You would think our name was Creative Style Ottomans with how many we produce! And with how versatile they can be, it’s no surprise that they’re so popular among designers and public clients alike. So when did the ottoman become such an essential piece of furniture? Just exactly how is it so versatile? Are there different variations? Can one person have too many? These are excellent questions, and today we’re here to answer them all (and more)!
First things first. What is it and does it have anything to do with the Ottoman Empire? Glad you asked! An ottoman is essentially a low, upholstered stool (with or without legs). The name? Well it does come from the Ottoman Empire. This piece of furniture was brought over to Europe from the famous Turkish federation during the late 18th century and the rest (as they say), is history! Though they were traditionally used for higher class individuals, in today’s world, they’re meant to be enjoyed by everyone.
Versatility
Let’s get into that versatility we talked about earlier. There’s more than one way to use our favorite furniture piece, see below and take a look! It can be used as a:
Stool
Some tables are low, and some of us don’t like back rests (whether for an aesthetic reason or functionality). Ottomans are a perfect seating option for bohemian styled homes that want a more relaxed feel throughout (but also pair well in chic polished dressing rooms).
Footrest
After a long day at the office, it’s nice to kick off your shoes and put your feet up (preferably on something comfy). Ottomans can be built to accommodate any height and softness, so customizations are endless!
Coffee Table
You’re probably thinking that an ottoman would make for a lumpy table, but that’s simply not true! Upholstery does not automatically equal tufting, and there are plenty of firm, flat options available.
Dog Bed
Don’t worry, we’re not discriminating against your other pets. Ottomans can be used for any animal! Nestled against your own bed, an ottoman is a great way to keep your furry companion close by at all times.
Variations
Now that we’ve discussed how useful they can be, we can dive into their various customizations!
- Shape
- Ottomans aren’t always round. In fact, they used to be octagonal (but that quickly fell out of fashion).
- To Tuft, Or Not To Tuft
- You either love tufting or you hate it (or perhaps you’re just neutral). Looks aside, tufting actually has a surprising benefit over its flat counterparts. The process of tufting actually secures the fabric and acts as a reinforcement (making for a longer lasting end product).
- Legs
- No, adding legs to an ottoman does not automatically make it a chair (though it can definitely be used as one). Small legs (or castors) can be added to the ends for those of us who wish to avoid dirtying the bottoms.
- Storage
- Another popular configuration? Adding storage! Ottomans make for a great addition to any room, especially when they can keep blankets and knick-knacks out of sight.
- Skirt/No Skirt
- Just like with any other upholstered item, skirts are an optional way to add fabric to the base of furniture. This is great for those of us who wish to add legs and feet, but don’t want to see them!
We’ve covered the different styles and configurations ad-nauseam, but don’t you feel informed after reading? We bet you didn’t even know there could be so many ways to style such an iconic piece! Whether you have one in your study, tucked away under a breakfast nook, or even beside your bed, there’s plenty of ways to make an ottoman work for your needs.
So how many ottomans would it take to be considered too many? There’s actually no right or wrong answer. The amount of pieces we could suggest per room would vary based on a million different factors and variables (taste being among them). Since we’re not interior designers, we’ll leave that up to you and the experts! For the record, whether you want one or twenty, we’ll happily make them all.
Looking for an ottoman of your own? Send over your inspiration photos, dimensions, and details to design@creativestylefurniture.com to get an estimate!
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