7 Practical Tips to Extend the Life of Your Ottoman Pouf

An ottoman pouf is one of those pieces you buy thinking it’ll just be a cute accent… and then it ends up doing everything. It becomes a footrest after work, extra seating when mates pop over, a makeshift coffee table during movie night, and the spot where the dog decides to nap. Whether you’ve got a round ottoman pouf, a square ottoman pouf, or a plush upholstered ottoman pouf, a little bit of care goes a long way in keeping it looking fresh for years.

The good news? You don’t need fancy products or a full-on furniture routine. Just a few practical habits that suit real Aussie homes.

1. Rotate Your Ottoman Pouf Like You Rotate a Mattress

If you use your pouf ottoman in the same spot every day, it’ll start showing wear in the same areas. This is especially true for a fabric ottoman pouf, a knitted ottoman pouf, or a velvet ottoman pouf, where pressure and friction can flatten fibres over time.

A simple fix: rotate it.

Turn your footstool ottoman pouf every couple of weeks

If it’s a square ottoman pouf, rotate it 90 degrees

If it’s a round ottoman pouf, rotate it so the “main sitting side” changes

This keeps the stuffing and fabric from breaking down unevenly, which is one of the biggest reasons poufs look tired too soon.

2. Keep It Clean, But Don’t Overdo It

Cleaning is essential, but over-cleaning can be just as damaging—especially for a cotton ottoman pouf, wool ottoman pouf, or jute ottoman pouf. These materials are often natural and can react badly to harsh chemicals or excessive moisture.

For day-to-day care:

Vacuum your fabric pouffe ottoman weekly using a soft brush attachment

Spot clean stains immediately (don’t let them set)

Use mild soap and cold water for most natural fibre pouf materials

If you’ve got a leather ottoman pouf, skip water-heavy cleaning. Use a leather-safe conditioner every few months to prevent cracking and dryness—especially in air-conditioned homes.

3. Use a Tray When Your Ottoman Pouf Becomes a Coffee Table

A lot of people use an ottoman pouf for coffee table duty, and honestly, it’s brilliant. But there’s one catch: mugs, plates, and glasses can destroy fabric faster than you’d expect.

A tray protects your pouf from:

coffee spills

oily food stains

condensation rings

accidental scratches from hard objects

This tip is a lifesaver for a velvet ottoman pouf or upholstered ottoman pouf, because these fabrics can be difficult to fully restore once stained.

Bonus: a tray instantly makes your ottoman pouf for living room look more styled and intentional.

4. Protect the Filling by Using It the Right Way

An ottoman pouf for seating is designed to handle weight, but not always in the same way as a chair. The internal filling (especially in handmade styles) can shift, compress, or lose structure if it’s used roughly.

To extend the life of your pouf footstool:

Avoid jumping or standing on it (especially kids—no matter how tempting)

Don’t drag it across rough floors

If it’s a softer model, don’t use it as a step stool

A footstool ottoman pouf works best as a footrest or casual perch. Treat it like a comfy furniture piece, not a piece of gym equipment, and it’ll last far longer.

5. Keep It Out of Direct Sunlight (Yes, Even Indoors)

The Aussie sun is brutal, and it doesn’t care whether your furniture is indoors or out. If your ottoman pouffe sits near a window, the UV exposure can fade and weaken fibres over time.

This matters most for:

cotton ottoman pouf colours

wool ottoman pouf texture

dyed natural fibre pouf materials

darker tones on a leather ottoman pouf

If you can, move your ottoman pouf for bedroom or living room setup slightly away from direct light. Even shifting it 30–50 cm can make a big difference.

6. Fluff, Reshape, and Refill When Needed

Poufs aren’t like a sofa with a fixed frame. Many are designed to be flexible and soft, which is part of the charm. But that also means they need a bit of reshaping now and then.

To keep your ottoman pouf footrest looking plump:

fluff it by pressing and kneading the sides

shake it gently to redistribute filling

reshape it after heavy use

If you’ve got a handmade pouffe or sustainable pouf furniture piece, it may even be designed to allow refilling. Adding fresh stuffing every couple of years can dramatically extend the life of an ottoman pouf for small spaces, where it gets used constantly because it’s doing multiple jobs.

7. Choose Materials That Match Your Lifestyle

One of the best ways to extend the life of your ottoman pouf is to start with a material that suits your home. A beautiful pouf that’s wrong for your lifestyle will wear out quickly no matter how careful you are.

Here’s a practical guide:

jute ottoman pouf: great for texture and earthy style, but avoid heavy spills

cotton ottoman pouf: soft, breathable, easier to clean, good for everyday use

wool ottoman pouf: warm and cosy, naturally durable, but needs gentle care

leather ottoman pouf: long-lasting, wipes clean easily, ideal for high-traffic areas

knitted ottoman pouf: stylish and comfy, but can snag in pet homes

velvet ottoman pouf: luxe and stunning, but best for lower-mess spaces

If you’re leaning toward a natural fibre pouf, look for an eco-friendly ottoman pouf made with durable stitching and strong seams. Quality construction matters just as much as the outer fabric.

A Longer-Lasting Ottoman Pouf Is All About Small Habits

Your ottoman pouf isn’t just a decorative extra—it’s a hardworking piece of furniture that supports real daily life. This complete guide on style your ottoman pouf shows how a simple accessory can transform your space, whether it’s an ottoman pouf for living room lounging, an ottoman pouf for bedroom comfort, or a stylish pouf ottoman used as a footrest and occasional table. The secret to longevity is simple: rotate it regularly, clean it gently, protect it from spills, and treat it like the furniture hero it truly is.

And if you’re investing in a well-made, eco-friendly ottoman pouf or handmade pouffe for your space, brands like LaGrace Home are a great reminder that quality and thoughtful design make caring for your pouf even easier—and far more worth it in the long run.