The origins of the term "ottoman" to describe a particular style of footstool are subject much debate with some commentators pointing to Napoleon Bonaparte's exploits around the Mediterranean, others as a direct export of Turkish influence in Europe. The "Napoleonic" view sees to the term 'ottoman' entering common parlance as a style of footrest made popular in France towards the end of the Eighteenth Century. When the French invaded Egypt they found the locals popularising a style of footstool - Egypt at the time was still part of the Ottoman Empire and its people were subject to many acts of brutality and endured many forms of punishment. Footstools were developed to rest weary and tortured feet and when the French returned home, they took with them the influences and styles of furniture they had seen their travels. The French foot rests became popular in Europe and were given the name "ottoman" in tribute to its origin.Others were influenced directly from their visits to parts of the Ottoman Empire. Travellers returning to Western Europe from the Balkans and Greece saw evidence of Turkish furniture styles at mosques and palaces and the name was introduced into the English language in the late 1780's.
The generic term "Ottoman" referred to a footstool or a low upholstered seat completely covered by fabric. The first wooden ottomans had no legs sitting directly on the floor being constructed in box form with storage space under the seat with a non fixed lid. Later ottomans were fitted with hinges to regulate the uplifting lid. They also came in a variety of sizes and shapes.
Modern day designs can be both functional or luxurious, with stunning upholstered fabrics and leathers. They are found in almost every room in the house having been large receptacles of blankets and bedding in the grand Victorian houses of the late Nineteenth Century. Nowadays they are most commonly found in the bedroom as useful storage footstools of sheets and bedding, in bathrooms as taller, narrower units associated as receptacles of dirty linen and clothes or in living rooms as pieces in which to store papers and magazines. Their versatility is such that they are often the centrepiece of a modern sitting room, not only offering valuable storage space but acting as coffee tables, or as large tablestools upon which weary legs may be rested!
Sunday 31 January 2010
Sunday 24 January 2010
Footstools and Ottomans in Europe and the United States
The history of Footstools and Ottomans in Europe can be traced back to before the start 17th Century when the vast palaces of Europe were first decorated in new styles incorporating comfort, design and the latest fashions from abroad. A new breed of interior designer emerged as the "style guru" of the day and word spread that the latest must have furnishing accessories included foot stools and ottomans. The etymology of the term “ottoman” was at first a description of a “footstool”.
While simpler wooden footstools were much in use earlier in Europe, specifically during the time of the Tudors in England, the upholstered ottoman footstool gained prominance during the reign of the "Sun King", Louis 14th of France. His vast estates, which included the incomparable Palace of Versailles near Paris, were showpieces for the latest furniture, art and design. European nobility were much influenced by French tastes and replicated much of what they saw when they returned home from trips to France. The Habsburgs decorated many of their palaces in the French style and the Hanovarian Kings were so impressed that they effected complete "make - overs" at their castles and palaces in both England and Germany.
Later in the Eighteenth Century, footstools began to be found in a "reclined" position with legs placed "up" on the stool. This position was associated with the Middle East, being the preferred style of the Ottomans who then ruled much of Eastern Europe. Some commentators think the word "ottoman" was derived from the Balkans which was under Ottoman influence at the time. Others attribute it to courtiers in France who on returning from trips to Ottoman controlled countries furnished their palaces in styles of the east and the phrase "ottoman" became
shorthand for "footstool".
Footstools and Ottomans thus became the must have furniture accessory for the wealthy of Europe in the 18th century, and became increasingly popular in the United States with succesive waves of European immigration in the 19th Century. The European influence on furniture cannot be understated as French dominated furniture design was quickly adopted by increasingly affluent Americans. Most of the high-end designs were upholstered in leather or fabrics sourced from upmarket European weavers. When a burgeoning textile industry began to emerge in the United States by the middle of the Nineteenth Century furniture makers became less relient on European influences and an American furniture identity began to emerge on its own. This typically featured intricate stitching and designs such as nail heads or buttons. Footstools and Ottomans typically had matching chairs and as time progressed they evolved to become part of sofa and suite designs or as standalone pieces.
The author has over 20 years experience running companies involved in furnishing fabrics and furniture manufacturing and has recently been specialising in company start ups.
While simpler wooden footstools were much in use earlier in Europe, specifically during the time of the Tudors in England, the upholstered ottoman footstool gained prominance during the reign of the "Sun King", Louis 14th of France. His vast estates, which included the incomparable Palace of Versailles near Paris, were showpieces for the latest furniture, art and design. European nobility were much influenced by French tastes and replicated much of what they saw when they returned home from trips to France. The Habsburgs decorated many of their palaces in the French style and the Hanovarian Kings were so impressed that they effected complete "make - overs" at their castles and palaces in both England and Germany.
Later in the Eighteenth Century, footstools began to be found in a "reclined" position with legs placed "up" on the stool. This position was associated with the Middle East, being the preferred style of the Ottomans who then ruled much of Eastern Europe. Some commentators think the word "ottoman" was derived from the Balkans which was under Ottoman influence at the time. Others attribute it to courtiers in France who on returning from trips to Ottoman controlled countries furnished their palaces in styles of the east and the phrase "ottoman" became
shorthand for "footstool".
Footstools and Ottomans thus became the must have furniture accessory for the wealthy of Europe in the 18th century, and became increasingly popular in the United States with succesive waves of European immigration in the 19th Century. The European influence on furniture cannot be understated as French dominated furniture design was quickly adopted by increasingly affluent Americans. Most of the high-end designs were upholstered in leather or fabrics sourced from upmarket European weavers. When a burgeoning textile industry began to emerge in the United States by the middle of the Nineteenth Century furniture makers became less relient on European influences and an American furniture identity began to emerge on its own. This typically featured intricate stitching and designs such as nail heads or buttons. Footstools and Ottomans typically had matching chairs and as time progressed they evolved to become part of sofa and suite designs or as standalone pieces.
The author has over 20 years experience running companies involved in furnishing fabrics and furniture manufacturing and has recently been specialising in company start ups.
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