An ottoman is a padded and upholstered versatile piece of home furniture that can have a back or not. They were introduced in Europe back in the 18th Century from Turkey. They have multiple functions but were mainly designed to serve as a footrest or stool. They are also known as a pouffe or hassock in some of the European countries.

Ottomans have multiple functions. Ottomans are now enjoying a comeback and are gaining popularity as a multipurpose piece of home furniture. An ottoman can be used as a coffee table or for extra seating. Ottomans are even sold as an optional part of a sectional. The latest trend is to use ottomans as coffee tables. This works great by minimizing the injuries caused by running into the coffee table! The newer style ottomans are larger and can be used in place of a love seat.

As far as styles go, ottomans with their versatility can be used in a formal or casual setting. Storage Ottomans are hollow inside and usually found in the family rooms or living rooms. These ottomans can be sued to store blankets for over night guests or magazines that still need to be read. In the bathroom, a storage ottoman can double as a seating place, for when you need to take off your bedroom slippers, or just to sit and relax. They can also double as a hidden place to store dirty laundry. Not only are Ottomans suitable for home furniture but they are small and versatile enough to be used for dorm room furnishing. For something completely different, try the new massaging ottoman. This ottoman massages your feet while you rest.

Ottomans as home furniture items are flexible in style and design. There are many different styles and types of ottomans available. They can easily be reupholstered to match your changing trends and styles. If reupholstering is not an option for you, ottomans can be covered with slip covers. This always provides you with the flexibility to choose from a vast array of fabric allowing you to find the fabric that best matches your home furniture d'cor style. Ottomans can also be custom designed to suit any style and design of choice.

Ottomans can be an affordable extra seating option. This piece of home furniture ranges from 100 dollars and up with some of the high end ottomans costing up to $1000 or more. If the price tag is too high for you, there are many plans and projects to make ottomans online. All you need is some plywood, fabric and some foam. An ottoman as a seat can be stored away under other pieces of home furniture like tables to be retrieved when needed. In small dorm rooms and apartments, ottomans can be used as a footrest, table and extra seat.

Next time you see an ottoman at a garage sale, consider purchasing this versatile piece of home furniture for home d'cor needs.