Pouffes and footstools: The complete guide to choosing the right one

Pouffe vs footstool: How to choose, style and use one in any room

Pouffe, footstool, ottoman – this small piece of furniture goes by many names. The words often mean much the same thing, but what matters most is how you want to use it.

A pouffe can give you somewhere to put your feet up, create an extra seat for guests or add a useful surface beside a sofa. Some models also include storage, while others can even turn into an extra bed.

What is the difference between a pouffe, footstool and ottoman?

There are no strict rules separating a pouffe, footstool and ottoman. A footstool is usually described by its main purpose: supporting your feet. Pouffes are often soft, upholstered pieces that can also work as extra seating, while ottoman is a broader term often used for upholstered footrests and occasional furniture.

In practice, the categories overlap considerably. Instead of focusing too much on the name, consider the size, shape and functions you need.

What can you use a pouffe for?

A pouffe can be one of the most flexible pieces of furniture in a room. Next to a sofa, it works naturally as a footrest. When guests arrive, it can become an extra seat. A firmer model can also provide a useful surface for a tray or even serve as a coffee table. Some pouffes include hidden storage, while others can even unfold into an extra bed.

What size and shape should you choose?

Start with the space around your sofa and how you plan to use the pouffe. A small pouffe or footstool is easy to move and works well when floor space is limited. A large pouffe provides more room for putting your feet up and can offer more generous extra seating.

Shape matters too. A round pouffe can soften a room with lots of straight lines and is easy to position beside different seating arrangements. Square and rectangular designs can sit neatly alongside sofas and often provide a larger usable surface.

How do you style a pouffe?

A pouffe can either blend in with your sofa or add a small contrast to the room. Choosing the same fabric or a similar shade creates a more cohesive look, while a contrasting colour can work as a simple accent.

Shape matters too. A round pouffe can soften a room with lots of straight lines, while a square or rectangular design can feel more structured. The pouffe does not need to come from the same range as your sofa, as long as the size, material or colour connects it naturally to the rest of the space.

What should you consider when choosing upholstery?

Consider how often the pouffe will be used and how easy the upholstery is to care for. Removable or washable covers can make everyday maintenance simpler, particularly in busy homes.

If you are pairing a pouffe with an existing sofa, matching or complementary fabrics can also help the pieces feel like one considered arrangement rather than separate additions.

How do KHOY pouffes and ottomans work with a sofa bed?

KHOY offers two different approaches to this type of flexible furniture.

The KHOY Round Ottoman is available in 50 cm and 65 cm diameters. It can be used as a footrest, extra seat or a surface for a tray, and its fabric options can be matched with KHOY sofa beds.

The KHOY Pouf is a larger 100 x 100 cm piece with another function entirely: it unfolds into a full 100 x 200 cm single bed. As a bed, it uses the same dual-layer structure as KHOY sofa beds, with a 15 cm medium-firm foam base and a 4 cm memory foam layer.

Both can be paired with KHOY sofa beds in matching fabrics, and their removable, machine-washable covers make them easy to care for in everyday use.

The right pouffe depends less on what you call it and more on what you need it to do. Choose a size and shape that suit your room, then consider whether your priority is a footrest, extra seat, storage, an occasional surface or even an additional bed.