The history of the Ottoman, despite its casual day-to-day household appearance, is rich and full of historical importance.
The name itself derives from the Ottoman Empire; the original home of the Ottoman before it was gradually imported into sections of Europe during the 18th century.
From round to square, placed around three walls of the room and then moving to the centre of the room where it is most commonly seen today, the Ottoman has seen many different eras and trends, yet stool the test of time. Fashions of the foot stool itself have also changed… Piping and stitching details and deep buttoning styles are most common but new and innovative shapes and decorative finishes of the Ottoman are always popping up.
Culture makes a huge difference to the day-to-day use of the Ottoman in the family environment. In the Ottoman Empire, the piece was used as a main area of seating for the home, set low with lots of plush cushions. When set higher, large pieces where stretched around three walls, often with storage placed underneath. Eventually, this was adapted to a padded style that surrounded a pole or feature towards the centre of the room.
Although the Ottoman and Foot Stool are often referred to as one and the same, they are identifiable as unique objects depending on whether the item has hinges or not – if it does than it is technically an Ottoman. This is the style that you will usually find in either circle or square (oval or rectangle) and act as an additional feature to a living space, at the end of a bed as storage (often matching the upholstery of the room or bed itself), or a hall way accessory; in place of a bench – providing both storage and seating.
Overall, whatever you choose to call it; the Ottoman stool or the Foot Stool, both are often as part of the family as a storage unit or dining table. And whether it is extra storage, seating or simply decor, there are many useful opportunities to use this lasting piece.
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