Esedra ottoman by Poltrona Frau with internal birch plywood and solid beech structure, black lacquered scratch-resistant wood base, polyurethane foam padding, Pelle Frau® leather upholstery

Esedra | Ottoman

Monica Förster

The internal structure of the Esedra pouf is made from birch plywood and solid beech. The base is in wood lacquered with black scratch-resistant textured paint. The padding is in polyurethane foam and polyester wadding. The upholstery is in Pelle Frau® leather.  

Esedra | Ottoman

Monica Förster
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Visuals shown are for illustration purposes only. Actual finish and/or pattern may vary due to unique characteristics of natural raw materials

Ottoman model

Upholstery Info

Concept and Design

When designing the Esedra pouf Monica Förster took her inspiration from the large circular woven straw forms typical of Lapp handicrafts. The result is an inviting disk-shaped pouf of natural simplicity. Large, slightly overlapping segments create a refined decorative effect. The particular workmanship develops from the centre of the seat, which becomes the heart of a striking sunray effect.  

monica forster
Designed by
Monica Förster

Her work can be easily recognised by her marked ability to blend clean-cut shapes with a natural interest in new materials and technology.

Awards: Excellent Swedish Design, Design Plus in Germany, FutureDesignDays Award 2002 represented at the International Design Yearbook.

Coverings and finishes

Dimensions
01 esedra ottoman 5371516 pouf large
02 esedra ottoman 5PF0037100002 pouf medium
03 esedra ottoman 5PF0037100003 pouf medium with storage
04 esedra ottoman 5PF0037100001 pouf small
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The Esedra ottoman by Poltrona Frau, designed by Monica Förster, is a furnishing piece that combines functionality and visual impact in a remarkably balanced way. Its generous, welcoming circular shape is enhanced by an elegant pleated workmanship that radiates outward from the center, transforming the surface into a decorative element with a strong identity. It is the ideal choice for those seeking a sculptural pouf capable of furnishing a space even when not in use, adding an immediately noticeable visual quality to the living area.

 

In a living room, Esedra can become the focal point of a soft and inviting arrangement. Positioned at the center of a lounge area among sofas and armchairs, it perfectly fulfills the need for a multifunctional centerpiece: an informal seat for guests, a comfortable footrest, or a soft surface on which to place books, trays, or decorative objects when paired with a rigid support. This versatility makes it particularly appealing in homes where a fluid, elegant environment is desired—one that can easily adapt to different moments throughout the day.

 

Thanks to its generous proportions, the Esedra ottoman is especially suitable for those who wish to fill a spacious area intelligently without weighing it down with rigid volumes. In open-plan interiors, formal living rooms, or spaces featuring large rugs and carefully distributed furnishings, its circular form helps create a softer, more welcoming gathering point, encouraging a more natural and less formal arrangement for conversation.

 

The craftsmanship of its surface also makes it an ideal solution for those seeking a strong yet refined textural accent. Leather highlights the depth and character of the pleated design, interacting beautifully with materials such as marble, dark wood, brass, burnished metals, and richly textured fabrics. In neutral interiors, Esedra can introduce depth and rhythm; in more layered environments, it helps organize the composition through its pure and easily recognizable form.

 

In a bedroom or luxury suite, the Esedra ottoman can be placed at the foot of the bed, in a spacious walk-in closet, or within a dedicated relaxation corner. In these settings, it responds to the desire for a substantial yet informal seating element, useful for sitting, dressing, or simply enhancing the room with a piece of understated yet distinctive luxury. Its rounded form softens the space and contributes to a greater sense of comfort and hospitality.

 

Esedra also finds a natural place in hospitality and contract environments. In boutique hotels, lounges, private waiting areas, and showrooms, it offers an elegant and unconventional additional seating option capable of making a space more memorable. Its presence immediately communicates a commitment to formal research, material quality, and tactile experience. For this reason, it is particularly well suited to settings where design plays an active role in shaping the overall guest or customer experience.

 

From a practical perspective, Esedra perfectly embodies the contemporary desire for hybrid furnishings that serve more than a single purpose. It can function as a pouf, an ottoman, an extra seat, or a central element that organizes an entire lounge area. It is therefore an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile, substantial, and highly decorative piece capable of elevating an interior project without introducing visual rigidity.

 

The Esedra ottoman is ideal for spaces where the goal is to create a sense of sophisticated comfort, defined by soft surfaces, enveloping forms, and details that reveal themselves over time. It is a furnishing element that does not remain in the background but actively contributes to shaping the atmosphere, style, and overall experience of living within a space.