Based out of Kitchener, Ontario, Reiner’s Originals is a company that creates beautiful animal-shaped ottomans from quality leather.
Each piece is individually designed and crafted, as well as hand cut, hand sewn and hand built, making them unique and special.
Photo courtesy of CraftHackers
While at the CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) this past summer, I noticed that Reiner’s Originals had a booth set up in one of the buildings. I was intrigued, so decided to pay them a visit and after exploring their collection, I fell in love with the aesthetic of their pieces. Finding out that they were from Ontario was even cooler!
I discovered that the history of this Canadian company is quite interesting; it all started with a man named Reiner Henneveld who was born in Germany in 1939 and worked in the garment and manufacturing industries as a youth. Upon moving to Canada with his brother when Reiner was 21, they created “Canadian Handicraft and Furs”. This business was centered on making leather products in the form of clothing and accessories.
Photo courtesy of Reiners.ca
So how did these animal ottomans come to be? Reiner began to create leather animal souvenirs for tourists. Everyone seemed to love these and they became quite popular. When Reiner and his family relocated to Ontario, he made his first ottoman in the shape of a pig – and the rest was history!
Reiner had two sons, and over the years the business has been carried on by the family. Although Reiner’s Originals has since expanded, the quality has never been compromised, as this was always something important to Reiner. The company itself has a saying “quality or nothing”. Each ottoman is individually created and fully hand-made, making them all a little different.
Photo courtesy of Reiners Originals
There are many animals you can choose from, including bears, bulldogs, horses, cows, elephants, and more. Even some Canadian favourites – like a moose!
Photo courtesy of Reiners.ca
All their ottomans are made with 100 percent quality leather, and they come in different colours to match any living space.
I think these pieces can add a personal touch to any home. I would love to have a couple of these in my living room while relaxing by the fireplace during winter and putting my feet up. There are plenty of other functional ways to use your ottoman as well, such as using it as a foot stool!
Photo courtesy of Signatures.ca
An animal ottoman from Reiner’s would also make a great gift with the holidays coming up, or even as a housewarming present!
Reiner’s Originals has store locations across Ontario where you can shop, with one in Toronto, Blue Mountain Village, and Niagara on the Lake. You can also purchase these animal ottomans online at Reiner’s Originals, if you’re located in Canada, on Reiners.ca
Photo courtesy of Reiners.ca
This Ontario company offers a product that is definitely one-of-a-kind. I love these ottomans, and I think the fact that they’re hand-made with such quality leather is extra special. One or two of these are definitely going on my wish list… I think my personal favourites are the bear and the cow.
To learn more about these fun pieces, visit ReinersOriginals.com or Reiners.ca.
If you liked this piece, check out these articles on canadianrealestatehousingandhome.ca featuring other Canadian products:
FIberglass Design By Cascadia Windows In British Columbia
Arisan Woods Home Decor In Grimsby, Ontario
Relove Furniture Design In Halifax, Nova Scotia
Non-Intrusive Lighting By Toronto’s Fishtnk Design Factory
Researched and Written by Kara Scerri, Graduate from York University, and Sheridan College, Ontario
