A footstool can be a practical addition to any living space, offering comfort, extra seating or useful storage. Choosing the right one depends on how you plan to use it, the space available and the furniture it will complement. Factors such as height, size, cushioning, upholstery and frame construction can all affect its suitability. This blog covers the key factors to consider when choosing a footstool for your home.
1. Decide What You Will Use the Footstool For
Start by deciding what role the footstool needs to play. A model designed mainly as a footrest may not have the same construction or weight capacity as one intended for regular seating.
Consider whether you need it for:
- Resting your feet while sitting on a sofa or armchair.
- Providing occasional extra seating.
- Adding a decorative accent to the room.
- Providing hidden storage.
- Creating a flexible surface for different uses.
If seating or storage is important, look for a design specifically made to handle those functions rather than choosing based on appearance alone.
2. Choose the Right Type of Footstool
Footstools, ottomans and pouffes can overlap in design and function, so it is more useful to focus on the features you actually need.
| Type | Best suited to | Typical characteristics |
| Footstool | Resting feet or occasional seating. | Compact and supportive. |
| Ottoman | Seating, footrest or flexible use. | Usually larger and more structured. |
| Pouffe | Casual seating or decorative use. | Soft, lightweight and informal. |
| Storage footstool | Storage and everyday versatility. | Lift-up or removable top. |
A storage footstool can be particularly useful in smaller rooms because it combines seating or footrest space with somewhere to keep blankets, magazines, toys or other items.
3. Choose the Right Size and Shape
The footstool should feel proportionate to both your seating and the room. A small footstool can look out of place beside a large sofa, while an oversized design can restrict movement in a compact space.
Measure the available floor area before buying and consider:
- Width and depth in relation to your sofa or chair.
- Clearance needed to walk around it.
- Whether it needs to fit beneath a table or another piece of furniture.
- How many people need to use it at once.
Rectangular designs can work well in front of sofas, while round or compact shapes can make movement easier in smaller or more open layouts.
4. Consider Comfort and Cushioning
The filling influences how the footstool feels and how well it retains its shape over time. Foam is commonly used because it provides consistent support and tends to hold its form well.
Feather and fibre fillings can create a softer, more relaxed feel, although some types may require regular plumping. Combination fillings can offer a balance between support and softness.
Think about how the footstool will be used before choosing the cushioning. A firm, supportive surface may be preferable for frequent use, while a softer finish can suit a more relaxed setting.
5. Choose a Strong and Suitable Frame
The frame provides the structural foundation of the footstool. Its material and construction can influence stability, durability and weight capacity.
Common options include:
| Frame material | Advantages | Considerations |
| Solid wood | Strong and durable. | Can be heavier. |
| Metal | Strong and suitable for modern .designs | May have a firmer appearance. |
| Engineered wood | Generally affordable and versatile. | Quality varies by construction. |
Rather than judging a frame material alone, consider the overall construction, joints, support structure and intended load.
6. Pick Upholstery That Suits Your Lifestyle
The upholstery affects the appearance, feel and maintenance of the footstool. Different fabrics suit different households and levels of use.
- Velvet: Soft and visually rich, but may require more careful maintenance.
- Linen: Lightweight and natural-looking, although some fabrics can be more prone to marks and creasing.
- Faux leather: Easy to wipe clean and practical for busy households.
- Performance fabrics: Designed for greater resistance to everyday stains and wear.
If the footstool will be used frequently, prioritise durability and ease of cleaning rather than choosing fabric based solely on appearance.
7. Check the Weight Capacity
If the footstool may be used as seating, weight capacity becomes particularly important. The maximum load should be suitable for the way you intend to use the furniture.
Check the manufacturer’s stated weight limit and consider the following:
- Will it mainly support feet?
- Will adults sit on it regularly?
- Will more than one person use it?
- Does the frame have adequate structural support?
Never assume that a footstool designed as a footrest is automatically suitable for sitting.
8. Look at the Legs and Floor Protection
Leg design affects stability, appearance and how the footstool interacts with your flooring. Some models have short legs for a low-profile appearance, while others use taller wooden or metal legs.
Look for:
- Stable leg positioning
- Securely attached legs
- Non-slip feet where appropriate
- Felt or rubber pads to help protect hard flooring
If you regularly move the footstool, castors can add convenience, but make sure they lock securely if the piece will also be used for seating.
9. Decide Whether You Need Storage
A storage footstool can make a useful addition to rooms where space is limited. However, storage capacity and accessibility vary considerably between designs.
Before choosing one, check:
- How much usable internal space it provides.
- Whether the lid is easy to lift.
- Whether hinges or stays help support the lid.
- Whether the top can also function as a tray.
- Whether the storage compartment is suitable for the items you want to keep inside.
If storage is not important, a simpler footstool may provide better value while taking up less visual space.
10. Choose a Footstool for Children and Pets
Children and pets can put furniture through considerably more everyday wear than occasional adult use. Spills, muddy paws, scratches and frequent movement should all influence your choice.
Look for durable, easy-clean upholstery and a stable construction. Rounded edges can also be preferable in areas where children are likely to move around the furniture.
For households with pets, consider whether the upholstery is likely to trap hair or show marks easily. A practical fabric can make regular cleaning much easier.
11. Choose Between Indoor and Outdoor Footstools
An indoor footstool should not automatically be used outdoors. Indoor upholstery, fillings and frames may not be designed to withstand rain, moisture, prolonged sunlight or changing temperatures.
For outdoor use, look for furniture specifically designed for exterior conditions, with features such as:
- Weather-resistant frames.
- Outdoor-rated upholstery.
- Water-resistant or quick-drying cushions.
- Materials designed to cope with sunlight and moisture.
Even outdoor furniture may benefit from being covered or stored during poor weather to help extend its service life.
12. Check Fire Safety and Product Information
For upholstered furniture, fire safety should be part of the buying decision, particularly when purchasing for a home.
Check the product information for relevant fire safety compliance and care instructions. Requirements can vary depending on where the furniture is sold, so make sure the product meets the applicable standards for your market.
It is also worth checking the manufacturer’s information about upholstery, fillings, cleaning and safe use rather than relying only on photographs or general descriptions.
Use This Footstool Buying Checklist
Before making your decision, check that the footstool:
✓ Suits its intended purpose
✓ Has a comfortable height.
✓ Fits the available space.
✓ Is appropriately sized for your sofa or chair.
✓ Provides suitable cushioning.
✓ Has a sturdy frame.
✓ Use upholstery suited to your lifestyle.
✓ Supports the intended load.
✓ Has stable legs and suitable floor protection.
✓ Offers storage if required.
✓ Is suitable for children or pets if needed.
✓ Is designed for indoor or outdoor use as appropriate.
✓ Meets relevant safety requirements.
✓ Fits within your budget.
Choosing the right footstool means considering its comfort, size, durability and intended use. Aosom offers practical designs to suit different spaces and everyday needs. By focusing on the features that matter most, you can choose a footstool that adds comfort and functionality to your home.
FAQs
1. Can a footstool be used with a recliner?
Yes, a footstool can work well with a recliner when you want additional support for your feet and lower legs. Choose one that matches the height of the recliner when your legs are in a comfortable position. A padded or upholstered option can provide extra comfort during longer periods of sitting.
2. What is the difference between a footrest and a footstool?
A footrest is generally designed specifically to support your feet, while a footstool can have additional functions such as seating or storage. Footstools also tend to have a more substantial structure and can form part of the room’s furniture. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably.
3. Where should a footstool be placed?
A footstool is usually positioned directly in front of a sofa, armchair or recliner so your feet can rest naturally on it. Leave enough space around it for comfortable movement. If the room is small, choose a lightweight design that can be moved aside when the seating area is not being used.