Ottomans are such a useful piece of furniture that serves multi-purposes as well as makes a wonderful addition in every home’s living room.
However, often ottoman users raise the question that “what are ottomans stuffed with?”. Well, that’s normal because as a customer, everybody would want to know the filling materials of ottomans.
If you have the same question too, then you’ve come to the right spot. Because this article is going to answer this popular question with proper information.
What Are Ottomans Stuffed With?
Ottomans are not stuffed with any specific stuffing because there are varieties of filling materials. Traditional ottomans are stuffed with wool and straw. But modern-day ottomans are stuffed with polyether flakes and textile surpluses. And homemade ones are stuffed with pillows or cushion filling.
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The stuffing of ottomans has changed a lot over time and in recent days there are varieties of ottoman filling. So ottomans really don’t have any specific filling.
However, the traditional ottomans are still filled up with traditional fillings which are wool and straw. People who like to have a traditional vibe particularly like them.
Well, modern-day people need modern stuff so ottomans are now being stuffed with polyether flakes known as foam rubber and textile surpluses.
Homemade ottomans are mainly stuffed with pillows or cushion fillings.
What Do You Fill An Ottoman With?
Here is the widely used 4 types of ottoman fillers list for your convenience.
Wool And Straw (Traditional)
Want to have those traditional ottomans? Then wool and straw are the best options for you to stuff your ottoman with.
Traditional ottomans were and still are being stuffed with wool and straw. Because wool and straw-filled ottomans are heavy and solid. They easily can retain the form as well as breathable and spongy.
Moreover, wool and straw are ecological so it doesn’t cause harm to the environment. And mainly, wool and straw filled up ottomans are firmly padded and have a beautiful round shape.
Therefore, if you want to enjoy all these traditional goodness in your ottoman then undoubtedly go for wool and straw to stuff your ottoman with. Besides, by using wool and straw you’ll help to save the environment also.
Polyether Flakes( Foam Rubber)
Polyether flakes or foam rubber is another most used option for you to fill your ottomans with. Polyether flakes are stripped residual elements of custom-cut polyether foam blocks.
Polyether flakes are lightweight. So if you stuff your ottomans with polyether flakes, you will a convenient, lightweight ottoman for your daily use. This filling is highly flexible too so you can use your ottoman the way you want and it will endure it.
Polyether flakes filling makes an ottoman solid too. It’s breathable and spongy. And foam rubber will give your ottoman a perfect round shape as well.
So, you can enjoy a quality ottoman by filling it with polyether flakes.
Textile Surpluses
If yours is a Moroccan ottoman then textile surpluses are the only best choice for you to stuff your ottoman with.
Textile surpluses imply all those unusable materials like clothes, sheets, bath linen, etc. The purpose behind using these materials is recycling. The Moroccans have invented this brilliant idea to reuse their unusable things instead of throwing them out.
Textile surpluses are filled ottomans will be heavy in weight. And they can retain their form for a long time. So, when you stuff with textile surpluses you don’t have to worry about deforming of your ottoman.
These are solid materials also and you’ll be needing less fillers to fill your ottoman with textile surpluses.
Remember to fill evenly, especially the sides to an even round shape.
Pillows, Cushion Filling
Well, this way is better if you are making an ottoman with all home supplies. You simply just can stuff your ottoman with any pillow, cushion fillings, sleeping bags, duvets that are already at your home.
However, this type of filling is semi-light and semi-resilient. So, it doesn’t guarantee you that your ottoman will be flexible to use. And you will be needing less filling to every fill your ottoman.
How Do You Reupholster/Re-fluff An Ottoman?
Perhaps many of you are still confused regarding reupholster or re-fluff an ottoman. Well the process is really easy and all you need to adopt these steps given below.
Take Off The Legs And Hardware
Ottomans have legs so first take the legs and hardware off the ottoman and keep them in a safe place.
Remove Old Materials
Remove all staples, nails, old stuffing, and the wooden board that was holding all stuffing.
Stuff It With Fillings
Now take your favorite ottoman fillers and fill the ottoman properly and evenly. And support it with the wooden board so that fillings stay in one place. And wrap it with a cushion wrap or padding to cover the fillings.
Attach The Upholstery Fabric
Now take your preferred upholstery fabric and attach it with the re-fluffed body of the ottoman. Secure it with several nails.
Attach The Legs And Underlying Fabric
You directly can re-attach the legs or you can use a piece of extra underlying fabric to make it more secure before attaching the legs to it. And you are done re-fluffing your old ottoman.
Ottomans VS Pouf, What Is The Difference?
You may think ottomans and poufs are the same but no they are different and have many disparities too.
Ottomans are a piece of padded/cushioned furniture used as an extra chair, side table, or footrest. And ottomans are supported with legs and hardware.
Generally, it’s made of polyester, cotton, leather, velvet, or linen. Ottomans are found in different sizes and shoes like round, square, cylinder, and rectangular.
Ottomans have a universal functionality. Starting from an extra seat, storage, footrest, side table, coffee table, to just a decorative piece of furniture, ottomans are being used for fulfilling all these purposes.
On the contrary, poufs are small-sized low seat cushions. They are more like bean bags but heftier and round.
Poufs ottomans are mainly used for sitting purposes only. They can’t be used as a table or a decorative piece of furniture but some people use it as a footrest sometimes.
Poufs are cheaper in price compared to ottomans and have less functionality. They are made of cotton mainly.
How Do You Make A Pouf Ottoman?
Making a pouf ottoman all by yourself is easy. Well to make it easier for you here is a step-by-step guideline for you.
Prepare The Pouf Pattern
There are thousands of pouf patterns on the internet. Just select your preferred one, download and print out it. Cut the paper and attach the pieces together with tape.
Cut The Fabric
Now cut the fabric according to the paper pattern’s measurement.
Pin And Sew The Pouf Sides
Then pin up the pouf sides and sew it along pinned sides using a straight stitch. Leave 1-2 inches seam allowance.
Join And Sew-All Pouf Sides
Next, join and sew all pouf sides and attach a zipper.
Stuff The Pouf
Lastly, turn the pouf upside down and fill it with your preferred stuffing. Fill evenly and properly so that the pouf gets a tight, firm, and round shape. And doesn’t sag while sitting on it.
What Are The Best Filling For A Pouf?
There are no specific best filling for a pouf. Fillings that are used for an ottoman can be used for a pouf too. Well, wool is always considered the top filling.
But you can use any filling that is available in your home. For example, old clothes, polyester balls, sheets, towels, and others. But still, some of the most used fillings to fill a pouf have been described in short below.
Wool
Wool is the first choice for stuffing poufs. Because it’s more durable and maintains the shape well. Also ecological and feels comfy while sitting on it as it’s breathable and spongy.
Old Clothing
Most people prefer old clothing, sheets, towels, etc. as a pouf filling because in this way they are recycling old clothes again instead of throwing them away. It’s a very good and cost-effective idea of stuffing poufs with.
Polyester Fiber
Polyester fibers are another recommended fillings. It’s easily found so if you don’t have old clothing or you don’t want to spend much on buying wool, you can use this. This filling will provide you with almost the same good service as a wool-filled out.
What Is The Best Eco-Friendly Pouf Filling?
Kapok is the best eco-friendly pouf fillings. Because it comes from the seed pods of the Kapok tree and is a vegetable-based yarn. It’s naturally grown and pest-free.
Mainly Kapok is mold-resistant and suitable for all people including people with allergies. Kapok doesn’t harm the environment at all. So, it’s best for using as a pouf filling.
What Is A Moroccan Pouf Stuffed With?
Moroccans pouf is stuffed with textile surpluses. Textile surpluses are unserviceable clothes, sheets, towels, etc.
Besides, polyester filling or pillow stuffing is also used to stuff a Moroccan pouf. So it depends on what you would choose to fill your Moroccan pouf with, both stuffing is acceptable.
What Are The Best Fabric For An Ottoman?
There are 3 types of fabric best known for ottomans.
- Cotton- Strong, resilient, and easily maintained.
- Linen- Durable and stain-resistant.
- Viscose- Gives a pretty look and used with other materials like cotton/linen.
Stuffing of ottomans is changeable as per customer demand and preference so there are no specific stuffing materials. You can stuff ottomans with any material you like.