Editor's Pick: Poufs and Pillows
Even the most modern, refined, sleek, and pared down home needs comfortable elements. If plush area rugs aren’t your style, then perhaps a pillow or pouf is. These companions to the lounge chair, modern sofa, and bed take relaxation to the next level through their cushions, but they also infuse any space they enter with a little bit of art or sculptural elegance. Contemporary designers are reimagining the minimalist aesthetic, creating pieces with timeless and romantic expressions that elevate the modern home’s approach to everyday comforts. Here are our editor’s picks for the best poufs and pillows.
How to Use a Pouf in Your Modern Home
Using a pouf is not complicated and usually comes down to the style of the pouf itself. They can be incredibly functional in your space, more of a decorative element, or the final touch to a lounge chair. We recommend starting with the style of your accent chairs and sofas and using that as inspiration for selecting a pouf in matching or complementing style, upholstery, and materials. Make the most of the pouf wherever you style it by following some simple principles.
- Determine its use. First, you must determine how you want to use the pouf in the room. Is it purely a footstool? Or do you want it to double as seating or even side table? Establishing its uses will determine what type of pouf you should be looking for, as well as its shape and style.
- Keep it close to lounge chairs and sofas. Because the primary use of a pouf is as a footstool, most are styled close to lounge chairs and sofas. This is especially useful if the pouf can be used as a side table as well. And if it matches the chair or sofa, it can be a bit of a sculptural extension of the chair and sofa, completing the composition.
- Use Unique Shapes or Upholstery as Décor. Once you’ve determined the use of the pouf and whether or not it would be best beside the chair or sofa, you will know if you can choose a pouf in a unique shape or upholstery. These are typically used simply as décor which means you can place it under a side table, in a corner, as part of a cluster of planters and art, or even beneath the behind the sofa table as extra seating.
- Style as Lounge Chair Alternative. Perhaps you have a slightly smaller living space, or maybe you just want to keep vision lines more open. Either way, you can use poufs and ottomans as lounge chair alternatives. Choose your sofa, select a matching lounge chair, and then fill in the rest of the seating arrangement with poufs, stools, ottomans, and benches that be used as tables, footrests, or extra seating.
Our Favorite Poufs
When choosing our favorite pieces, we take into consideration a few things. First is the overall style; if the silhouette, shape, and details catch our eye, then we find it hard to resist recommending it. Secondly, the quality of materials and functionality elevate the average pouf in our minds. These are just a few of our favorites.
Lulu Pouf
Designed by Färg & Blanche, the Lulu Pouf brings thoughtful proportions, material quality, and everyday usability distilled into a part-bench, part-footstool piece.
Why we love it:
- It feels both practical and refined.
- Upholstered in a luxurious, textured fabric.
- Features a short backrest or armrest which mimics a chaise lounge silhouette.
Uno Pouf
Claesson Koivisto Rune designed the Uno Pouf as a “reminder of nature”, utilizing the charming shape and character of mushrooms to bring an open mind to modern furniture.
Why we love it:
- It embraces Japandi design principles.
- The design is flexible and encourages more than one to be used together.
- Originally designed for the Amundsen Whisky bar at the legendary Grand Hotel Terminus.
Knot Cushion Xl
A delightful piece at the crossroads of pouf and pillow, the Knot Cushion XL is a knitted tube twisted into a beautiful and whimsical knot which pays homage to Scandinavian culture.
Why we love it:
- It inspires a sense of wonder and creativity.
- Conservations are started because of this cushion.
- The Knot can double as a sculptural piece.
Rico Lounger Pouf
The Rico Lounger Pouf has a shape right out of nature. An organic flowing silhouette and smooth, wide surface means the Rico adds movement and harmony to any living room
Why we love it:
- Large enough to be a coffee table or offer a footrest to everyone on the sofa.
- Available in twelve different upholsteries to suit any home’s aesthetic.
- Offers a soft and gentle presence perfect for modern spaces.
Praline Pouf - Ø30"
Designed by Brussels-based duo Beaverhausen, the Praline Pouf radiates sophistication and subtlety. Concentric circles ripple along the top and the slightly trapezoidal shape creates some visual intrigue.
Why we love it:
- Available in five sizes as well as two bench sizes so it can effortlessly fit into any room.
- The flat top allows the Praline to be used as a table.
- The cushioned design means it makes for a comfortable seat.
Rouli Pouf - Pure Bouclé
Finding inspiration in the French word “Roulis” meaning roll, the Rouli Pouf emulates the comforting flow of waves. Designed to be paired with the Rouli lounge chair, this pouf ensures movement is a part of your room’s composition.
Why we love it:
- The Rouli can double as a bench.
- Both the Rouli Pouf and chair can serve as indoor or outdoor furniture.
- Elegant and simple, but highly functional and comfortable.
Cocktail Pouf
When it comes to cocktail lounges and moody corners, the Cocktail Pouf and chair are musts. This beautiful set looks fantastic together, but the pouf alone is a fantastic addition to living rooms as a lounge chair alternative.
Why we love it:
- Features smoked oak legs which contrast the upholstered and cushioned seat.
- Showcases smooth edges and soft shapes.
- Has a hint of hygge to the expressions.
Editor’s Picks: Pillows
We would love to see these pillows in any home. Not only are they comfortable, but they also bring something special to the space. Design houses have mastered the throw pillow by partnering with artists and prioritizing materials and craftsmanship.
Lay Cushion – Square
Add some art and texture to your space with the Lay Cushion. The high-pile weave means the amorphous design stands out while the 100% New Zealand Wool introduces natural elements. Pair the Lay Cushion with the Offset Sofa.
Loop Cushion
A special loop weaving technique is used to create a pillow that looks like a dynamic, multi-disciplinary art installation. Beyond its fun and highly tactile composition, the Loop Cushion is also crafted from cotton and wool so it has a very organic feel as well. This cushion looks perfect on Gubi’s Wonder 3-Seater Sofa.
Aymara Cushion
Undyed alpaca wool gives the Aymara Cushion its rich, darker ivory hue that perfectly complements earth-toned stripes that create the minimalist plaid pattern. Warm and authentic, the Aymara Cushion is a beautiful addition to modern spaces but looks just as at home in hygge environments as well. Throw this cushion onto the Baron 237 Sofa for some extra comfort.
Pillow Headboard
Our final choice for pillows is a little different: the Pillow Headboard from MASH Studios. This unique take on the traditional headboard adds a soft touch to modern bedrooms. The wall-mounted piece can be paired with minimalist wood bedframes or platforms to create a dreamy and refined atmosphere.
Keep Comfort at the Heart of Your Home
Designing your home starts with how you want it to feel. Creating this atmosphere requires careful consideration of every element, including the poufs and pillows that enhance the comfort wherever they are present. We love these small details and care that contemporary designers put into them. Throughout the HORNE collection of home accessories and décor, you’ll find the best modern poufs and pillows that help you achieve the warmth and character you love while keeping comfort at the heart of your home.
