According to popular belief, the name ottoman and the item of furniture it describes came to us from the Orient, via the French at the beginning of the nineteenth century. The name in French also denotes fabric and ottomans are traditionally covered in fabric so that the base is not visible. It is a type of footstool that might have been originally designed in Egypt (then still part of the Ottoman Empire) near the end of the eighteenth century and brought back to Europe after the French invasion.
The name ottoman has been retained in English, perhaps in tribute to its origins, but as the English are never satisfied with one word when they can have ten, these items of furniture are also variously known as footstools, hassocks, pouffes or tuffets (As in the nursery rhyme: 'Little Miss Muffet sat on her tuffet'). These pieces are distinguished from stools by being completely covered in padding and fabric so that the legs are not visible. In fact the name 'pouffe' means 'something puffed out' in French, to denote the style of this little seat or footrest. Most of these furniture pieces have a box-like construction and can be used for storage, with larger ottomans popularly being used as blanket boxes. The smaller ones have a cushioned top for added comfort as a low seat or footrest.
The earliest ottomans had no legs and sat directly on the floor. The lid of the box could be lifted away from it completely, but later on hinges were added to the lid as well as short, sturdy legs. As tastes and fashions changed they were constructed in different sizes and designs to suit different purposes. The larger ones could be ornately carved and sit at the end of the bed in Victorian bedchambers, for the purposes of storing blankets and bedding, while taller, but narrower ones might be found in bathrooms to hold dirty linens and clothing.
The chair and ottoman is now a popular sight in the living room and comes in every imaginable style of design and upholstery, from sumptuous leather to silken fabrics. After a hard day's work, what can be more relaxing than to sink into your favourite armchair and put your feet up on your ottoman footstool? Taller ottomans can sit comfortably by the side of the chair or in any other part of the room to store papers, DVDs or any other accouterments of modern living. They are also useful as an extra seat at table for those occasions, which have happened to most of us at some time or other, when guests outweigh available seating. In fact, in the dining room, ottomans can make useful storage spaces for your less valuable glasses or cheap dining sets when other storage space is at a premium.
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