Interior design with poufs, a touch of comfort in furnishings

As we know it today, this furnishing accessory originates from the concept of the beanbag pouf in the 1960s. In reality, its history is much older and is worth exploring to understand how to best incorporate it into our spaces.

The pouf as a furnishing element, from history to modern trends

• The first forms of this type existed as early as Ancient Egypt, with small leather bags filled with dried beans or other materials. While they were used for games and other forms of entertainment at the time, their form has continued throughout history, even reaching our current interior design.

• The history of bean bag poufs is intertwined with the Ottoman models, popular in Turkey and introduced to Europe in the 18th century. These were padded, upholstered chairs and benches , without armrests or backrests, and embellished with soft cushions.

• All these suggestions, in the modern era, flowed into the research of the most brilliant designers.

• Since the 1960s and 1970s, the pouf as a furnishing element has been conceived as a soft, large armchair, perfect for the informal aesthetic that was trendy at the time.

• Initially, these accessories seemed ideal for student and teenager rooms, but soon became style elements in living rooms.

• They began to evolve from simple comfortable seats to more refined accessories, such as faux leather poufs , up to versions of poufs, armchairs and sofas reminiscent of the Ottoman style.

• Alternatively, with the advent of video games, they have become popular gaming chairs for hours on end, while sturdy, waterproof materials have made them useful for outdoor use as well. Poufs are now used in every part of the house , including the garden or terrace.

Today, the pouf is not just a functional accessory, but a true protagonist of interior design.
Placing it in a room – be it a living room, bedroom, or study – adds a comfortable touch and a modern character to the decor.

Furnishing styles in which the pouf is perfect

A beanbag chair should definitely be paired well with other furniture to fit in with the overall design of the room where it is placed.

Some styles, however, better capture certain characteristics. Careful interior design, therefore, allows you to find the right balance between comfort, space, and style.

• Minimal. Interiors with clean lines and neutral colors are perfect for beanbag chairs, blending into the design or adding a touch of contrast with a bright color.

• Boho chic . This style's influences are ideal for poufs with colorful fabrics and soft shapes, evoking a relaxed and refined atmosphere.

• Industrial . The bold shapes and metal inserts can pair well with faux leather poufs or textured fabrics for contrast.

• Scandinavian. The inspiration from Nordic interiors is complemented by pastel-toned models and natural fabrics – such as the velvet poufs .

How to choose the right pouf

While designer poufs have conquered residential spaces (as well as public spaces), it's not always easy to avoid some mistakes when choosing them. Let's look at the criteria to consider for choosing the best one.

Consider the available space

• When choosing, you will have to balance the spacious and comfortable shape with the volume of your interior.

• The size you choose depends on who will use it and where it will be placed, of course. A giant pouf won't fit in a small bedroom without taking up too much space. However, a child's pouf might be too small if you want to use it for adults as well.

• For outdoor beanbags, remember that when not in use, they should be stored indoors – and you need to consider where you'll put them.

Evaluate how you will use it

• The key factor to consider is how often you'll use it: relaxing seats for lounging or watching TV, extra seating for your guests, or footrests?

• In the first case, the bigger the better – you could spend hours in front of the screen or reading.

• In the second case, a more traditional shape, reminiscent of an armchair or sofa, may be useful. A spare seat should be small and lightweight, easy to pull out when needed.

• In addition to being a comfortable ergonomic seat, the pouf can also double as a relaxing footrest . Some models also include a storage pouf for added storage space and comfort.

• Another essential factor for outdoor poufs is the upholstery. Waterproof, easy-to-clean materials are essential, with a sturdy structure. If you plan to use this item in a versatile way, it should be lightweight, designed both for comfortable seating and for carrying indoors.

Choosing between shapes and materials

• Poufs can be round, cubic, or beanbag-shaped depending on your needs, and this structure can be combined with models in velvet, eco-leather, or waterproof tropical fabric .

• A beanbag chair can be made in a variety of configurations, as long as the upholstery is safe and wear-resistant.

• There's another factor to consider, however: consider which material won't wear out or lose its appearance quickly, depending on where you position the pouf.

• You can choose velvet poufs and furnishing accessories for the interior, of course, while for a swimming pool you need a fabric resistant to abrasion, sun and water (nautical upholstery).

• Ultimately? The best fabrics are those that offer both support and flexibility, as these elements must do during sitting.

Matching colors

Our designer indoor poufs are available in a rainbow of colors, perfect for a variety of styles. From neutral tones for a minimalist living room to vibrant colors for children's bedrooms, or even nature-inspired shades for garden poufs.

Furthermore, symbolic colors shouldn't be underestimated. For example, blue is one of the most popular colors today, for its relaxing and spiritual vibes, which can add a touch of glamour in shades of azure or turquoise. Conversely, a bright green represents energy, nature, and well-being; exceptional for a pouf placed outdoors or in a bedroom.

Where to buy designer poufs

Choosing the perfect one is easier if you focus your search within our collection of beanbag poufs . You'll find many different models in shapes, colors, and accessories, suitable for different furnishing needs; to renovate your reading nook or living room seating area.

Additionally, there are special velvet poufs and furnishing accessories available, which we discussed in the article – ideal for an exclusive and original interior design.

Discovering the Avalon collection is the best time to rethink your style and the way you relax at home.