Pouffes and footstools have had a design Renaissance in the last few years and continue to top key interior trends. This is due to its sheer versatility, adaptability and cross over into different interior styles including scandi, boho chic, farmhouse, traditional and industrial. We have all these types and more at mrfurnish so you can buy the ottoman or pouffe just right for you!

The two most popular designs for footstools are the knitted pouffe and Moroccan pouffe. Both differ drastically in appearance but each have their own unique charm and ability to transform a room. We also sell a number of storage pouffes and ottomans which provide practical storage solutions and work well in flats or smaller houses.

History of the Ottoman
The pouffe or ottoman has an interesting history dating as far back as the 17th century. Whilst they have evolved considerably throughout their journey to modern interior design, their basic uses remain much unchanged.

The Ottoman, also known as a pouffe, pouf, tugget, or hassock originated from Turkey in the 17th century. The ottoman started as a low seat and was essentially used in the same way a sofa is today, Turkish families even covered them with brightly coloured cushions. The whole family setting revolved around the ottoman and it was the central design feature in a living room.

The term “ottoman” first entered the English language around 1605 and gets it names from its exotic to European origins. The ottomans or hassocks were imported from Turkey during the 1700s when the area was part of the Ottoman empire. They caught on in the European salons, a place to converse, share art and academic values in the age of enlightenment.

The Ottoman: Then & Now
When the ottoman first arrived in Europe, the design was altered and instead of sitting on the floor with piled cushions, feet were added, turning it into a stool. It also differed from its Turkish origins in that craftsmen created a large version that wrapped around three walls instead of sitting in the middle of a room. Over time, the piece was scaled down to a smaller pouffe that was intended to fit in a corner. It wasn’t until the 19th Century that ottomans took on their octagonal and circular shapes that are prevalent in society today, much like many designs we sell at mrfurnish.co.uk.

Pouffes also became popular when the nightclub culture emerged due to their smart use of space and provider of additional seating. They have further developed since the early 1900’s. Very rarely do you see elaborate fabric pouffes with Victorian fringing and brass hinges anymore; which were still popular in homes until the 1980’s. Nowadays, some styles don’t resemble their original form much aesthetically e.g. large pouffes used as padded coffee tables or knitted pouffes popular as a design accessory.

The knitted pouffe and bean bag has become somewhat of a design craze in recent years and is the perfect accessory to create a warm and snug bedroom. This ties in well with the Danish Hygge trend, which despite being a Scandinavian way of life for many years, came into popular culture in 2016. This concept is built around a cosy lifestyle with shared meals and interactions with family and friends, much like the original use of the pouffe.

The Moroccan pouffe is the perfect accessory for an eclectic taste, it can add a splash of colour and culture to your living room. It is both modern and exotic due to the intricate designs, patterns and patchwork styles. You can create an instant stylish living room if you pair a brown leather Moroccan pouffe with a cream Berber rug and a large floor plant to bring a dash of nature to your surroundings.

At mrfurnish.co.uk, we have Moroccan pouffes in different upholstered materials such as polyester, cotton and suede. They range from beaten and worn styles to fabric or Aztec prints so you can recreate the boho chic look in a number of ways.

These ottomans also make great housewarming gifts due to their colourful designs and intricate weaving as well as the fact they don’t take up much space but provide an extra seat without the formality of a chair.

A footstool or ottoman with storage space is a multifunctional piece of furniture and a design must for a flat or small house. They can be placed in the middle of an L-shaped sofa as a place to rest your feet, or as a coffee table substitute but also as a neat hiding place for the remote controls or a stack of magazines. They also compliment an armchair in terms of looks and comfort so you can recreate a relaxed reading nook.

We have many styles at mrfurnish.co.uk, you can opt for the more traditional Ottoman style (defined as ones that open with a hinge) with turned mahogany legs and a floral upholstered design. If you have more of a glam style then you could order a chesterfield, button tufted pouffe which comes in many styles, ranging from rounded to rectangular or cubed, and in velvet or leather finishes. You can also add extra style to your living room by buying a nailhead studded trim for a cool and industrial edge.

Pouffes and footstools are truly unique and have gone down as the ultimate multitasker in design. Functionable as a footstool, coffee table, seat and stylish accessory, this versatile piece of furniture is set to stay and we can’t wait to see how the design evolves over time.

Mrfurnish loves everything home and décor, and we want to make sure that you do too. That's why we have a variety of Ottomans, Pouffes and footstools for sale online. With options like Type, Upholstery, and Brand, it's easy to narrow down your online shopping to find Ottomans & Pouffes that are right for your home. With great products you're sure to find the right Ottomans, Pouffes and foot stools that fit into your home.