The Many Uses of Vintage Ottoman Footstools
A vintage ottoman footstool can be a great way to add some extra seating to your sitting room. With the many styles available on eBay, it's easy to find something unique for your space. Read on to find out more about retro ottoman footstools. The origins of ottoman furniture
Ottomans date back to the Ottoman Empire in Turkey, where a footstool was often placed under people's tired feet. It was named after its inventor, Osman I, and it became widespread rather quickly. In the Western world, the word "ottomane" (with an "e" at the end) was first used in France in 1729. What types of vintage and retro footstools are available?
Since its beginnings, the ottoman footstool has evolved considerably. You can find some that have the classic three legs and others that come legless and in a box-like design. Some footstools serve dual purposes, acting as both a storage container and a footstool. Finally, you can find some that serve simply as decoration. The uses of ottoman footstools
Ottomans and footstools don't just look nice; they also have quite a few benefits:
- Extra seating: Purchasing an extra sofa can take up a lot of room, but having a few ottomans scattered throughout your sitting room can really help with extra seating. These can be especially helpful if you're throwing a party.
- Hidden storage: Need somewhere to put your magazines, mail, or other odds and ends? Ottomans can be a great place to store little knickknacks that would otherwise make your room look messy or cluttered.
- Footrest: You can use a footstool or ottoman for its original purpose - to simply prop your feet up when they're tired.
- Use it for a tray or laptop: When you need an impromptu workplace, a hard-surface ottoman can be ideal. You can also place serving trays on them, serving your guests coffee, tea, cheese, or even desserts.
The beauty of ottomans and footstools is you can choose between a soft, lush surface or a hard surface. For those that serve as decorative pieces only, look for fancy artwork or patchwork designs in cover materials such as cotton, wool, or silk.
A rattan footstool or ottoman can easily double as a place to put your serving trays. If you want a traditional footrest, look for leather ottomans or soft, cotton padded ones.
If you want an ottoman that will be your workspace, get one that comes in all wood or all metal. You can even find one with wooden legs and a woven string surface.