Ottomans are large, padded, fabric-covered stools designed to relieve pressure from the feet.
An ottoman, a footstool, and a cushion are terms that refer to furniture, that is, the kind that a person can rest their feet on. While they are closely related and often used interchangeably, there are significant differences between these footrest variations. The size, the style and the substances used are factors that differentiate the pillow, the pouf and the stool.
To better understand the fundamental variations in these common furniture types, it is best to describe each one individually. A stool is a very general category of furniture and many items can fall into this category. The purpose of a stool is to support a person’s feet, usually while they are sitting. Traditionally, a stool is made of wood and is simple in nature; however, increasingly ornate versions can be found, as well as made up of many different materials. Both the pouf and the cushion are located under the umbrella of the stool, so they can be considered niche versions of the stools.
While footstools cover a wide variety of objects used to relieve foot pressure, ottomans and pillows are specialized types. The pouf is usually a large padded bench that is also usually covered in fabric. One of the characteristics that define this piece of furniture is its ability to store things inside. The word pouf itself was generated from its identical French version, first introduced into the English vocabulary in 1806. The French term denotes a type of fabric, perhaps providing the reason why an ottoman always has a fabric covering. .
A cushion, like an ottoman, is lined with fabric. Traditionally, the coverage of a cushion is so extensive that no legs or frames are visible, unlike an ottoman. Another difference between a cushion and an armchair is that an armchair usually has a central space available for storage, while a cushion does not. Without the storage feature, cushions tend to be smaller than beanbags. Other names for this type of furniture are tuffet and ottoman.
While these three common types of furniture are somewhat interchangeable, the variations are obvious. Each piece is unique in form and function. And each one is available in nearly limitless colors, patterns, and shapes. They all have functions of comfort and style, and it is up to the buyer to determine what aesthetic and functional qualities they want in their furniture.
