An ottoman is a type of low, round or square upholstered seat or table that can be used as an additional seating option in a room. It often features cushioned padding and a hinged lid for storage space. Ottomans are typically used to provide extra seating when needed, such as during social gatherings or family events, but they also serve other purposes like footrests, coffee tables, or even as additional storage spaces in the home. The word "ottoman" is derived from the name of the Turkish city of Ottoman (now called Istanbul), which was a major center for furniture production during the 18th and 19th centuries.