Blog of NYC Bed

Ottoman is a really old resident in the world of soft furniture. As it is possible to guess by its name the word ‘ottoman’ came from the French word ‘ottomane’ which implies the name of progenitor of rulers of Turkey. Ottomans came to European interiors from the countries of East in XVIII or in the beginning of XIX century when Turkish luxury and magnificence came into fashion in high society of France. Initially the French sofa ottoman repeated completely the traditional soft Turkish sofa: that was quite wide and soft couch on the low legs, without back but with many soft pillows and bolsters. The finish of ottoman also reminded about East: it was upholstered with velvet, covered with Persian carpets, decorated with rich tassels, gold and decorative embroideries.

Having ottoman in the interior of the study, salon or “smoking room” was considered the sign of ultrafashionable lifestyle of the host. One usually was lying or sitting on it in home “Turkish” dressing gown with hookah or bulldog, having guests or creating – in general, spending the most pleasant moments of life.

Gradually ottoman began to undergo some changes and nowadays it has more variants of appearance than in those old days. Today this is a small sofa with small pillows reminiscent of its other relatives – sofa and pouffe. However in contrast to them ottoman has one important advantage – multifunctionality. Owing to the simple but functional construction it is possible to use it successfully as a case for keeping bedding during the day, for example.

Ottoman can replace a cozy armchair as its size is more than pouffe and the pillows allow forming a comfortable “back”. Ottomans often have the round form that allows their hosts to use them even instead of coffee tables. Such models are often included in the collection of expensive designer furniture and serve as a wonderful decoration of any interior.

Exactly the multiply variants of using made ottomans to be favorite elements of interior of small-sized apartments where it is necessary to combine living room, bedroom and study at the same time in one placement. Moreover it is quite simple to take care after this kind of furniture: the designers often provide the possibility of changing covers in their models, upholster them with natural leather or even make of rattan, so you will be able to keep your ottoman in appropriate look.

Resuming it is possible to notice that in spite of many centuries of existing ottoman is still actual and one of the favorite elements of furniture in many homes. It will be appropriate both in surrounding of classic furniture and in room in ethnic style and of course in the modern interior.