The Versatile Piece Of Furniture You Should Consider In 2026 (There Are So Many Ways To Use It)

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We're expecting 2026 to be full of unexpected color trends and fun accents that deviate from the norm, and a new year is the perfect opportunity to try something new. One cute and quirky piece that we hope to see a lot more of in homes in 2026 is the pouf, which can add some fresh flavor to your existing home decor while also being incredibly versatile and functional. If you aren't familiar with what a pouf is, it's basically a large cushion that's less structured than an ottoman yet a bit firmer than a beanbag chair.

There are lots of ways to use poufs in your home — from extra seating and small tables to sneaky storage — and they're especially great for apartments and smaller spaces. Since poufs are squishy, lighter, and more malleable than ottomans or other conventional furniture, you can store them without much hassle. They're easier to stuff away in a closet than normal tables and chairs, or to squeeze under a side table or console until you need them — but since poufs are also lovely pieces to look at, you won't want to hide them away. Plus, they tend to be cheaper than conventional furniture, and they're kid-friendly (no hard surfaces or sharp edges!) and can double as playthings for little ones who want to build forts with furniture that's easy to maneuver. Convinced yet? If you're ready to take the pouf plunge in 2026, here's how to get started.

Because poufs are so versatile with a wide range of styles to choose from, you'll first want to make sure you select the right one for your home. Poufs come in all kinds of fabrics and colors — from soft cottons to earthy leathers and raffia — so it's simple to find a look that works well with your home's aesthetic. Better yet, for a customized design that coordinates perfectly with your existing decor, easily DIY your own floor pouf with a sewing machine, some fabric, and a zipper. Choose a pouf that matches the other colors and patterns on your furniture, or let it stand out as a colorful statement piece. And while you may think of poufs as sweet little cushions, some of them can actually be quite large, so check out different dimensions to see what kind of pouf works best for your space.

And although storage tends to be more common in structured furniture like ottomans, some poufs are designed to double as a container for soft things like blankets and towels, as well as a piece of squishy furniture — like this Thgonwid Moroccan Storage Pouf on Amazon or the rectangular-shaped Storage Puff from Lorena Canals. If you can track one of these options down, storage poufs can become an indispensable piece of furniture that's even more versatile and useful than conventional poufs because they can reduce clutter while doubling as cute seating or footrests.

Once you've selected the perfect pouf, you're ready to start styling. In the living room, floor poufs can serve as cozy additional seating that is off the beaten path. If you have multiple poufs, either stack little ones up in a cute tower in the corner until you need them, or pre-arrange them as extra seating around tables and between couches and chairs. Larger poufs in tougher materials can be used as quirky mini-coffee tables — either on their own or by adding a tray on top for something sturdier. Or, you can use a pouf in your entryway as a handy, subtle chair to sit on while taking shoes on and off, especially if you don't have the space for a regular chair or bench by the front door.

Poufs can also make comfy extra seating in bedrooms. In kids' bedrooms or playrooms, children will love playing and building forts with poufs. As a bonus, they can be used as mini seating around arts and crafts tables, too. Alternatively, use storage poufs to hold soft things that don't get used often but you aren't ready to part with, like old baby blankets or stuffed animals. And when it's time to settle down, poufs can make a cozy, comfortable spot to snuggle up for story time before going to bed for the night.