My CODE Pouf by True Design (Italy) Is the Best £20 I’ve Ever Spent

Okay, confession time: I’ve been low-key obsessed with modular furniture ever since I saw that on TikTok of a girl rearranging her entire living room with just a few squishy poufs. But designer seating systems usually cost actual rent money… until I stumbled upon my tiny, perfect CODE pouf by True Design (Italy) on Carousell Hong Kong for £20 (HKD 200).

This little guy is a 50cm x 50cm cube of joy in the dreamiest light blue fabric. It’s part of True Design’s CODE collection- a genius modular system that’s basically adult LEGO for your butt. The designer version comes with all these fancy configurations (backs! tables! maxi sizes!), but mine? Just a smol, sturdy pouf that somehow elevates every corner I drag it into.

New, these poufs have polystyrene cores, foam padding, and steel feet—but thrifted, mine still feels weirdly high-end. The fabric’s stain-resistant, the seams are tight, and it’s just firm enough to not deflate when my cat uses it as a throne.

Tiny apartment dwellers, rejoice! At 50cm, it tucks under my coffee table, fits under my desk, slides next to the sofa, or becomes a very chic step stool when I need to reach my top shelf.

I found mine buried deep within Carousell listings. But I'm sure CODE poufs pop up on Facebook Marketplace, Depop, and Vinterior if you're patient. 

Some tips to tell the real thing from designer dups when you're online thrifting: 

1. Check the label (real ones have a branded tag under the fabric- I asked the seller to take photos of the bottom of the pouf before buying).

2. Test the foam (it should bounce back fast—no sad pancake vibes)

Why I Don't Bother With Designer Dupes

Honestly, I’ve bought those squishy Amazon/Taobao poufs. They last approximately 3.5 Netflix binges before collapsing into a fabric puddle. When I say that, I mean they lose shape easily. They suck! The CODE pouf’s structure (even secondhand) is next-level...it’s like comparing a Tesco meal deal to a Michelin-starred snack.

For £20, I got a designer-approved, space-saving, cat-approved seating upgrade. And if I ever stumble upon a matching backrest or table attachment? I'm going to get it. 

Anyone else scored a high-design steal lately? Comment with your thrift wins- I need inspo for my next hunt.