The ottoman is known for being the ultimate accessory in any living space. With the many styles, sizes, and coverings these days, a homeowner to a designer can go to town on designing around a unique chair and ottoman combination. The simple definition of the ottoman is a low box on which to rest feet, a low bench or couch, or a storage box. The ottoman history got its name from the multi-ethnic Ottoman Empire that included North African, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean regions of the world. Furniture for sitting and resting feet often boasted the same small designs. The French invaded the Ottoman Empire in the 18th Century referring to a footstool-type furnishings that were taken from the Empire as Ottoman furniture. It is believed that ottomans were taken on the long journey west to rest aching feet. It is still used today the same way!
The evolution of the 300+ year old ottoman first became popular in Eastern Europe. Once families began to head east to the U.S., American manufacturers quickly copied the ottoman concept. However, the new American manufacturers started adding flair, style, and shape to popular ottoman. Over three centuries of the ottoman evolution has created the standard square ottoman, stylish round ottoman, the over-size rectangular ottoman, and the custom/padded ottomans all making them a very functional part of new designs in multiple living room setting around the world. Just in the past 20+ years, manufacturers has taken the ottoman designs to a new level by making ottoman with removable tops, underneath shelves, and secret compartments - all great for space savings/storage for the homeowner. With the new innovative ottoman designs that are being produced today, ottomans are now considered stand-alone pieces of furniture for living rooms, offices, family rooms, and bedrooms.
The special designer touches that have included ottomans as of late is the coverings being used. Yes, leather ottomans have always been the most popular but new coverings such as Sunbrella solution dyed acrylic fabric, custom ottoman cubes, and even powder coated aluminum ottomans draped with silk. It seems the designs as of late are endless when it comes to the innovative designs of the "new" ottomans. The various tones and hands of leather have been incorporated in many leather ottoman designs.
For homes where children and pets dominate, a more durable ottoman cover may be required. Rest assured, you will have plenty of options. Plain/painted/stained wood and upholstered ottomans blend or tastefully contrast with existing furnishings and decors, making ottomans functional accent pieces in every "durability required" environment.
For the upscale designer look, ottomans are now made with tufted and overstuffed fill creating a very comfortable seating option. There are ottomans that expand from a standard square shape to offer extended space and functionality options no matter where you choose to place your ottoman.
