Footstool Buying Guide

Small footstools can make an important difference in your home relaxation experience. You might want to rest your feet after a long day or add some soft aesthetics to your living space. These versatile pieces blend comfort with practicality perfectly.

The market offers everything from classic leather footstools to trendy velvet pouffes that suit any taste. Your choices include fabric, cotton, rattan, and wood options that complement your existing furniture beautifully. Many clever designs now come with hidden storage compartments. These spaces work great to store magazines, throws, blankets, or remote controls.

This buying guide will help you choose the perfect footstool for your sofa. We'll look at different styles, materials, and sizes that work best. You'll also learn practical ways to use these versatile pieces throughout your home. The guide will give you all the knowledge to pick a footstool that looks great and improves your everyday comfort.

Understanding Footstool Styles

A good understanding of different footstool styles helps you pick the perfect one for your living space. You'll find plenty of materials, shapes, and designs that match your existing furniture.

Fabric, leather, and wooden footstools

Your footstool's material substantially affects its durability, looks, and upkeep needs. Leather footstools showcase classic elegance and exceptional longevity. With proper care, they age beautifully and can last decades without fraying or wearing thin. These options are a breeze to clean and maintain, making them perfect for homes with children or pets.

Fabric footstools come in countless colours and patterns that let you add your personal touch. They create a cosy, welcoming atmosphere with warmth and softness that leather can't match. Cotton footstools are practical choices that combine smoothly with most décor styles. You can clean them with just soapy water.

Velvet footstools add luxury with their silky, plush texture that raises any room's appeal. Suede footstools deliver excellent finish quality and resist water too.

Wooden footstools add natural warmth and sturdiness to your space. They last long and work well in styles from rustic to modern.

Before buying a fabric footstool, look at its Martindale Rub Count. This durability measure should be 25,000 or higher for furniture that gets heavy use.

Round, square, and rectangular shapes

Your footstool's shape changes how it works and looks in your space. Round footstools create soft, organic appeal. Kids' homes benefit from their curved edges, especially in rooms where space is tight.

Square and cube footstools feature clean lines that look great in modern homes. Put a tray on top and they work as side tables too.

Rectangular footstools or ottoman benches work great in front of bigger sofas. They give enough room for several people to rest their feet or serve as coffee table alternatives.

Open-plan living areas look spacious yet functional with bench-style ottomans.

Matching footstools with sofa styles

You can match your footstool to your sofa in two ways: by coordinating or creating contrast. Pick a footstool in matching fabric and colour for a harmonious look. This creates understated elegance without overshadowing other design elements.

Bold footstools in contrasting textures or colours can become focal points. One designer puts it well: "Your footstool should either whisper or shout, never mumble". Choose something that subtly complements your furniture or makes a confident statement.

Different textures add sophisticated visual interest. A leather footstool paired with a fabric sofa creates depth without looking too matched. Grey sofas look amazing with footstools in mustard yellow, blush pink, navy blue, or emerald green.

Your footstool's legs can tie everything together. Exposed wooden legs match other wooden furniture, while fully upholstered pieces feel more modern. Brass or bronze metallic legs add understated glamour to any design.

How to Use a Footstool in Your Home

A good footstool does more than just match your sofa. These versatile pieces serve many practical roles in your home and are one of the most functional furniture pieces you can buy.

As a footrest

Your footstool's basic job is to give you a comfy spot to put up your feet. A footstool in front of your favourite armchair creates the perfect relaxation spot after a tough day. Putting your feet up isn't just about comfort - it helps blood flow, reduces swelling, and can improve your posture.

A footstool works great if you don't have space for a chaise sofa. It gives you a slightly lower rest level than your seat. You can create a cosy reading spot by matching a plush armchair with a footstool that has a decorative pleated skirt.

The height match between your sofa and footstool is vital. Make sure it sits at a level that lets your legs rest almost horizontally. Quality footstools come with height adjustment features so you can find the perfect position.

As extra seating

Footstools really shine when you need extra seats for guests. You can easily move them around thanks to their compact size. They provide comfortable seating without taking up too much space, unlike bulky chairs that can crowd your room.

Kids love footstools too. The lower height suits their little legs perfectly and gives them their own special place in the room. You might want to cover a small footstool with bright, tough fabric for them, or set up several around a small table for activities.

As a coffee table alternative

Add a sturdy tray to your footstool and you've got a stylish coffee table. This creates a stable surface for drinks, books, remotes, or decorative items. The best part? Your footstool can quickly go back to its original use when needed.

A bench-style ottoman makes an excellent coffee table option. It keeps your living room feeling spacious. Its long shape usually matches your sofa's lines while maintaining good room flow.

You can create an elegant look by adding a decorative tray, coasters, and carefully chosen items like plants or coffee table books. This approach looks intentional rather than makeshift.

As hidden storage

Many footstools come with built-in storage space, which might be their most practical feature. Just lift the top cushion to find room for blankets, toys, magazines, or remotes.

Storage footstools help keep your living space neat without extra furniture. You can keep the storage area organised with neat stacks, decorative baskets, or category sorting.

Large ottoman-style storage footstools work great at the foot of your bed. They give you a spot to sit while putting on shoes and store bedding items like sheets, pillowcases, or duvets.

Look for storage footstools with smooth hinges and solid construction if you want them to last. This ensures they can handle regular use without wearing out.

Choosing the Right Material

Your choice of footstool material shapes its looks and how well it works in your home. The right material choice goes beyond looks - it determines how long it lasts, what care it needs, and how well it matches your other furniture.

Leather footstool: durable and stylish

Leather stands out as a tough material that gets better with age by developing a rich patina. These footstools handle daily wear and tear better than most other options, which makes them perfect for busy areas of your home. In fact, leather footstools can last decades with basic care - a quick wipe with a damp cloth removes dust, and occasional leather conditioning keeps them supple.

Leather footstools score high on Martindale Rub Counts, this is a big deal as it means that they exceed the recommended 25,000 for heavy home use. These versatile pieces look great in industrial, modern, and classic settings.

Fabric and cotton: soft and cosy

Fabric footstools come in endless varieties, and cotton tops the popularity list. Cotton footstools combine strength with easy care - most spills clean up with just soapy water. It also gives your feet a softer resting spot compared to leather.

Most fabric footstools come with removable covers, which makes them practical for homes with kids or pets. The best durability comes from upholstery-weight fabrics made to handle daily use.

Velvet and boucle: for a luxe look

Velvet footstools raise any room's style with their plush texture and luxury feel. Rich velvet colours like emerald green, navy blue, or deep burgundy create eye-catching focal points in neutral spaces. Notwithstanding that, velvet needs more care - regular brushing keeps dust away, so these pieces work best away from high-traffic spots.

Boucle footstools show off their unique bobbly texture in subtle shades of white, ivory, and cream. These elegant pieces are surprisingly tough and easy to maintain, making them a growing favourite for statement pieces.

Jute and rattan: natural and rustic options

Rattan and jute footstools add eco-friendly charm to your spaces. We used renewable materials like rattan and banana leaves to create these lightweight pieces that work great in living rooms and sun lounges. They add beautiful rustic contrast to rooms full of fabric furniture.

These natural materials stay clean with a quick wipe using a slightly damp cloth - just avoid too much moisture that could cause mould. A protective finish helps them last longer. You can use them indoors or outdoors, so they fit perfectly into bohemian or coastal style homes.

Size and Shape Considerations

The right footstool dimensions create perfect balance in your space, while wrong ones make everything look awkward. A careful look at size, shape, and height will help you create a more harmonious and functional living area.

Small footstool vs large footstool

Small footstools work best in compact spaces and add versatility without taking over the room. They give you a cosy spot to rest your feet and keep the space open and uncluttered. Large footstools are nowhere near as limiting - they give you plenty of surface area and can serve as coffee tables or extra seating in bigger rooms.

Your available space and specific needs should guide your footstool size choice. To cite an instance, see how large round footstools adapt easily from footrest to coffee table. Just measure your floor space first so you don't end up with a piece that overwhelms the room.

Best shapes for sectional sofas

Your sectional sofa's layout should determine which footstool shape you pick. Square ottomans pair beautifully with sectionals that have equal sides and U-shaped sofas. The smooth edges of round ottomans make them a natural match for sectionals with wedges or rounded corners, and people can move around them more easily.

Rectangular ottomans work best with L-shaped sectionals because their width lets more people use them at once. If you have an extra-long sectional sofa, you might want to use two ottomans that you can push together or pull apart.

A new trend shows up in grouping several small ottomans - three for compact L-shaped sectionals and four for bigger ones - to maximise flexibility.

Height compatibility with your sofa

Your ideal footstool should stand between 30cm and 77cm tall, based on how you'll use it and your furniture's size. The footstool must stay shorter than your sofa or armchair to support your feet at a slight downward angle.

The lower range (30-45cm) works best if you want to rest your feet or use it as occasional seating. Expert advice suggests matching your footstool's height to your sofa seat or setting it just 2-3cm lower.

Take your sofa's measurements before buying a footstool. Better yet, try different heights to find what feels most comfortable.

Colour and Design Tips

The colour you pick for your footstool can tie your room together or make it a statement piece. A perfect shade can reshape even basic footstools into design highlights.

Neutral tones like grey and black footstools

Grey and black footstools blend smoothly with most interior styles. A simple grey footrest adds sophistication and works with any colour scheme without stealing the show. These neutral choices stay stylish over time and adapt well as you change your decor.

Bold colours for statement pieces

A footstool in a vibrant shade brings life to your space. Bright colours like mustard yellow, emerald green, or navy blue can reshape an ordinary room's appearance. These striking pieces become natural focal points that add personality. A brightly coloured footstool placed near a fireplace or window creates the best effect.

Blending or contrasting with existing decor

"Your footstool should either whisper or shout, never mumble" serves as a guiding principle. You can pick a subtle neutral that works with your current furniture or go for something bold that stands out. Grey sofas pair well with mustard yellow, blush pink, or cognac leather footstools. Earthy tones like olive green and warm browns make your living space feel cosy and welcoming.

FAQs

Q1. Should my footstool match my sofa? There's no strict rule about matching your footstool to your sofa. You can choose a footstool that perfectly complements your sofa or opt for a contrasting piece to create visual interest. The key is to select a footstool that enhances your overall room design and meets your functional needs.

Q2. How do I choose the right size footstool? The ideal size of your footstool depends on its intended use and your available space. For a footrest, a small, low rectangular ottoman might suffice. If you want additional storage or plan to use it as a coffee table, consider a larger size. Measure your space and ensure the footstool is proportionate to your sofa, typically about two-thirds its length for a balanced look.

Q3. What's the ideal height for a footstool? The perfect height for a footstool is typically slightly lower than your sofa's seat cushions. This allows for comfortable foot elevation while seated. Aim for a footstool that's about 2-3 cm shorter than your sofa seat for optimal comfort and ergonomics.

Q4. How can I use a footstool to enhance my living space? Footstools are versatile pieces that can serve multiple purposes. Use them as a footrest for relaxation, extra seating when entertaining guests, or as a coffee table alternative by adding a tray on top. Some footstools also offer hidden storage, helping to keep your living area tidy and organised.

Q5. What materials are best for a durable footstool? For a long-lasting footstool, consider materials like leather, which is durable and ages beautifully, or upholstery-weight fabrics with high Martindale Rub Counts (25,000 or higher). Cotton is another strong, easy-to-maintain option. If you have children or pets, look for footstools with removable, washable covers for added practicality.