By Andrea Lillo
For those consumers who need stylish seating for small spaces, the answer has increasingly been the pouf.
Proliferating in a vast range of materials, colors, designs and price points, the powerful pouf has proven irresistible to manufacturers and retailers as well, as many have jumped into this category of casual yet chic accent seating.
The craze started with leather Moroccan poufs, which were “wildly popular,” Mitra Morgan, co-founder, Joss and Main, told HFN. The poufs’ price points and versatility are what make the category strong, she added. “They allow the consumer to introduce a pop of color in what might otherwise be a neutral room setting”—and if the consumer changes her mind about the pouf, she can easily change it out.
While ABC Carpet & Home has carried poufs for about a decade, it increased its inventory significantly over the last one and a half years, the company said. Among its current strong sellers have been one of a Moroccan wedding blanket design as well as ethnic neon styles. Its best price point has been $500 or less, with kapok or cotton fill, including new poufs it has collaborated on with Missoni.
Before, these items were more like a structured chair ottoman, and not as inviting, said Amy Archer, director, product and development, Surya. But with the pouf, “it’s easy to carry. You’re meant to plop down in it and not think about it...There’s an aesthetic ease to them...They’re great for small spaces.” Among its most recent pouf introductions have been in its licensed collection with designer Beth Lacefield.
Safavieh has been offering poufs for three years, in linens and suede fabrics, said Jonathan Yaraghi, general manager, Safavieh furniture division. Now, the category is expanding as the company is introducing a new velvet line, as well as items that are a bridge between the typical bean bag chair and an ottoman. The price points that are doing well are between $129 to $249, he said.
“They’re casual, comfortable and they quickly bring a new color/pattern or look to any living space—especially the family room or media room,” Yaraghi said.
Momeni recently expanded into the accessories category with poufs, with more launched at Las Vegas Market. The best sellers for the line so far are its kilim and suzani poufs, which retail for $199 and $499, respectively. It also offers Laguna poufs, which have a $199 price point and coordinate with its Laguna flatweave rug collection, and Veranda, indoor/outdoor poufs that coordinate with the Veranda indoor/outdoor rug collection and retail for $299.