The Little Things
Designer Monthly's Little Things column places a spotlight on those home accessories that are often overlooked, and we'll show how they can be improved to make a world of a difference. Our pursuit is to enhance the decor through economical yet aesthetically superior measures.
Poufs
One of the most fun and flexible pieces of furniture is this little thing called a pouf. Also known as an ottoman, poufs can add versatility to the design of your living or working space.
There are all kinds of seating out there, from sofas to chaises to chairs, but sometimes there just isn’t enough space for them. Enter the pouf. A pouf can be as small as 12” round or as large as a coffee table. When you need to add more seating in a tight corner or in a really small living room, poufs are a perfect fit.
Besides adding seating, a pouf also works as an ottoman – a place to put your feet up and relax. They complement an arm chair, or turn a sofa to a chaise. Very flexible!
When you need to add some visual punch to a room but don’t want to reupholster the sofa, a colorful pouf can be the right touch. The square poufs in an assortment of colored basket weave fabrics from Serena and Lily add a bright casual touch. For an exotic look, these Moroccan round leather poufs from Tazi Designs can make your room more sophisticated.
Poufs can also be upholstered in many different types of fabric. There are cowhide leather poufs from Room and Board and raffia covered poufs from Walker Zabriskie. The pouf doubling as a coffee table from West Elm is covered in dhurrie, a thick woven Indian fabric with geometric patterns usually used in rugs.
Because poufs can come in small sizes, they can be stored away under a table or in a closet to free up space if needed. These faux-leather quilted cubes from Brocade Home can be pushed under a dining table when not in use, allowing for more traffic space. They are also perfect for children’s rooms. Little tykes can push them around easily until they’re comfortable, and there are no rough edges or pointy features on which they can hurt themselves.
Poufs can also be more affordable than a chair or coffee table, making them a good choice for modest budgets. When designing your next room, consider the pouf: since a pouf can be upholstered in many different colors and fabrics, they can complement many styles and fit into a wide range of budgets.
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