Stools and pouffes are versatile pieces of furniture. Use one as an extra seat, a footstool, a place to put things beside the sofa or a space-saving solution at your dressing table. There’s plenty of choice, from velvet stools and round pouffes to folding stools with storage. However, the wide range of designs and prices can make it difficult to compare them.
Three common issues are particularly worth looking out for:
Larger models are often a good choice for a living room, where they can serve as a footstool or an extra seat. In a hallway, a compact bench or small pouffe can be more practical, for example when you’re putting on your shoes. Before you buy, measure the available floor space and allow room for the lid to open.
A model around 31 to 38 centimetres in diameter or width will often fit beside a sofa, under a dressing table or in a bedroom corner. A round pouffe about 35 to 40 centimetres high can work well as a footstool. The right height for you will depend on the height of your sofa or table.
Look for a clearly stated maximum load. The models featured here have manufacturer-stated weight capacities of between 120 and 150 kilograms. These figures apply to use as a seat and should not be exceeded.
For a bedroom or living room stool, these construction details are also worth checking:
A pouffe filled with EPS may lose its shape over time with use. The Beliani model’s care guidance notes that regular fluffing can help it retain its original shape. This is specific care advice for the product, not a guarantee that it will keep its shape permanently.
A velvet or velour stool adds a decorative touch and feels soft to the touch. However, stains should be treated in line with the care instructions. Several models are designed to be wiped clean with a damp cloth; harsh cleaning products and machine washing are not suitable.
Depending on the product, cotton covers may be carefully vacuumed or treated with a suitable upholstery cleaner. Handcrafted items may vary slightly in colour and dimensions. If you’re looking for a decorative stool for everyday use, compare the upholstery, filling and cleaning instructions as well as the design.
Why it suits this profile: This folding stool takes up little space when not in use. At 38 × 38 × 38 cm, it’s suitable for a living room, bedroom or hallway.
The folding design helps solve the common problem of limited space. Before buying, though, check that the construction is suitable for the way you plan to use it as a seat.
MDF construction, grey velvet upholstery and a low product weight of 2.4 kg; according to the product details, it’s ready to use without assembly.
Why it suits this profile: Two stackable stools offer flexible seating and concealed storage for books, cushions or accessories in the living room or bedroom.
The product details specify a wooden frame, thick padding, a removable lid and a weight capacity of up to 135 kg. The smaller stool fits inside the larger one.
A two-piece set with concealed storage and a stackable design. According to the product description, the lid can also be used as a small surface for putting things on.
Why it suits this profile: This compact storage stool can be used as a seat, footstool, shoe-changing seat or toy box in the hallway, living room or bedroom.
The manufacturer specifies an internal capacity of 8.4 litres, a removable seat and a maximum load of 150 kg. This means key details about storage and weight capacity are clearly stated.
Velour upholstery, foam padding, four metal legs, an MDF frame and non-slip feet; dimensions: 31.5 × 31.5 × 37.5 cm.
Why it suits this profile: With its chunky cotton knit, this round pouffe makes a cosy extra seat or footstool and suits an urban, homely interior.
The product details clearly state that it has no storage. This makes it easy to distinguish from a storage stool.
Round shape, 100% cotton cover, EPS filling, dimensions of 50 × 50 × 35 cm and a stated maximum load of 120 kg.
We’ve put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and fully comply with the safety regulations in force in the EU.
Place your stool on a level, stable surface and make sure all its feet are in contact with the floor. A stool isn’t automatically suitable for use as a step or ladder. Keep pouffes with cotton covers away from naked flames, high temperatures and cigarette embers.
To help your stool last as long as possible:
Yes, provided the manufacturer has explicitly designed it for sitting and stated a maximum load. When using it, make sure the lid, frame and feet are all properly supported. Don’t use a loose-fitting lid as a seat unless the product description says it’s suitable for this.
It depends on where you plan to use it and how much care it needs. Velvet and velour have a smooth, decorative finish and often suit modern living room or bedroom furniture. Cotton knit has more texture and character, but its shape can change depending on the filling. The key things to consider are the cleaning instructions, padding and how you plan to use it every day.
There’s no single answer, as it depends on the weight it bears, its materials, the surface it stands on and how well it’s cared for. A framed model with a stated weight capacity may be suitable for regular seating, while a soft pouffe with EPS filling may lose its shape over time. Before buying, check the construction, weight limit and care requirements.