Small, easy to move and simple to tuck out of the way when not in use, poufs may be the ultimate in flexible seating.

“Often, it just boils down to the fact that you don’t have room for another set of chairs,” said Amy Kehoe, who runs Nickey Kehoe, an interior design studio and store in Los Angeles, with Todd Nickey.

“One of the most frequent spots we put them is in the living room,” Mr. Nickey said, “between a big coffee table and a fireplace,” where they serve as a fireside perch that doesn’t block sightlines from the sofa.

But poufs are more than just makeshift chairs. Depending on their proportions and firmness, they can also serve as footstools or side tables. And because they come in so many shapes, sizes and materials, they can appeal to wildly divergent tastes, much like throw pillows.

As Ms. Kehoe said, “For one little thing,” a pouf “can have so many different looks.”

• What is the purpose of a pouf? “Some poufs have a luxurious sink to them, while others are more firm,” Ms. Kehoe said, noting that the softer ones are ideal for seating and the firmer ones work better as tables.

• How relaxed is the room? In a formal living room, “a pouf could be a little more structured or have a wood or metal base,” Mr. Nickey said, while in a casual family room, a soft, pillowy design might be a better choice.

• Should you buy one or a few? “We use multiples more often than not,” Mr. Nickey said. “Usually, it’s a pair.”

Braided Jute Pouf

Pouf with cover of coiled, braided jute, in two sizes | From about $80 to $159 at CB2: 800-606-6252 or cb2.com

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Moroccan Wedding Pouf

Shaggy pouf made with fabric from Moroccan wedding blankets | $298 at Anthropologie: 800-309-2500 or anthropologie.com

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Bon Pouf Round

Pouf with circular top in geometric-patterned fabric | $279 at Hem: 011-468-408-067-40 or us.hem.com

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Mangas Space Plait Square Pouf

Chunky woven wool pouf by Patricia Urquiola for GAN | $2,010 at Gandiablasco: 212-421-6701 or gan-rugs.com

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Fritz Hansen Pouf

Tailored pouf with two types of fabric and leather piping by Cecilie Manz | $463 at Fritz Hansen: 212-219-3226 or fritzhansen.com

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