Pouf vs Ottoman: Which Is Best?

an ottoman with tray

Poufs and ottomans perform similar functions in our homes but have their respective charms and traits. Understanding their subtle differences will make it easier for you to choose the right one for your home. Read on to learn more about the similarities and differences between these two pieces of furniture and find what works right for you.

What Is a Pouf?

Poufs are comfortable, soft, multifunctional sitting furniture. They are usually filled with foam, cotton, or polyester, while their cover is made of skin-friendly, resistant leather, wool, cotton, and jute. These light and casual seats have no backrests or armrests and come in various shapes like round, square, or cubic.

It could serve as a side table with a tray on, be grouped to create a very welcoming area for sitting, or individually positioned on the floor as a spare seat, footstools, or just for decoration. Quite different from rigid-framed ottomans, poufs look fully fluffy, are ultra easy to move, and thus can perfectly fit into any home plan.

Comfortable and handy, the pouf charms in every way: from the ethnic patterns and charming color of the Turkish pouf through the warmth of a knitted fabric finely embroidered or a plain-colored one, up to the richness of the decorative material covering the pouf offers relaxed Bohemian charm to home decor.

A gray round pouf

What Is an Ottoman?

The ottoman is a versatile, multifunctional piece of furniture with an upholstered or ornamental surface that normally doesn't have any backrests or armrests. The classic designs are simple square, round, or rectangular and usually the height of a standard coffee table or a little lower.Β 

Often, a modern ottoman is designed to have storage under the seat surface for holding blankets, books, or gamepads. The exterior is wrapped in leather, fabric, or velvet, while decorative elements such as tufting, decorative studs, or color-blocked edges add visual interest.

An ottoman can add temporary seating for guests, even function as a coffee table with the addition of a firmly attached tray, and gracefully bring together recurring decorative themes in a given room.Β 

That makes them an ideal space-saving option for smaller spaces instead of a coffee table or can be paired with a chair or sofa in larger rooms for a cozy conversational setting. Most ottomans are pretty versatile and mobile, so they can be rearranged in a room or tackle multiple entertaining scenarios.

small storage ottoman

What Is the Difference Between a Pouf and an Ottoman?

Poufs and ottomans have very similar functions, but it is not difficult to choose between them. Here are some tips:

Structure & Design

Poufs are of a more relaxed structure, filled with soft materials, and have no hard frame; they are fully upholstered, have no legs, are lightweight, and close to the ground. Ottomans are more solid in structure, mostly fitted with a stable frame and legs, and upwardly have a flat full top that will not easily deform.

Size & Shape

Ottomans are much larger and heavier compared to poufs, they range in all sorts of sizes; their height normally comes parallel with sofas, slightly above or over them. Commonly square, rectangle-shaped, and sometimes circular.Β 

Poufs, on one side, are much smaller and within a variety of shapes: mostly in forms that would seem to start with a ball or a cube. However, they would easily take a very interesting shape on account of their flexible and mushy content inside.

Function

Ottomans are highly versatile. They can be used as footrests to rest tired feet, as seats, or as makeshift coffee tables with sturdy surfaces that can support trays or books.Β 

Ottomans often have hidden storage compartments for blankets or pillows. Poufs, on the other hand, are all about softness and comfort. They can be used as seats or footrests to make leisure time more enjoyable.

Materials & Style

It usually consists of a pouf surface made of jute, wool in a knitted way, leather, or cotton, while inside it is filled with foam or sponge to increase the sitting feeling. It is usually decorated with ethnic patterns and motifs, very suitable for boho or eclectic style decorations.Β 

Commonly, ottomans are upholstered with leather, velvet, or fabric, adding tufted details and studs to the details, which illuminate not only the home atmosphere but show an elegant style.

Room Placement

Ottomans are generally placed with sofas or accent chairs for adding beauty to the atmosphere of the room, but they also bring functional value into space by providing a footrest while reading or a place to set refreshments.Β 

Poufs are quite flexible, they can be tucked into corners, slid under console tables, or moved as needed. They work well in children's rooms, reading nooks, or anywhere extra casual seating is desired.

How to Decorate with a Pouf or Ottoman?

Poufs and ottomans are not only functional but also very trendy pieces of furniture that can change the outlook of a house. Want to know how to integrate them perfectly into your space? Here are some practical tips.

a spherical pouf

Styling Tips for a Pouf

  • Group three poufs of different heights to make an interesting coffee table alternative.
  • Pair a geometric pouf with floral cushions for eclectic chic
  • A beige cotton sofa with a dark brown woven pouf adds texture
  • Light pink fabric pouf with polka dots tucked into the corner of the bedroom adds such a playful cute atmosphere
  • A vibrant blue-and-white cartoon fabric pouf in the children's activity area is full of energy

Styling Tips for an Ottoman

  • Place a contrasting color blanket in the corner of the ottoman to create a cozy sense of layering.
  • Place a vintage brass tray on the surface of the pouf for added elegance and practicality.
  • Sprinkle a few bright-colored cushions of peculiar shapes around the plain pouf to enliven it.
  • Place a few books on the pouf, adding a height and a piece that will add more visual interest.

Pouf or Ottoman? Make a Choice

Poufs are casual and compact. Put them in one corner; they don't require much space and can be shifted anytime. They are great for small apartments or for those people who love to change the layout of their homes. Ottomans are sturdy and sure. The flat surface would substitute for a coffee table very well. Many styles have storage functions, too, that will solve the problem of placing items scattered in the home.

If you value space utilization and flexibility, then a pouf is in order. In case you need diversified furniture serving you for sitting, footrest, and storage altogether, a footstool will be the best fit for your requirements. Consider the size of the room, the style of the existing furniture, and your daily living habits to make this piece of furniture both practical and complementary.

Read More:

Ottoman vs Coffee Table: What's Right for You?

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3-piece set of black coffee and side tables

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