If I had to choose one item for the home that is widely underused and sadly under-appreciated, I’d be hard pressed to find a better candidate than the humble ottoman. In a category all by itself this versatile item is both a stylish enough to make a statement and practical enough to serve nearly every room in the house. If you’re living in a small space, little else provides such flexibility.

The versatile bench can be called into service as a footstool, an end table, or a generously over-scaled coffee table. The right ottoman provides affordable impact just where you need it.

It’s widely believed that the term “Ottoman” comes from the late 18th century when the Ottomans as a people were invaded by the French. The assault included physical punishment in the form of “pain walks” (loosely translated). The Ottoman people soon thereafter fashioned footstools out of necessity; to rest their aching feet. The footstools caught on throughout Europe and the term ‘Ottoman’ was coined in tribute to its origin.

Ottomans come in a variety of shapes, sizes and price points. I’ll bet somewhere in your home, there’s a spot just waiting for the right ottoman. Perhaps it’s time for you to sit back, relax and put your feet up.

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Trackback from your own site.