Homes & Gardens
Best Pouffes & Footstools For Stylish Living Rooms
Recline in style this autumn with these perfect pouffes and footstools, from luxurious velvet designs to versatile, affordable options.
As the chill bites, there is only one thing most of us really want to do, and that is to hunker down, devour box sets and recline with our hands clasped around piping hot cups of cocoa. It is imperative, then, that our television watching/reading spot should be as conducive to complete relaxation as possible. If you have been making do without a pouffe on which to rest a pyjama-clad leg all this time, then allow 2024 to be the year in which you correct that oversight. Whether you plump for a knitted one, faux fur or a geometric Moroccan-style example, we promise that you will never regret making space in your house for one. Here we present nineteen of the very best pouffes it is possible to purchase.
19 Best Pouffes & Footstools For Stylish Living Rooms
title:Frequently Asked Questions About Pouffes
q:What is a pouffe?
a:A pouffe is a soft, upholstered or cushioned piece of furniture that can be used as a footrest, occasional seat or decorative accent. Pouffes come in many shapes, sizes and materials, from velvet and boucle to jute, wool and sheepskin.
q:What is the difference between a pouffe, footstool and ottoman?
a:The terms are often used interchangeably, but there are some differences. A pouffe is usually soft and compact, a footstool is generally designed primarily for resting your feet, while an ottoman is often larger and may have a firm upholstered top, storage or the ability to function as extra seating.
q:What can you use a pouffe for?
a:A pouffe is one of the most versatile pieces of furniture for a living room or bedroom. Use it as a footrest beside an armchair or sofa, as occasional seating, as a low table for books and trays, or simply as a decorative addition to a room.
q:What size pouffe should I buy?
a:Choose a pouffe according to the furniture it will sit alongside. A smaller pouffe works well beside an armchair, while a larger rectangular or round design can work in front of a sofa. Check the dimensions carefully and make sure there is still enough space to walk comfortably around it.
q:Are pouffes comfortable to sit on?
a:Many pouffes are comfortable for occasional seating, particularly those with generous padding. However, some are designed primarily as footrests and may be too low or soft for prolonged sitting. Check the height, filling and construction before buying.
q:Which material is best for a pouffe?
a:The best material depends on how you intend to use it. Velvet creates a luxurious look, boucle and wool add texture, while jute and woven fabrics suit more relaxed interiors. If the pouffe will receive heavy use, choose a durable, easy-care fabric and check the manufacturer's cleaning instructions.
q:Where should you put a pouffe?
a:Pouffes work particularly well in living rooms, bedrooms, dressing rooms and reading corners. Place one in front of an armchair as a footrest, beside a sofa for occasional seating, or at the end of a bed as a practical and decorative accent.
q:Are pouffes suitable for small rooms?
a:Yes. One of the advantages of a pouffe is its relatively small footprint. Unlike a bulky armchair or additional sofa, it can provide extra seating or a footrest without taking up too much space. Choose a lightweight design that can easily be moved when you need more floor space.
q:Are pouffes still fashionable?
a:Yes. Pouffes remain a popular way to introduce colour, pattern and texture into an interior. The current selection includes everything from striped and velvet designs to woven, sheepskin and Moroccan-inspired styles, making them easy to incorporate into both traditional and contemporary homes.
q:How do I choose a pouffe that will work with my existing furniture?
a:Consider colour, fabric, shape and scale. You can either choose a pouffe that complements the upholstery of your sofa or chair, or use it as an opportunity to introduce a contrasting pattern or texture. Matching one colour from elsewhere in the room can help the piece feel cohesive.
q:Are expensive pouffes worth the money?
a:Not necessarily. The right choice depends on construction, materials, craftsmanship and how frequently you intend to use it. The Guide's selection includes options across a wide range of prices, from the £59 Dunelm Jersey Bobble Pouffe to the £1,000 ABASK Cotton Pill Stool.
Read More
Lucy Abletshauser
Shopping Editor
Lucy is The Guide's go-to expert on the best online buys, from fashion to interiors. An aesthete to her core, she does the trawling so you don't have to.
FIND OUT MORE