Footstools

Footstools: Comfort and Style at Your Feet

What is a Footstool?

A footstool is a small, low piece of furniture designed to support your feet while you sit, offering extra comfort and relaxation. Often used in living rooms or bedrooms, footstools can also double as additional seating or even as a makeshift table. Available in various shapes, sizes, and materials, footstools are both functional and decorative, adding a touch of comfort and style to your home.

Why Do You Need a Footstool?

A footstool enhances your comfort by providing a place to rest your feet, reducing strain and helping you to relax after a long day. Beyond comfort, footstools can be a stylish addition to your room, offering a pop of colour or texture. They’re also versatile—use them as an extra seat when guests visit, or as a small table for a tray of snacks or a book. Some footstools even offer hidden storage, making them a practical solution for keeping your space tidy.

What Types of Footstools Are Available?

Footstools come in a variety of designs, each serving different needs and preferences:

• Ottoman Footstools: Upholstered and often padded, these are the most common type, offering both comfort and a stylish appearance.
• Storage Footstools: Feature a hinged lid or removable top, providing a discreet place to store blankets, magazines, or other items.
• Pouffes: Soft, cushion-like footstools that are lightweight and easy to move around, adding a casual and cosy feel to your space.
• Wooden Footstools: Typically more rigid, these offer a classic look and can also serve as a small table or stand.
• Bench-Style Footstools: Larger and often rectangular, these can be used as both a footrest and extra seating.

How to Choose the Right Footstool?

When choosing a footstool, consider the height relative to your seating—ideally, it should be level with or slightly lower than your chair or sofa to ensure comfort. Think about the material and design that will complement your existing furniture—leather offers a sophisticated touch, while fabric-covered footstools can add warmth and colour. If space is a concern, a storage footstool can provide additional functionality without taking up extra room. Consider the footstool’s versatility—will it be used primarily as a footrest, or do you need it to serve other purposes like seating or storage?

Where Can You Place a Footstool?

Footstools are most commonly placed in front of sofas, armchairs, or recliners in the living room, providing a comfortable spot to rest your feet. In the bedroom, a footstool at the end of the bed can serve as a handy place to sit while getting dressed or to lay out clothes. Footstools can also be used in home offices as a way to improve ergonomics while you work. Their compact size means they can easily be moved around, making them useful in any room of the house.

How to Style a Footstool?

Styling a footstool can be simple yet effective. In the living room, pair it with a coordinating throw or cushion for a cohesive look. If your footstool doubles as a coffee table, consider placing a tray on top with a few decorative items like candles, books, or a small plant. For a more casual vibe, a pouffe-style footstool can add a pop of colour or texture, especially when combined with other soft furnishings like rugs or curtains. In bedrooms, a footstool can be styled with a folded blanket or a stack of magazines, making it both functional and decorative.

Footstools are the perfect blend of comfort and style, offering a versatile addition to any room in your home. Whether you’re looking to relax, add extra seating, or simply enhance your décor, a footstool is a small investment that delivers big rewards.