My husband and I really like it - but I wouldn't call it a pouf at all.  We got the blue/grey colour, and some of the blue is very bright - almost turquoise (just so you are expecting that when you open it).  In a navy or grey room, the lines of bright blue could clash with other colours so just beware.  As other reviewers have said, it is more of a plywood box with a little padding and then covered in rug material.  Can be used as a bench or table, because of it's firmness, but is too high for most sofas to be a comfortable ottoman.  They are very versatile and we are now using them as bedside tables!