The Nest

Tuesday, January 29, 2008 8:51 PM

What are some alternative seating options?

One option: Spring for the ottoman that matches your couch; that way, it can be pulled up to look like an extension of your couch and used as a footrest, or can be pulled away and used as individual seating.

But designers are crazier about something even smaller and more stylish: a pouf. “The pouf was originally a North African cushion that, when filled, was completely firm and used for seating around a low table and as a table itself,” explains Sophie Lombard Bergé, whose L.A. company Sophie Nova produces poufs made from Moroccan materials. Poufs range in styles from plain basic white canvas ones to modern cubes and soft romantic designs, all of which add style elements to a room in a way other furniture may not. “A little tweedy footrest can be so dull and sad,” says Lombard Bergé.

The pouf is also multitalented: “I use mine mostly as a seat, but also as a footrest by the sofa, and as a side table by the bed, piled with my magazines or books,” explains Lombard Bergé. “And when I’m not using it as seating, I stow one in my office under a console, piled with rolls of fabric.” You can also use it as a napping area for a pet or as a childproof table.

On the cheaper end, Ikea sells woven straw stools that stack and you can use indoors for a natural look, and carry outdoors for a backyard summer party.

- Amy Spencer