What is an Ottoman?

Ottoman, pouf, footstool… aren’t they all the same?
If you’ve found yourself wondering what actually sets them apart, you’re definitely not alone. These terms get tossed around like they’re interchangeable—but the truth is, there are subtle differences.

Don’t worry—we’re here to break it down for you.

Where does the “ottoman” get its name?
The ottoman originated in 18th-century Turkey, during the reign of the Ottoman Empire—hence the name. But the original design looked nothing like the modern versions we see today. It was a low, armless seating piece, fully upholstered and layered with cushions.
Think of it as a blend between a floor cushion and a backless sofa. These pieces typically wrapped around three sides of a room, creating a cozy space where families could gather, relax, and socialize.

How Ottomans Evolved
Over time, ottomans became smaller, more versatile, and freestanding—no longer fixed to the walls but scattered around the room as extra seating. In the world of upholstery, they’re often described as “overstuffed,” meaning they’re fully padded and upholstered, with only the legs (if any) left exposed.

So... What Exactly Is a Footstool?
Glad you asked. A footstool is technically any small piece of furniture designed to rest your feet on. Its origins go way back to Ancient Egypt, where it was believed that a person’s soul rested upon their footstool.

These stools, often made of carved wood and decorated with stories of the family, served many purposes: from child-sized seating to fireside rests. They were practical, symbolic, and often passed down through generations.
Footstools even earned a metaphorical place in the Bible—as a symbol of triumph, representing the enemies one would rise above.

As time went on, upholstered ottomans became smaller, lighter, and more flexible—naturally transitioning into a soft place to rest your feet. By the 20th century, the line between “ottoman” and “footstool” had blurred, and the two terms began to be used almost interchangeably.

Today, the key difference is often in the design intent: ottomans are frequently made to match a specific chair or sofa, while footstools tend to stand alone as separate, often simpler, pieces.

And What About the Pouf?
When ottomans reached Europe in the 18th century, the French couldn’t resist adding their own twist—thus the pouf was born. Its name nods to the iconic, cloud-like hairstyle à la Marie Antoinette (the “pouffe”), which inspired the plump, rounded silhouette of this playful seat.

While ottomans are structured and sturdy, poufs are soft, squishy, and often lightweight—ideal for casual seating or decorative layering in a room.

Ottomans: More Than Meets the Eye
Yes, they’re perfect as footrests or extra seating—but ottomans can do so much more. In recent years, upholstered cocktail ottomans have become a stylish alternative to coffee tables. Their soft tops offer a cozy place to rest your feet, and with a large tray on top, you still get a stable surface for drinks, books, or snacks.

Style it up with flowers and coffee table books, or keep it functional—just move the tray aside when it's time to kick back and relax. For busy spaces, leather options are practical and easy to clean, making them ideal for family rooms.

And yes—hidden storage is a total game changer.
Storage ottomans help keep your space tidy without sacrificing style. Use them to stow away blankets, magazines, toys, or those “where-do-I-put-this” items like photo albums or seasonal linens.
Live in a small apartment? A deep storage ottoman can even double as a soft closet.

From classic tufted designs to playful, minimalist forms, ottomans are an effortless way to add comfort, versatility, and character to your home—without overthinking it.