What is the Difference Between Ottoman Footstool and Hassock

The main difference between ottoman footstool and hassock is their design and function. Ottoman is a low upholstered seat without a back or arms while footstool is a low stool for resting the feet on when sitting, and hassock is a low stool or a padded cushion that serves as a leg rest or a seat.

Footstool is an umbrella term, under which both ottomans and hassocks fall. We usually use the name footstool to refer to plain, wooden footstools that don’t have upholstery. Stools with upholstery have different names, such as pouffe, ottoman, and hassock. These differ from each other according to their function and design.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is an Ottoman
     – Definition, Design, Function
2. What is a Footstool
     – Definition, Design, Function
3.What is a Hassock
     – Definition, Design, Function
4. Relationship Between Ottoman Footstool and Hassock
      – Outline of Common Features
5. What is the Difference Between Ottoman Footstool and Hassock
    – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Ottoman, Footstool, Hassock

What is an Ottoman

Ottoman is a low upholstered seat without a back or arms. It is often used as a footstool or a tool. Some also use ottomans as coffee tables or side tables. The main feature of ottomans that differentiates it from other footstools is their storage space. Ottomans are hollow, so there is storage space inside the cushion.

Most ottomans have wooden legs, and these are not covered by fabric. Moreover, furniture shops usually sell ottomans with the corresponding furniture – for example, armchairs or gliders. You can use ottomans in any room, including the living room, family room, bedroom and gaming room.

Interestingly, we can trace the history of ottomans to the Ottoman Empire. In the Ottoman Empire, it was used as a low wooden platform that was intended to be covered with cushions. It was in the late 18^th century that this furniture style was introduced to Europe.

What is a Footstool

A footstool, also known as a footrest, is a low stool for resting the feet on when sitting. The main function of a footstool is to support a person’s feet. Footstool is an umbrella term, and both ottomans and hassocks fall under footstools.

Footstools were traditionally made of wood and had very simple designs. These had no upholstery. However, there are more ornate footstools in different materials. Ottomans, pouffes, and hassocks are footstools with upholstery.

What is a Hassock

Hassock refers to a low stool or a padded cushion that serves as a leg rest or a seat. Hassocks are footstools with upholstery. Unlike ottomans, hassocks have no storage space. They can be large or small in size. However, they are usually smaller than ottomans and are round in shape. Hassocks often do not have legs; even if they do have legs, they are completely covered in fabric. Therefore, they usually look like a large cushion.

Hassock can also refer to a cushion for kneeling. People often use them in churches to kneel on them while in prayer.

Relationship Between Ottoman Footstool and Hassock

• A footstool is an umbrella term, under which both ottomans and hassocks fall.

Difference Between Ottoman Footstool and Hassock

Definition

Ottoman is a low upholstered seat without a back or arms while footstool is a low stool for resting the feet on when sitting, and hassock is a low stool or a padded cushion that serves as a leg rest or a seat.

Upholstery

While ottomans and hassocks are upholstered, footstools may or may not be upholstered.

Function

Ottomans can serve as a footstool, stool, or a coffee table while hassocks serve as a low seat, footrest or a cushion for prayer. The main function of footstools is resting the feet on when sitting.

Storage

Ottomans are hollow inside and thus have storage space. All other types of footrests, including hassocks, do not provide storage space.

Conclusion

Ottoman is a low upholstered seat without a back or arms while footstool is a low stool for resting the feet on when sitting, and hassock is a low stool or a padded cushion that serves as a leg rest or a seat. Therefore, the main difference between ottoman footstool and hassock is their design and function.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Pouffe, ottoman, white, furniture, soft, white background, interior, beautiful, style” (CC0) via Pikist
2. “Footstool MET 193248” By Creator:John A. Ellis and Company – (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia
3. “608009” (CC0) via Pxhere