Creating the perfect living room in the home is about designing an inviting space with the right mix of lounging furniture, tailored to individual needs. In the case of living area decor, ottomans and poufs are the rising stars, with contemporary pieces offering a range of versatile seating and coffee table options that can be used in different ways depending on differing requirements.

Clever living room storage

Many contemporary and designer ottomans incorporate storage space, which adds to their appeal for New Zealand homes. In an era of smaller living spaces, clever storage is a coveted part of any interior design. So, whether it’s a footstool, a coffee table, or an additional seating option, many ottomans can also be used as a concealed and clever storage solution. Perfect for young and old, ottomans are arguably one of the most versatile pieces of living room furniture.

The contemporary beanbag

The pouf has been touted the contemporary beanbag, and for good reason. Like the ottoman, it is an incredibly versatile piece of furniture. Whether it’s used by children as a seating option, as a footstool or as that perfect place to rest a drink or book, adding a pouf to a living space is a way of incorporating another layer of texture, colour and appeal. Pouffes are available in many shapes and sizes and are being crafted as a designer addition to the lounge. Poufs have a certain contemporary appeal and are available in many types of coverings including leather, velvet and even knitted options.

While most poufs are round, there are many options, shapes and sizes available so if it’s a rectangular or a square pouffe that would fit your living space best, the options are almost limitless in terms of design. Poufs are also a luxurious addition to the bedroom or walk-in wardrobe, often doubling as an occasional chair or the perfect piece of furniture to step on and reach items at the top of the cupboard. Used in children’s bedrooms, it can be a fun addition and the perfect little seat for playtime or storytime.

Pouf NZ

Lurking somewhere between an ottoman and a footstool lies the pouffe. With its name taken from the French word ‘pouffe’, original designs mirrored this effect – but contemporary poufs come in many shapes and sizes and a large variety of fabrics. Large or small, knitted, leather or cotton, this piece of furniture is an ideal place to allow creativity to emerge and choose a statement piece for the home.

The many purposes of poufs

Some prefer to relegate the pouf to the bedroom - the room for which it was initially intended, while its close relative the ottoman takes pride of place in the living room – however, increasingly the two are used interchangeably, despite their subtle differences. With an explosion in designer options, there is no reason the pouf cannot stand proudly in the front room, offsetting the lounge suite with a radiant colour scheme, or with a custom design. 

Whether square, rectangular or the traditional rounded shape, a pouf provides a comfortable seating option when required or desired. They are ideal for the younger ones to perch on, but without legs to worry about, they are sturdy and stable enough to accommodate people of any size or shape.

Let’s not forget their purely decorative qualities. A colourful pouf makes a distinctive floor cushion – place it in front of the television, heater or fireplace and push it back into the corner of the room to add character to space when not in use. But perhaps the best use of all is as a footstool, often the perfect height for resting the feet.

Many poufs are designed with a flat top surface, and with their relatively solid foundation, they can also double as a low lying table on which to place nibbles or drinks when entertaining. Poufs are generally designed with a varied range of uses in mind and as such are often crafted with hardy, durable materials that offer stain or scratch resistance.

The pouf is a versatile piece of furniture that offers a host of benefits; much more cushioning than an ottoman, and more versatility than a footstool, it is a welcome addition to many interior spaces. 

Footstools 

As unlikely as it seems, foot stools are one of the more versatile members of the furniture family, providing much more than just a place to elevate tired legs after a long day. With a modern emphasis on flexibility in design, multi-purpose furniture and nifty storage solutions to suit smaller living spaces, foot stools offer a range of added benefits.

How to choose a footstool

Don’t be confined by stereotypical uses for footstools. These days, anything goes. For apartment dwellers, a footstool may double as an occasional coffee table, able to be pushed away into a corner or under a desk when not in use. For rooms with enough space, a larger footstool or two may prove a creative way to divide the living area from the dining space or double as a low lying seat in a sunny corner.

Of course, most important is a comfortable place to put feet up. Consider choosing height and size that suits the existing furniture - too high or too low and it will be difficult to reap the benefits of optimal comfort and relaxation. If it is likely the stool will be moved to a corner when not needed, consider a square unit, but round options can be a quirky addition, equally as useful as a seat or coffee table – and the soft edges ideal for houses with smaller children.

Footstools come in a range of fabrics and designs – and custom options are a popular choice as well. Given its intended use, durable fabrics are a must. A cotton is a practical option, resistant to bobbling and easily cleaned. Leather and even velvet are also popular choices, given their hardwearing nature and added a sense of style.  

How much room does a storage footstool actually need?

They may sound large and bulky, but storage foot stools come in all shapes and sizes – and the storage space provided in the hollow of even a small option can actually prove quite deceptive. Perfect for anything from board games to books, magazines to mugs, storage footstools free up tables and shelves for more decorative pieces, while keeping other useful belongings hidden yet within arm’s reach.