Leather Ottomans

Leather Ottomans are great pieces of furniture to have around the house.

Leather ottomans are usually paired with either a matching chair or loveseat but can also be used as a stool, bench or even a low table.

Of the two varieties of leather ottomans, solid (American) or hollow (European), the hollow version is the one gaining the most popularity in recent years for its easy conversion into a storage device as well as an accent or foot rest.

The leather ottoman, like the coffee table, originated from the Turkish Ottoman Empire of the 17th century. They have also been referred to as a foot stool, hassock or pouf.

Most often leather ottomans are about knee high with 4 small feet and are finding a variety of uses in the modern home.

Leather itself is an amazing material. It is highly durable to tears and punctures but can be susceptible to scratches. Although it is only water resistant, it is a good protection from wet, cold, heat and wind. It is one of the few materials that gets softer as it ages and although it maintains its shape with use it none the less is able to stretch to mold and conform to your body's shape.

As a natural material, leather does require protection from direct sunlight which can fade and dry it causing premature cracking and aging of your leather ottoman. Similarly, don't place your leather ottoman near a heat source such as a furnace as it will prematurely dry out the leather and cause cracking.

When taking care of a leather ottoman be sure to blot up spills quickly with a white cloth using soda or distilled water (to prevent water stains - never use tap water). If a stain has soaked into your leather ottoman using lukewarm distilled water and massaging the stain and surrounding area will usually alleviate the stain. Always blot the wet area and then let it air dry naturally. When working on your leather ottoman, always use a chamois or sponge to prevent scratching the leather with the cleaning effort.

With good care and a few precautions, your leather ottoman (and other leather furniture) will be a beautiful and useful part of your home for years to come.