Types of Footstools
Our footstool collection breaks down into four distinct styles, each serving a different purpose in your living space.
Storage Footstools
Storage footstools combine a soft, upholstered top with a hidden compartment beneath. Lift the lid and you have handy space for throws, toys, magazines and other essentials you might want close by in a living room or bedroom. Storage footstools help declutter living rooms effectively, making them a perfect addition for families or anyone in a smaller home. Many storage footstools can double as extra seating too. They come in various styles and colours, with different finishes helping them suit different decor schemes, and some feature hidden compartments for quick, easy access.
Ottoman-Style Footstools for Extra Seating
Ottoman-style footstools are versatile, upholstered pieces that work as a footrest, a seat, or even a coffee table when topped with a tray. They suit anyone wanting multi-functional furniture that earns its place in the room. If you regularly host guests, a large ottoman offers practical additional seating without the bulk of an extra chair.
Matching Footstools
Matching footstools coordinate with specific sofa ranges in the same fabric, colour and leg style. Choosing a footstool that coordinates with existing seating will create visual harmony across your living room. They pair especially well with corner sofas or modular sofas where design consistency matters.
Statement Footstools
Statement footstools introduce bold colours, rich textures or unusual shapes to a neutral interior. Think deep velvet in blue, warm beige bouclé, upholstery patterns or a sleek rectangular shape with contrast piping. A statement piece acts as a focal point – a great addition that brings personality without replacing major furniture. Footstool design can also sharpen the overall style of a room by introducing colour, texture or patterns where you need them most.
What to Look For in Footstools
Selecting a footstool involves considering height, purpose and materials. These are the key attributes that separate a piece you’ll love for years from one that disappoints.
Frame Construction
A solid hardwood frame – beech, ash or oak joined with mortise-and-tenon or dowel-and-glue joints – provides the structural foundation. Footstools typically have wooden legs and sit taller than pouffes, so the frame must handle daily use without warping. Good frame construction also underpins our lifetime structural warranty, giving you confidence the piece will last.
Upholstery Materials: Choosing a Leather Footstool
Good materials for footstools include durable fabrics suitable for high-traffic areas. A UK survey of over 1,300 ownersfound wool and wool blends showed the lowest damage rates (~16–21%), outperforming velvet (~23%), cotton blends (~30–37%), real leather (~40%) and faux leather (~57%). A leather footstool develops a beautiful patina over time, while velvet and linen offer luxurious texture. Consider how easy each material is to maintain alongside its look and feel.
Size and Height
The height of a footstool should ideally be slightly lower than the seat of your sofa. Footstools should be 30–45 cm lower than your sofa to support your feet at a natural, relaxed angle. A good rule of thumb is that a footstool should be about half to two-thirds the length of the sofa. Small sizes are ideal for studio apartments and, when matched to your sofa height, create a more comfortable footstool setup for everyday use, while large footstools can serve as additional seating or snack stations. Selecting the right shape is important for space efficiency and function – rectangular pouffes fit neatly beside sofas, while round options suit open-plan rooms.
Storage Features
Storage footstools can store items like throws and toys, keeping your room tidy. Look for durable lift-up lid mechanisms with safety stays or soft-close hinges, especially in homes with children. Smooth internal finishes protect stored items, and ventilated linings prevent moisture build-up. Storage capacity varies – ottomans typically range from 60 cm to 120 cm wide, so choose based on what you plan to keep inside.
How to Choose the Right Footstool
Turn the features above into a decision by weighing these criteria against your own situation:
- Room size and layout – In a compact living space, opt for a low-profile stool or small pouffe that won’t crowd the floor. Larger rooms can accommodate ottomans that double as a coffee table or seating.
- Primary use – Decide whether you mainly need a footrest for resting your feet, extra storage, or additional seating. Higher footstools help alleviate discomfort and pressure in the lower body. Adjustable footstools offer versatility and accommodate various seating arrangements.
- Existing furniture – Match your armchairs or sofa for a cohesive décor, or introduce a contrasting colour and texture for visual interest. Grey footstools work well when decorating, mixing easily with other furniture across most schemes.
- Household needs – Families benefit from stain-resistant fabrics and storage compartments for decluttering. If you entertain often, large pouffes can serve as additional seating for guests. Footstools with storage help keep blankets and magazines out of sight.
Complete Your Living Room with a right footstool
Choosing the right footstool enhances a living room’s aesthetic and functionality. Start with your primary need – foot support, storage, or seating – then match the size and style to your space so the right piece can add comfort as well as meet practical needs. A footstool can add personality and comfort to your home, whether it’s a practical storage ottoman in the bedroom or a stylish velvet accent. Footstools can serve as stylish coffee tables, a finishing touch beside your electric sofa, or simply a place to relax and put your feet up. Browse our full footstool collection online, or visit our Croydon showroom to sit, touch and try before you buy.
