While furnishing your living rooms, you are likely to face the decision of choosing from a diverse range of seating options and you might wonder which one to choose. Which one meets your needs best? What will go well with your room interior? Poufs and ottomans are two popular options that usually attract people with their unique charm.
If you haven’t bought these earlier, you should have a clear picture of their features and functionalities so you can make the right choice. This article explores the characteristics, commonalities, and differences between these two so you can compare them and see which one is best for you. So without further ado, let's get into it.
What is a Pouf?
The word pouf originated from the French “pouffe”. A pouf is a large solid cushion, usually cylindrical or spherical, and is used on the floor for seating. It’s known for its comfort and style.
Historically, poufs have been found associated with various regions and cultures. Their roots can be traced back to traditional North America and the Middle East. They rose to fame globally in the 1960s and 70s due to the bohemian aesthetic. Now they have been adopted worldwide for their ability to complement every interior design whether it be modern, eclectic, or contemporary.
Poufs come in various sizes. They are typically 15-30 inches tall and 12-20 inches wide. Their small size makes them especially useful for smaller rooms and apartments. The pouf can be made up of a variety of materials. The outer cover usually consists of fabric like cotton, leather, or even knitted wool. The inside of the pouf is usually filled with cotton, foam, or beads.
You can use poufs for additional seatings, footrests, or even as a side table if you pair it with a tray. They are portable, versatile, and thus a popular choice for many rooms.
What is an Ottoman?
An ottoman is a padded, upholstered seat without arms or back. They are designed to be used as stools, footstools, or in some cases, coffee tables. They also come with storage spaces, which adds to their useability.
Ottomans, as you might guess, trace their roots back to the Ottoman Empire, a state that lasted for more than 600 years. During the empire, it was customary to place a cushion on the floor for sitting. This laid the foundation of what we now recognize as an ottoman stool.
Ottomans are typically larger than poufs, measuring 15-20 inches in height and 15-40 inches in width and depth. When it comes to materials, ottomans are upholstered in various fabrics including cotton, linen, leather, and microfiber. The internal construction usually consists of a wooden or metal that is topped with padding.
Difference Between Pouf and Ottoman
Now that you have a general understanding of poufs and ottomans, let's discuss their similarities and differences so that you can compare them side by side.
Design and Style
Pouff often has a more informal and relaxed look due to its softness, rounded shape, and lack of internal structure. Ottomans, on the other hand, have a more formal and structured feel with their traditional legs, button-tufted tops, or nailhead trim.
Both poufs and ottomans are made up of a wide range of materials and designs, but some designs are more characteristic of one than the other. For example, Moroccan-style poufs are often made of embroidered leather. Knitted or crocheted poufs are also common. Ottomans typically have more structured fabric such as linen, cotton, or microfiber. They are also found in leather or synthetic leather.
Practicality
Poufs and ottomans both can be used as extra seatings or footrests. Ottomans have more structure and support so they are also commonly used as coffee tables or benches. They can also have storage options so you can also use them to throw in the clutter. Poufs are mainly used as an informal seating option. Due to their soft construction, you can not use them as side tables.
Ease of Use
Poufs are easier to move around due to their lighter weight and smaller dimensions thus are ideal for ad-hoc seating arrangements or whenever you need to create more seating space in the room. Ottomans are larger than poufs and more structured. But moving them from one place to another isn’t a big deal as well.
Poufs with removable covers can be easily washed or spot-cleaned. If an ottoman is upholstered in stain-resistant fabric, they are also easy to clean. But ottomans without removable covers often require professional cleaning.
Comfort
Poufs provide a more casual sit with their softer and more yielding pad. They are ideal for relaxing for shorter periods or resting your feet. Ottomans provide a more firmer and supportive feel and thus can be used for long periods of sitting.
Both of them are quite comfortable and it comes down to your preference that which type of comfort you want.
Conclusion
Poufs and ottomans are two popular seating options and each of them provides a unique blend of comfort, style, and functionality. Poufs are more casual, informal, and stylish with their soft and lightweight formation. Ottomans have more of a formal and structured look but they offer more functionality features.
The choice between the two majorly hinges on your personal preferences and how you want your room to look. If you need a more stylish and modern-looking living room, you might want to go for a pouf. If you’re looking for something more than just a seating option, ottomans are here for you.
To assist you in making the right choice, Redwood Home Furniture is here with its wide range of pouf as ottomans. Our premium quality and impeccable craftsmanship ensure that whether you buy a pouf or an ottoman, you have luxurious comfort and durability. Our products don’t only enhance your room’s practicality but also make it more aesthetically pleasing. So make the right choice and order your pouf or ottoman from our wide collection level up your living room.
