set a spell: poufs and ottomans

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Often, when a house doesn’t feel homey, and we can’t describe exactly why, it’s because it’s lacking small but comfortable elements: decorative pillows, artwork, blankets, décor. The most practical of these cozy touches are poufs and ottomans.

The smallish chair you inherited from Grandma isn’t quite working? Place an ottoman in front of it, and now its footprint is expanded—you have a comfortable place to nestle in and put your feet up. Pets always taking your place on the sofa? They really enjoy their own little pouf throne in front of the fire instead.

These small pieces of furniture easily can move around, serve as extra seating, hold a tea tray or book, and overall add flexibility, usability, and a touch of comfortable décor to a bedroom or living or family room.

I prefer to decorate with poufs and ottomans in solid colors or subtle prints that complement the furniture, pillow, and rug textures and patterns already in the room. Poufs or ottomans with more prominent prints are more difficult to move around and make work in different spaces, and I rarely would want my pouf or ottoman to be a statement piece. I do have one with a print that I’ve linked below that exactly repeats and complements the rug and pillow in that space; finding one like that is serendipity!

I also enjoy organic shapes and soft colors and textures, and just love when I can find a vintage footstool in great shape at an antique or thrift store. I have one with a lovely Victorian iron frame that was sporting a tattered red velvet cushion, which I replaced with a light chinoserie print.

Here are some of my favorite poufs and ottomans that I’ve found and would have in my home.

Moroccan leather

I love the look of a Moroccan leather ottoman—a boho but also organic vibe.

This unstuffed Moroccan pouf ottoman in faux leather is very low cost, and the white option would go well in a variety of decors.

This handmade Moroccan pouf ottoman in real leather also comes unstuffed but is handmade in real leather, which will wear well over time. It comes in a range of colors; the white, natural, dark brown espresso, and dark green are the best accents for cottagecore, boho, and other homey decors. 60% off through March 13.

Many different types of these Moroccan poufs on Etsy feature the design outline in a contrasting thread, but I don’t prefer that style—as mentioned above, this can make the piece less versatile if you already have several patterns in a room.

Velvet

I love velvet, and in a pouf or ottoman it adds subtle texture and warmth as well as color. Plus, velvet is so easy to clean, and many options offer hidden storage. I tend to prefer a smooth top to a tufted top in most furniture, as tufts gather dirt, crumbs, and especially pet hair, but I did choose a few tufted designs here with a lovely cottagecore look.

This soft and lovely washed green velvet pouf is super affordable and perfect for many homey decors. I own this cute velvet storage ottoman in another print, but the light sage green and fawn velvet options would work in many decors.

This rounded velvet pouf is actually a beanbag, so it’s perfect for extra seating. And this fringed velvet ottoman offers a feminine touch for a bedroom. Currently 11% off.

If you’re looking for a slightly larger ottoman and willing to spend a bit more, this larger fringed velvet ottoman is feminine and pretty in several colors. I love the fawn velvet option. Currently 46% off.

This simple velvet pouf cube with clean lines comes in several colors and is pretty much perfect for any living space at a reasonable price. Listed as on sale with free shipping.

If you don’t mind a few tufts, this larger but reasonably priced ottoman in jade (blue) velvet features a pretty design with nailhead accents. Free shipping. And this tufted velvet storage ottoman comes in several colors and is very much in the cottagecore aesthetic. Currently 12% off. A similar tufted storage ottoman in limited colors but at a lower price is charming in the pink or cream velvet. Currently 10% off.

Prints, linen, and homespun

This adorable navy and white floral pouf has a subtle blockprint-inspired pattern that would go well in a variety of decors. Free shipping.

This large tufted ottoman in a cottagecore-inspired homey design features a reversible tray top for maximum flexibility. It comes in several colors in linen and chenille. This tufted ottoman also offers a reversible tray and comes in several colors; I'd choose the light blue or green. Currently 25% off.

I love the green clover color of this little tufted storage ottoman—one of my favorite neutrals is a natural green. Plus, it has many other color options to choose from. This tufted sea green linen look ottoman is slightly larger and is perfect for the bedroom, with slots for storing shoes. The grey and tan options also are nice.

I find the homespun rough look of this grey and ivory pouf as well as similar ones on the site neutral and appealing for a variety of decors. Free shipping.

Kilims

Kilim poufs can be a great way to add some subtle color and pattern. They’re made of timeworn vintage persian style rugs, so the covers are sturdy but can be scratchy. I have some great kilim accent pillows in sunwashed organic shades that I got over 20 years ago in Arizona, and I still treasure them.

These are a great example of kilim poufs, as are these. Currently 70% off. For both these options, you aren’t able to choose the exact color or pattern, but you can leave a note for the seller on which colors you prefer, and there are some more neutral options. I can see throwing these around a teen rec room for a fun boho vibe and extra seating.

This beautiful and unique vintage Romanian kilim footstool displays a light floral pattern. It’s in limited quantities, but what a find! I don’t know where I’d put it, but I’ve added it to my list. And it ships from Illinois, so no international shipping rates.

Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoy adding a little extra flexibility and charm to your rooms with cozy poufs and ottomans.

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