
Beyond Faux: Ottomans
The Ultimate Versatile Decor Piece
When we think about versatile, luxury-inspired home décor, the ottoman rarely receives the spotlight it deserves. But at CG Hunter, we believe ottomans are more than just functional—they’re foundational. These sculptural pieces marry softness and structure, adding dimension, texture, and style to any room. Whether you're tucking one beneath a console, placing it at the foot of a bed, or using it as a central element in a cozy reading nook, the right ottoman creates harmony in a space.
In this guide, we explore the many roles of ottomans—from functional seating to layered design accents—and showcase how CG Hunter's artisan-crafted poufs go far beyond the faux. With support from top design publications and practical styling advice, we’ll show you exactly how to style them with intention.
The Appeal of Artisan Ottomans
Ottomans (a.k.a. poufs) are among the most adaptable pieces in any room. According to An Inspiring Home, “Ottomans and poufs can bridge design gaps, add texture, and serve as storage or seating—all in one small footprint.” That adaptability makes them indispensable for modern living spaces, especially when you’re short on square footage.
CG Hunter’s handcrafted ottomans—such as the Round Braided Jute Ottoman Pouf or the Square Striped Woven Ottoman Pouf—are created with functionality and form in mind. Made from durable, natural fibers like jute and cotton, each piece reflects a careful attention to detail and sustainable design values.
Texture as a Design Element
Ottomans offer an easy and approachable way to layer texture into your home, an often-overlooked element in creating a well-balanced interior. A richly textured piece like the Square Handwoven Loop Ottoman Pouf softens a space filled with harder surfaces such as wood or metal. It breaks the visual monotony and adds warmth without overwhelming the overall palette.
Incorporating natural textures like those found in CG Hunter’s Square Braided Jute Ottoman Pouf supports the current trend of biophilic design—creating a deeper connection to nature through texture and material. As mentioned in our own CG Hunter style journal The Handcrafted Touch, “Natural materials not only ground a space, they bring in authenticity that feels timeless.”
Anchor with Intent: How to Place Your Ottoman
According to Decorating Den, ottomans should never feel like an afterthought. Their position and pairing with other pieces can make or break the flow of a room. If used in place of a coffee table, your ottoman should sit about 18 inches from the surrounding seating to maintain easy movement and access.
Use the Square Striped Woven Ottoman Pouf to center a casual living room, or pair two of the Handwoven Stripe Loop Ottoman Poufs beneath a console for symmetry and hidden seating.
In entryways or bedrooms, consider flanking a bench with two Round Braided Jute Ottoman Poufs to soften the space while providing additional function.
Ottomans as Layers in Reading Nooks
Few spaces benefit from the soft structure of an ottoman like a reading nook. A plush pouf adds just enough comfort to anchor the feet and the eye. Martha Stewart suggests, “Layering different textures—rugs, pillows, throws, and ottomans—creates the cocooning effect that makes reading nooks so irresistible.”
Pair the Square Handwoven Loop Ottoman Pouf with a soft rug and a wool throw for a corner that invites long hours with your favorite book.
The Power of Repetition
There’s strength in numbers. Grouping ottomans together can elevate their presence while increasing their functionality. Use a trio of Handwoven Stripe Loop Ottoman Poufs to create an impromptu bench or a longer coffee-table alternative. When not in use, they slide under tables or nest into corners—quietly stylish and incredibly efficient.
The ability to move and reconfigure ottomans makes them ideal for those who love to entertain. Pull a pouf into the conversation area, use it as an impromptu tray table with a sturdy base, or bring it into another room entirely—it adapts to your needs with grace.
Soft Functionality Meets Style
We often talk about beauty in design, but functionality matters just as much. With ottomans, you don’t have to choose between the two. As noted in CG Hunter’s own journal Top 10 Home Decor Trends to Watch in 2025, pieces that do double duty are no longer just a convenience—they’re an expectation.
Incorporating a tactile piece like the Square Braided Jute Ottoman Pouf into your layout offers just that: a seamless fusion of utility and design.
Color and Material Pairings
Our ottomans are designed to integrate beautifully with various materials and hues. Their neutral, natural palette allows them to work in both modern and traditional settings. Pair them with leather armchairs, linen slipcovered sofas, or even more contemporary metal-framed accent chairs.
In rooms dominated by cool tones or minimalist styles, the warmth of jute or cotton invites balance. Try the Round Braided Jute Ottoman Pouf in a high-contrast black-and-white living room, or add the Square Striped Woven Ottoman Pouf to soften a crisp, Scandinavian interior.
The Handcrafted Touch
What truly sets CG Hunter’s ottomans apart is the artistry behind each piece. Unlike mass-produced furnishings, every ottoman we offer is handcrafted by skilled artisans using time-honored techniques passed down through generations. From hand-braided jute to intricately looped cotton weaves, our ottomans reflect a level of craftsmanship that speaks to intentional living. As highlighted in our journal, The Handcrafted Touch, we believe that handmade pieces carry more than aesthetic value—they carry meaning. These textures tell a story, connecting you to a slower, more thoughtful design process that celebrates materiality and heritage.
When paired with other artisan-crafted CG Hunter decor—such as our terracotta vases or scalloped-edge jute rugs—these ottomans become anchors in a room. Their natural palette and tactile design blend seamlessly with curated interiors that value authenticity over trend. Because each piece is created by hand, subtle variations emerge—making every ottoman slightly different and beautifully unique. Whether styled in a reading nook, nestled beside a bed, or placed in a living room corner, CG Hunter ottomans infuse the space with personality and warmth. They invite rest, conversation, and reflection—essentials of a home designed with heart.
Why Go Beyond Faux?
At CG Hunter, faux doesn’t mean flat. Every pouf is made by hand, using artisan techniques passed down through generations. We blend sustainable materials, quality craftsmanship, and thoughtful design to bring life to each piece.
Our blog Behind the Scenes at CG Hunter: The Art of Handmade Decor dives deep into the skilled processes behind our offerings. When you invest in CG Hunter, you're supporting artisans and bringing a story into your home—not just a product.
Celebrate the Art of Ottomans
Ottomans are more than decorative—they're deliberate. They anchor, soften, invite, and balance. Whether you need additional seating, a cozy accent for a reading nook, or a textured design element, CG Hunter’s collection has a handcrafted pouf to match your vision.
Explore the full line of artisan ottomans on CG Hunter and discover how effortless, multifunctional style can be. Want more design tips? Follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok for exclusive styling tips, giveaways, and more. And don’t forget to tag @CGHunterHome in your photos—your home might just inspire someone else. Which of our ottomans is your favorite?