house, the size of which spans three walls. Over the years, it started donning a more compact size, until it became small enough to be a corner or centrepiece of a room.
Then in the 19th century, ottomans started appearing in exclusive members only clubs, usually circular or octagonal in shape with arms that divide the seat in sections. The ottomans were also hollowed out and hinged so the seats can be used as storage.
The Many Ways to Use an Ottoman
Ottoman furniture is obviously not just for seating or for putting your feet up. As varied as the size and shape they come in, so too are the ways in which you can use it to enhance a room in your home. Here are some of the best ways to use ottomans.
As a coffee table
While ottomans are padded, some of them still have a hard platform that can support objects being put on them. Use an ottoman as a stylish and chic addition in your living room as a coffee table. Choose one that is wide enough to support food trays so that space for coffee and snacks for your guests will not be a problem.
As a storage solution
The best part about having an ottoman is its multipurpose use. You can practically put them anywhere in the house and use them as a storage solution. This is perfect for those who do not have the space to buy wardrobes and closets. Instead, you can use an ottoman to store your books, toys, and other trinkets.
As a footstool
If you still have a lot of space for a footstool, make sure you get to use an ottoman for it. They are comfortable and come in various sizes which range from one as big as a whole couch to really petite ones.
As a main seating piece
Especially if you have an open concept house, large ottomans are the perfect choice for your main seating area. It is a versatile and casual furniture that it fits any design you might have in your home, you’ll just have to choose the colour shade that would blend well with your decor.
So when it comes to furniture, there is nothing quite as flexible as an ottoman furniture. Check out Domayne ottomans for more ottomans’ sizes, shapes and colors.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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