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14 of the best stools, poufs and ottomans
Put your feet up, provide extra seating, or use one as a bedside table – these multifunctional designs go above and beyond
When it comes to furniture pieces, few are as hardworking as the humble stool or pouf. Not only are they there to perch on or pop your feet up on, they can also function as side tables, bedside tables and coffee tables. Comfortable and useful in any room of the home, they are underrated essentials. And there’s a design to suit any style. Our edit of the best includes squishy ones, stone ones, wooden ones, colourful ones – which will you choose?
‘Rico’ pouf, Ferm Living
This button mushroom of a pouf has an adorably plump quality. And it comes in a wide range of Kvadrat upholstery options – this ‘Sugar Kelp’ boucle is our top choice. £915, reallywellmade.co.uk
‘Octane’ stool, Monologue
Available in four different varieties of stone, including pink onyx (pictured), this design by Arthur Vallin is a sculpture as well as a piece of furniture. Its inflated form is bang on trend, too. From £12,240, monologuelondon.com
‘Arbor’ stool, The Conran Shop
British designer Matthew Hilton’s creation is influenced by the curves of Mr Bibendum (the Michelin Man), the unofficial mascot of the brand’s old London flagship store. We love this white boucle finish, but be sure to take your shoes off before resting your feet. From £1,200, conranshop.co.uk
‘Paipaï’ footstool, Ligne Roset
Designer Lucidi Pevere was inspired by the art of origami when creating this deceptively pared-back piece – the form has been folded down to create a perfect rectangle. Its slender legs make it an attractive option for more compact homes. £757, chaplins.co.uk
‘Diana’ ottoman, Dolce & Gabbana
Smaller pieces of furniture offer an opportunity to have a bit of fun – and few designs pack as much of a maximalist punch as this ottoman by Dolce & Gabbana. Its bright pattern is inspired by Sicily’s folk heritage. £1,990, amara.com
‘Ube’ stool, Poliform
The pleasing shape of this design, crafted from a single block of solid wood, was inspired by the seed of the coco de mer, a tropical fruit. Created by Jean-Marie Massaud, it’s a truly multifunctional piece that also makes a great side table. Price on application, poliform.it
‘Smile’ pouf, Porada
Framed by a slanted wooden halo, this piece is a luxurious yet playful addition to any room. Not simply a design flourish, the loop makes this pouf easy to pick up and move from space to space. £1,505, heals.com
‘Zig Zag’ stool, Pols Potten
Actress Carice Van Houten (you may know her as Melisandre from Game of Thrones) has an enviable affinity with colour – just look at her beautiful home! In this limited-edition range, she adds her favoured colour combos to one of Pols pOtten’s most recognisable pieces. £396, madeindesign.co.uk
‘Tess’ ottoman, The Invisible Collection
Part of The Invisible Collection’s latest design collaboration with interior designer Charles Tassin, this piece is accompanied by a matching sofa (if you would like to complete the set). Its softened take on brutalist forms feels very current. From £3,900, theinvisiblecollection.com
‘Sprinkle’ pouf, Hay
Super-lightweight and comfortable enough to perch on for an evening, this classic Hay design is a favourite for a reason. There are a number of muted upholstery options available, to ensure this piece will fit seamlessly into any interior. £219, finnishdesignshop.com
‘Klismos’ stool, Knoll
With a frame of natural or black oak, topped by a web of interwoven natural cord, you would be forgiven for thinking that this piece has Scandianvian origins. Instead, it’s the work of Italian designer Antonio Citterio, who has given particular consideration to sustainability. £1,500, twentytwentyone.com
‘655’ pouf, Vipp
This design’s plump, segmented construction makes it pleasingly comfortable as a seat, but also functional as an occasional table. Vipp is known for its practical, pared-back pieces, so it’s nothing less than what we would expect. £1,035, skandium.com
‘Vivienne’ ottoman, Soho Home
Upholstered in Soho Home’s own ‘Sampford’ fabric, there’s something charmingly retro about this ottoman. Yet, its chunky wooden legs keep it contemporary enough to slot into modern homes. It takes its inspiration from the design of the members’ clubs White City venue. £1,295, sohohome.com
‘Fiber’ stool, Muuto
Simplicity itself, this stool’s softly curved seat has an inviting quality. Plus it’s made from FSC-certified wood, with the few plastic elements coming from at least 80% recycled sources. £509, muuto.com
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