The Ottoman Footstool and How it Became Popular in the UK

Mention the word Ottoman and one thinks of the Turks and the mighty Ottoman Empire. The humble ottoman footstool, so commonplace in British homes, has its genes in the ottoman furniture style that made its way from Turkey to Europe and onwards to the British Isles sometime around the 18^th century.

In their early iterations the Ottomans were seating furniture with plenty of cushions. Larger rooms would have two sides occupied by this type of furniture, forming an “L” shape for guests to sit and relax or even sleep on. They were more functional than beautiful. One could welcome a number of guests and if they stayed overnight, well, they could flop down on the ottomans and sleep like logs instead of being curled uncomfortably in couches.

When one refers to ottomans, one can talk about a folding type bed with a hinged top or a footstool. One of the avatars of the ottoman is a footstool with a cushion and four beautifully carved legs. One could use it as a footstool or a fireside seat or a pillow if you so felt inclined.  The design underwent mutations in the UK and one can buy a variety of ottoman footstools in various styles with typical British design overtones. It has become so commonplace that some people use the term “ottoman” and “footstool” interchangeably to mean one and the same thing.

If you belong to this category, you will find large ottomans and black ottomans in a range of fabrics and leather coverings, with or without exposed legs; with or without a hinged top and also shapes in square or round types to suit your taste. The ottoman is to your furniture what a puppy would be to your family: always there for you, endearing and useful as well as a source of comfort for poor, sore, tired feet. When you do buy an ottoman or a couple of them, make sure they have a nice flat top so that they can also double as coffee tables.

 Choose a nicely upholstered type in just the right height so you can stretch out and let your feet sink into the pampering softness of the cushion. Bespoke ottomans from footstoolsandmore.co.uk will be the perfect complement for your home: multi-functional and yet discreet companions who give but never ask for anything in return. Maybe you can clean them once in a while.

Ottoman is a Vital Piece of Beautiful and Functional Furniture

After a long and tiring day, all that you want to do is stretch out comfortably on your sofa. Your feet deserve rest, and for that would you choose a pouffe, a hassock or an ottoman to give your poor feet the much desired pampering?

Pouffe

Pouffes can be delightful and feel cushiony underneath your feet. Cylindrical or cubed these nifty items of furniture not only give rest to your feet but they can also serve as tabletops. However, most pouffes are enclosed on all sides and have limited functionality.

Hassock

The good old hassock will also serve the purpose of giving rest to your feet. Mainly used as a knee support while praying the hassock can be used as a footrest. However, there are better alternatives and an ottoman footstool is one that you should seriously consider for beauty and functionality in your home. 

Ottoman footstool

The original Ottoman is of Turkish origin and has a wooden box frame with wooden legs covered with a cushioned top. It made its way to Europe and mutated in the process by undergoing changes in the shape and style. From being a simple footrest it has evolved into becoming a storage space as well while taking on overtones of European styles. You could pick a small sized one to serve as a footstool but why stick to small? Think of a delightful large ottoman covered in luxurious velvet on all sides with a buttoned cushion at the top. The top is hinged and opens up to reveal a large storage space underneath in order to keep all those little things hidden away instead of littering your living space. You could pick a fabric covered ottoman or leather covered one with ornate period legs or castors to help you roll it wherever you want to place it.

Of all colours and fabric textures available, the black ottoman deserves special mention due to its unique styling and looks. With plain black finished wooden sides, a hinged top in black buttoned and cushioned leather with elegant white trimmed feet, this is as classy as it gets. You can get a small, medium or large sized one or have it made to order. Use it as a footrest and feel like a Pasha. Between the pouffe, hassock and the ottoman, the last is undoubtedly the one to give form and functionality in an aesthetic package.

Top 4 Simple Tips To Get Right Footstool For The House

Footstools can add aesthetic appeal to any space whether big or small. When you are purchasing a footstool, make sure to get a strong one with double seating which proves to be practically comfortable when reading books or when gossiping with family. When we look back, the ottoman footstool comes from 17^th or 18^th century and was a common item found in the Turkish homes. It was supposed to be the traditional furniture used in Turkey. However, with change in times the furniture gained popularity in London, Paris and other countries. 

If you step out into the market to purchase any large ottoman footstools, you will be surprised as well as puzzled looking at so many varieties. Some of the common styles found are from the British style or the handmade ones, which can look perfect in living rooms, bedrooms, or even in outdoor spaces of the house.

Choosing a perfect footstool for home

Let us check out some easy ways following which, you can end up with the perfect footstool. You can give a quick reading below.

Tip #1: Style to pick up

It is completely your decision to pick up something which matches the interior of your space. If your home has a classic appeal then you can go for pretty classic fashioned footstool with styled legs. On the contrary, you can choose black ottoman footstool if you have modern and chic interiors. Another modern option is to go for storage stools to stuff in with anything you want to hide.

Tip #2: Fabric holds importance

No other design can beat the floral pattern. There are many varieties again under floral, which you can opt for. Choose any soft fabric; it can be velvet or anything else as per your preferences. You can find many options to suit your budget as well as your style.

Tip #3: Height of the stool

People usually overlook this aspect. Make sure to choose such a footstool, on which you can comfortably keep your legs up and folded. Do not buy until you are comfortable with it as this furniture is not just for decor purpose, it should be practically fit as well.

Tip #4: Look online

If you want to check out more and more options then hop on any popular furniture website online and keep browsing for new trends.

Keep the above-mentioned tips in mind and get the perfect footstool for your home!

Few Reasons to Opt for Ottomans and Footstools

Comfort and health are important for all individuals, wherever you are. A living room can be made more comfortable and also look good if you decide on opting for an ottoman or a foot stool. These are beneficial in more than one way and work out as an ‘essential’ for your living space. The popularity of these seems to be increasing as the realization of their benefits has set in people’s mind. A wee bit of expenditure and you are provided with the required comfort. 

As you have a wide range of options available in footstools and ottoman, it is easy to choose one which can blend well with your interiors and also add to the comfort. You can choose between the different shapes, like the round, square or rectangular and also the different colours like the black ottoman, ottoman footstools or probably the large ottoman. You have choices in the materials also. 

1. Ottomans or footstools work ideal for sitting space required in a home. When not in use, these can be pushed against a wall and used as cushions and backrests. In short, these can provide versatility in the seating arrangement. 

2. Footstools, benches and ottomans work well as storage spaces if you opt for the one, which caters to this requirement. These can give a clean look to your room without any clutter. These can work well also in the bedroom. You should make a choice in accordance to the space available so that they do not look awkward and out of place. 

3. The different shapes and sizes make these foot stools and ottomans ‘fun’ shopping and also tend to increase the visual appeal of your home. As these are portable, you can carry them and place them wherever suitable. 

4. Using these as coffee tables is another benefit. In other words, these work out multi functional and serve more than one purpose. With the changing times, you find that footstools and ottomans can be bought in large sizes to accommodate these as coffee tables. 

These days you have ottomans and footstools, which tend to be the focal point of any room. The designs and styles being attractive can blend well with any room you opt to place these in. Choosing an oversized ottoman gives you the privilege of using them as a lounge where you can relax.