Step into any stylish home or office, and you’re likely to find an ottoman – an iconic piece that has transcended centuries of design evolution. Originating from the Ottoman Empire in modern-day Turkey, these versatile furnishings made their European debut in the late 18th century, captivating high society with their elegant charm.
Fast forward 300 years, and they’re still as fashionable as ever.
An ottoman is typically a circular padded seat with no backrest that can be used for many different purposes. Back in the 18th century, they were stacked with cushions in the corner of a room, but in modern times, they have evolved to become the centrepiece of living rooms, rest areas, waiting rooms, and workplace breakout spaces.
In this article, we’ll explore how ottomans have stood the test of time and become a mainstay in homes and workplaces across the globe.
Multi-functional ottomans
Ottomans have been popular throughout the centuries for their versatility. Whether at the foot of a bed, beside a sofa, or in an office environment, they are loved for their adaptability.
As modern workplaces embrace multifunctional furniture, extra comfort, and different seating options, the ottoman is increasingly at home in workplaces. They can be used as an extra seat, a footrest, an alternative coffee table, or even additional storage when made hollow.
Konfurb Gem ottomans available to pull up for a casual seat, footrest or table.
Space optimisation
Compact and easily movable, an ottoman is the ultimate all-rounder. They can be neatly tucked away when not in use or moved to the middle of a room to provide extra seating, storage or footrest capacity.
This portability makes them ideal for smaller spaces, such as office breakout spaces and living rooms. Their relatively small size means they can blend into any design aesthetic.
Social seating
Ottomans inspire collaboration and socialisation, making them perfect for workplace social areas. They can be clustered together to create an informal seating arrangement or put next to a sofa as an extra chair.
Their versatility makes them an ideal partner for social areas and relaxation spaces, whether at home or in the office. For those who want peace and quiet, ottomans can also be tucked away in the corner to make a cosy reading space.
Konfurb Gem ottomans create a casual social area that’s easy to reconfigure for other purposes.
Reception and waiting areas
Ottomans can introduce a fresh dimension to reception and waiting areas by softening the typically formal environment and offering a resimercial touch—a blend of residential and commercial design. Their ability to break away from traditional seating structures creates a more relaxed and homely atmosphere, encouraging people to feel more at ease. Ottomans also offer flexible seating options that invite spontaneous use, whether for a quick sit-down or an informal conversation. This balance between style, functionality, and ease is perfect for creating a welcoming, yet sophisticated, space that supports modern workplace wellness trends.
A Queensland Healthcare Facility (pictured below) recently chose the Konfurb Gem ottomans to create a warm and inviting space.
Ottoman design inspiration
Ottomans are highly customisable, coming in various shapes, sizes, colours, and fabrics. At Buro, our ottomans can be tailored with fabrics from our partners, such as Warwick, and At Work* with Camira, making your furniture piece truly unique.
The Konfurb collection of ottomans includes the Konfurb Gem, a gem-shaped seat crafted with high-density foam for maximum comfort and durability. The Konfurb Gem series is perfect for collaboration spaces and comes in three sizes. Plastic glides make it simple to move around any environment.
The Konfurb Gem can be upholstered in one of our Konfurb fabric ranges to or choose a custom fabric for local upholstery.
The Konfurb Arco series is an agile, modular seating system featuring five individual pieces, including two ottomans, that can be arranged in a wide variety of configurations. Upholster in one of our Konfurb fabric ranges or choose a custom fabric for local upholstery.
The Buro York ottoman range is modular office soft seating with three geometric shapes that can be placed together or kept separate, making it a great addition to learning spaces and work environments.
The Konfurb Halo ottomans are a series of three soft seating collaborative circle shapes. Like the rest of our ottomans, the Konfurb Halo ottomans are durable, functional, and portable.
Ready to embrace multi-functional modular furniture and make your workplace more comfortable?
Check out our complete range of office seating options.
