Ditch Your Old Pouf Pillows And Opt For These Designer-Approved Alternatives Instead

When it comes to your living room seating, less is more. You can only have so many sofas and armchairs until a room appears cluttered and claustrophobic, which is why many people look for additional seating that won't swallow up their space. While there are plenty of reasons you'll want a floor pouf in your home, designers are begging you to try an alternative: an ottoman or stylish stool.

Ever since the Ottoman Empire introduced them to the world back in the 16th century, poufs have offered the best of both worlds, like extra seating when you need it most that can also be stored in your closet when idle. Not only are they easy to make on your own — check out this DIY floor pouf any beginner sewer can make — but some people have even found a smart way to use an unstuffed pouf for extra storage.

However, professional decorators aren't exactly sold on poufs. "They're just going to get saggy over time and they don't look very elegant," designer Hana Eltjes said on TikTok. "Look for a small ottoman instead or unique stools." Spare seating minus the sag? We can certainly get onboard with that.

Unlike a pouf, which is basically a floor pillow, an ottoman is essentially an upholstered bench that rests on a set of four legs. Made with a wooden, plastic, or metal frame, an ottoman is a lot more structured than a pouf so you won't have to worry about the upholstery slumping. Plus, since an ottoman is higher than a floor pouf, all your guests can be at eye-level with each other.

So, what should you look for in an ottoman? Sturdiness is key. A simple sit test will help you suss out whether it's strong enough to hold at least one person. You'll also want to think about material. While the color and texture should be cohesive with the rest of your space, performance fabrics are durable and easy-to-clean, making it no match for spills and stains.

The one downside to an ottoman is that since it's a larger piece, you can't store it as easily when you don't need it. So why not make this pouf alternative part of your decor? Add a tray, some art books, and a candle for a pseudo coffee table. Or, place this in an empty alcove in your foyer or hallway for a mix of form and function. Sitting pretty has never looked so good.