What’s a pouf—and do I need one?

Poufs are a versatile, functional piece of seating furniture that can be a unique way to add comfort, personality and texture to your home’s interior. In addition to providing an extra place to sit, a pouf can also be used as a footstool or tray holder. Just don’t confuse it with an ottoman—a pouf is small in size and also does not contain storage space.

Here are a few factors that you should consider when shopping for a pouf.

Material

Poufs come in a variety of materials, including leather, cotton, wool, and synthetic fabrics. Your choice will really come down to personal preference, as well as what kind of look, feel and durability will best suit your needs. If you’re looking for an outdoor pouf, you’ll want to ensure choosing a material that can withstand the elements; and if you’re purchasing for a kids room, you should factor in the risk of spills or it becoming stained.

Use

Speaking of needs—thinking about the intended use of the pouf will help you determine what size and style you should choose. For example, will it be used primarily as a footrest in the living room? Or, are you looking for supplementary seating in more formal setups? You can also use a pouf as a seat in front of vanities in the bedroom.