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Top 15 Best Pouf Ottoman Features, Reviews, and FAQs

Brandon Forder
  Apr 20, 2024 10:56 AM

For anyone who’s ever furnished a place large or small, you know that versatile furniture may be a designer’s best friend. So if you’re looking for the best poufs or ottomans to do it all—balance your beverages, your feet, or a guest, function as a workstation, or just add some visual interest to your living room—we’ve got some alternatives that’ll do just that. Read on for a handful of our favorite tiny yet mighty furniture pieces.


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Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API


Buying Guide

Shape

Due to the variety of ottomans and poufs, there are hundreds of shapes available. When it comes to choosing the proper shape ottoman or pouf, consider the function of the object. Some popular shapes include:

Round or Cylindrical

Round or cylindrical poufs and ottomans adapt well to a range of diverse styles and living space configurations. They can also add a point of contrast in a room that generally displays basic, clean lines. Still, they can also compliment more historically decorated spaces, such shabby chic or French country, because to the classic shape.

If you are picking between a round pouf or an ottoman, consider how the piece will function. If you plan on utilizing the item as a temporary side table, a rounder pouf won’t be able to support a tray, cup or book without tumbling over. However, a flat-topped slimline ottoman can carry your coffee cup or magazine securely.

Cube

Cube-shaped poufs and ottomans have experienced a notable growth in popularity over the years as they can be readily stacked or rearranged to fit your changing style and function needs. The top of many cube-shaped ottomans may be removed to provide storage space for things like periodicals, books, or throw rugs, and the ottoman can be turned on its side to function as a table.

Choose a cube ottoman or pouf if you have limited seating or living area as they are the most adaptable shape. Ottomans and poufs in a cube shape, whether upholstered or made of leather, are a great addition to a space with a contemporary, urban, or industrial aesthetic because they complement the sharp angles of the furniture. However, a multicolored fabric cube pouf would integrate nicely with boho or eclectic styles and might anchor the more organic shapes commonly employed in these types of décor.

Rectangle or Square

Both rectangle and square ottomans offer a traditional style that matches any décor depending on the fabric and color option. The flat surfaces of these ottomans make them suitable for usage as both a footstool and coffee table.

Rectangular ottomans feature an expansive shape that can fit numerous pairs of feet, making it excellent for couples, families, or people who love entertaining. They are also the perfect solution for narrow living areas since they allow for a better flow of traffic. Square-topped ottomans offer greater placement options, whether in front of an armchair or as the primary focus of the den.

Size

Choosing the size of your ottoman or pouf relies on the proportions of the room and your living room furnishings. Consistently scale your ottoman or pouf to the rest of your living room furniture for a well-integrated look. But don’t be scared to go for a larger piece if it would boost the functionality and versatility of your room.

Large Ottomans & Poufs

An enormous ottoman can make a striking statement in a beautifully adorned traditional living area but might overshadow and restrict a smaller modern style space. Placed casually around a television or coffee table, an extra-large pouf creates a sumptuous yet friendly ambiance that begs for conversation. However, it might not be the best choice for a room with sleek, simple furnishings.

Medium Ottomans & Poufs

If you are still undecided about which size to choose, a medium-sized ottoman or pouf offers a suitable compromise and may be used in a broad range of ways to enhance the function and appearance of your house.

Medium poufs are best suited for adding extra seats to a living room without taking up too much space. They are also flexible enough to be moved in front of settees and armchairs without looking out of place.

Small Ottomans & Poufs

Create a multipurpose space by employing small nested or modular ottomans that can be separated to be utilized as seating or united to create a single improvised table. Smaller ottomans and poufs in unusual styles can lend a sense of luxury to a simply designed area.

Another thing to consider is the height. If the piece is excessively high relative to the sofa or armchair, it will be awkward to place your feet. However, if the component is too low, it can make it awkward to use as a table and may not give appropriate storage space. The recommended height for an ottoman is between 15 and 22 inches. Measure the height between the sofa seat and the floor to evaluate the appropriate height ottoman for your living area, especially if you are utilizing it as a footrest.

Susie Ries of Susie Ries Interiors gives the following advice: "If you purchase small ottomans, make sure they're at least 19" high. That manner, they can double as dining room chairs, which happen to be 19"".

Material

Poufs are available in a number of diverse materials including leather, jute, canvas, and more. And clearly, a pouf’s material will alter the way it looks and feels. Be sure to consider your particular tastes while buying. Do you prefer a robust pouf (like one made from jute), or would you rather have a super-soft pouf (like one made from velvet)?

Color

The color of your ottoman or pouf allows you an opportunity to display your style. If you have a traditional, shabby chic or country style home, matching the color of the fabric to your current living room furniture will assist the piece blend in with the rest of décor.

However, you don’t need to match the hue perfectly. Consider utilizing an alternative hue or complementary tone to add depth to your decor. A beige sofa fits beautifully with an ottoman in a light brown tone. Or try matching an emerald green armchair with a sage green pouf.

To create a statement and your ottoman or pouf the main point of the space, use a contrasting color or fabric. A contrasting hue from your sofa or rug can boost the design of both pieces. Colors that make a room visually pop are purple and yellow or green and red. For a striking effect, place an orange ottoman against a blue sofa.

If you have limited space, cool colors like teal or blue can make a room look larger, while warm colors like orange and yellow make it look cozier.

Pro tip: A color wheel is a useful tool when trying to decide which colors complement one another. Colors opposite one another on the wheel have the highest contrast and create the biggest impression, but colors next to each other have similar hues and merge effortlessly, providing a cozy feeling.

If, however, you need to think practically then takethe advice from Candace of House of Paige on the color and style of your ottoman: "If your budget isn't large but you know you want an ottoman, then you can totally either select one that has a patterned upholstery material so that it disguises wear and tear more easily or opt for something that's darker in color."


FAQS

What can you expect to spend on a pouf ottoman?

Pouf ottoman prices vary based on the size and the quality of the material they’re constructed of. You may anticipate to spend from $40 to $100 for a quality pouf ottoman, depending on your individual demands. An affordable alternative is perfect for people wishing to add a decorative aspect to their houses, but a pricier one is optimal for sitting visitors.

Can you sit on poufs?

Yes, you may sit on poufs. In fact, poufs can be a terrific way to add flexible seating to your area. Just be sure to acquire a pouf that’s big enough and soft enough to comfortably sit on.

Are poufs comfortable?

Poufs can be comfortable—but some are obviously more comfortable than others. If warmth is what you’re wanting, consider snatching a pouf made of a soft material, such plush velvet.

What are poufs used for?

Poufs can be utilized in a number different ways. For starters, you can use a pouf like an ottoman or a footrest. And if a pouf is big enough and soft enough, you may also use it as a seat. Finally, if a pouf is flat enough, you can typically use it as a side table, too.


Conclusion

Poufs are supposed to be an accessory rather than a centerpiece. Make sure that it fits in seamlessly around the rest of your furniture and isn’t too enormous for your room. They also come in different colors and textures that can give a dimension to your decor. Choose a design that blends well with your interiors.

If you want a little comfortable footrest, opt for a pouf. And, if you desire to utilize the ottoman to sit frequently, then select for a stool that has soft cushioning at the top. You may also use poufs as extra seats. However, they are considerably softer and it will be uncomfortable to sit on them for a longer period.


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