The key to comfortable holiday hosting isn't ugly fold-up chairs, it's chic and practical floor pillows – here are our style editor's best picks
Floor pillows can help solve all of your hosting woes – they make for great extra seats that are not only cozy, but stylish, too


As hosting season rapidly approaches, it's time to reevaluate your home's aptitude for entertaining guests. Instead of relying on unattractive fold-up chairs that'll just clutter your closets when not in use, consider this unconventional, grounding, and chic seating choice instead: floor pillows.
Floor pillows aren't a new living room seating idea by any means. In fact, their use in interior spaces can be traced all the way back to ancient civilizations across the globe, from Egypt to China. However, the continued use of floor pillows is proof that this seating choice is one that's not only highly functional and practical, but worthy enough to stand the test of time.
Nowadays, floor pillows take many forms – ottomans, poufs, and even bean bag chairs are making a comeback. However, I find the most useful floor pillows are the ones that measure slightly larger and feel slightly firmer than traditional couch pillows. These styles are big enough to serve as extra seating for guests, but small enough to stash under your coffee table when not in use. Plus, they're stylish enough to become living room decor details to enrich the style of your space. And this hosting season, they're a home decor must-have.
You see, floor pillows eliminate the need for clunky, foldable chairs – allowing more room for guests to mingle about when hosting a party. They can make a room feel more comfortable, too. I recently noticed that interior designer Amber Lewis incorporated a floor pillow into one of her projects, and it sparked my interest in this clever yet underutilized seating idea.
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Although Amber used the floor pillow in a playroom in this example, the uses for floor pillows in the home are vast. Of course, they make sense as extra seating in your living room (especially as we approach hosting season), but they can also become a key feature in a cozy bedroom, or even a comfortable spot in a reading nook.
Not only are floor pillows a practical choice for seating, but they add a layer of style to a room, too. 'With varied colors, textures, and patterns, floor pillows can introduce personality, contrast, or cohesion in the decor,' interior designer Deborah French tells me.
But the best part about floor pillows is that when they're not in use, they don't look out of place. They can decorate the room in which they occupy by leaning up against a wall or by stacking on top of each other, like shown in this room designed by interior designer Beata Heuman.
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Shop cozy and stylish floor pillows
Whether you're looking for a cozy room idea or want to experiment with unconventional seating for your next house party, floor pillows are certainly worth your attention. They'll make your home more comfortable and add a level of style – all while being a highly practical decor detail.
Shop nine stylish floor pillows for your home, below.
Complete in a quintessential fall pattern, this plaid floor pillow is a must-have for fall hosting. Its earthy colors are classic and grounding, and its wool blend fabrication ensures a comfy seat. This floor pillow can certainly help decorate any room for fall.
When I think of floor pillows, this design is what comes to mind – a square shape with a thick layer of cushioning. However, this pillow's design goes a step further. It's texturally rich with velvet fabric and tastefully colorful in mustard yellow. This model will ensure a comfortable seat for you or your guests.
Floor pillows can look just like regular pillows – the only difference is they're made with a bit more fill to ensure comfort and their materials are slightly more durable for use on the floor. This one looks so elegant, it could be an addition to your couch's pillow collection. However, it'll become a cozy and stylish floor seat for guests.
Since you can always hide a floor pillow when not in use, why not choose one that's bold in design? This option could be a great addition to your living room with its vibrant, colorful design. Plus, it can be used outdoors as well, making it a practical choice for year-round party hosting.
If you're looking for a floor pillow to incorporate into the design of your white living room, here's your pick. This one is sleek, simple, and endlessly cozy. It can provide a plush place for your to sit on the ground, and since it's made with a handle, you can easily move it around the house with you.
Looking for a floor pillow that'll match the aesthetic of your cottagecore bedroom? Here's the best pick. This pink floor pillow is complete with a charming floral pattern. It's a design that could tastefully enhance the style of your bedroom or any other room of your house. Plus, its thick fill makes it extra cozy for floor seating.
Poufs are practically synonymous with floor pillows. The only difference is that they're slightly larger in size and can be a bit firmer. With its fluffy wool design and abstract print, this one could be a comfortable and stylish seating addition for your cozy living room.
Most floor pillows measure about 20" x 20" in size. This one, however, is much larger, at 40" x 40". That makes it extra spacious for you to sit comfortably on the floor. Aside from this moss color, this floor pillow is also available in blue, cream, red, and other shades.
Add some texture to your floor with this chic floor pillow. It's made with a chunky wool weave that's texturally rich and makes for a cozy seat. Plus, the color variety within the weave itself makes this pillow a unique style statement. It could be a great addition to your living room floor, and when not in use, lean it up against a wall for a stylish look.
Love the idea of floor pillows, but need something a bit bigger? Check out the viral WOWMAX couch bed. This boneless couch is completely rearrangeable – almost as if it were a bunch of floor pillows grouped together to form a cozy and plush couch.

Devin Toolen is a New York-based Style Editor for Homes & Gardens. After achieving her Bachelor’s Degree at Villanova University, Devin moved to Paris, France, to obtain her Master’s Degree at Parsons School of Design. Upon returning to the United States, Devin began working in the media industry with Cosmopolitan Magazine, where she wrote trend-driven fashion stories and assisted on set for many photoshoots, and later Livingetc, where she wrote interior design stories and assisted with the magazine’s social media pages. She has an appreciation for every aspect of personal style – from the clothes we wear to the design of our homes. In her spare time, Devin enjoys embroidery and antique shopping in the city.
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