How to Choose the Perfect Footstool

Your Guide to buying the best footstool

Overview

A footstool is an essential piece of furniture for adding comfort and convenience to any room. Whether you need an extra seat to rest your feet, a place to put a clothes basket, or a stylish addition to a room's design, a footstool can help. This guide will provide you with key considerations for selecting the perfect footstool for your needs, helping you make an informed purchase decision that you'll appreciate for years to come.

Key features

  • Size - Footstools come in a variety of sizes, so make sure to measure the space you have available and purchase a footstool that fits comfortably.
  • Material - Footstools are available in a range of materials including wood, metal, plastic, and upholstery. Consider the style of the room you are buying for, as well as the durability of the material.
  • Style - Footstools come in a variety of styles, from traditional to modern. Consider the overall design of the room to ensure the footstool complements the other furniture pieces.
  • Function - Footstools can be used for a variety of activities, from seating to storage. Consider your intended use for the footstool and buy accordingly.
  • Price - Footstools come in a range of prices, from budget pieces to high-end designer pieces. Set your budget and shop within it.

See the most popular footstool on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Variety of Heights - Footstools come in a range of heights, allowing buyers to choose the one that is best suited for their comfort needs.
  • Increased Comfort - Footstools provide extra cushioning and support to help improve posture and comfort when sitting for long periods of time.
  • Aesthetic Appeal - Footstools can also be used as decorative pieces, adding an extra element of style and design to any room.
  • Versatile Function - Footstools can be used as seating, footrests, or even tables for small items.
  • Easy to Clean - Many footstools are made of materials that are easily cleaned with a damp cloth or vacuum.
  • Portability - Some footstools are designed to be lightweight and portable, making them easy to move around the house or take with you when travelling.

Cons

  • Space Requirements: Footstools take up space and may not fit in a small or cramped room.
  • Weight Capacity: Footstools can have a limited weight capacity and may not be able to support more than a few people at once.
  • Durability: Footstools can be made from a variety of materials, some of which may not stand up to regular wear and tear.
  • Design: Footstools come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, so it can be difficult to find one that fits your decor.
  • Price: Footstools can range in price from very inexpensive to very expensive.

Best alternatives

  1. Ottoman - a padded, upholstered, low-lying piece of furniture.
  2. Coffee Table - a low table, typically placed in front of a sofa, to rest drinks and other items.
  3. Pouffe - a low, round, upholstered cushion used as a footstool.
  4. Bench - a long seat, typically with a back, for two or more people.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Footstool - A small, short stool used for resting one's feet
  • Fabric - Material used to upholster furniture, often cotton or polyester
  • Wood - A type of material used for furniture construction, usually in the form of solid or particleboard
  • Foam - A soft material used in furniture padding for comfort and support
  • Glue - A substance used to adhere two materials together
  • Nails - Small metal pieces used to attach two objects together
  • Screws - Small metal pieces used to attach two objects together
  • Legs - Supports used to elevate furniture off the ground
  • Casters - Wheels used to make furniture easier to move around

Common questions

  1. What materials are footstools made from? Footstools are typically made from wood, metal or fabric, though other materials such as plastic can be used.
  2. What sizes of footstools are available? Footstools come in a variety of sizes ranging from small to large, and can be customized to the size you need.
  3. What styles of footstools can I choose from? Footstools come in a variety of styles, including traditional, modern, and contemporary, so you can choose the one that best suits your décor.
  4. What features should I look for in a footstool? When buying a footstool, look for features such as adjustable height, comfort, durability, and style.
  5. How much do footstools cost? Footstools can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the size, material, and features.
  6. Are there any care instructions I should follow for my footstool? Care instructions will vary depending on the material of the footstool. Generally, it is best to avoid direct sunlight and keep the footstool clean and dry.

Trivia

A footstool was once used by the royal families of England as a tool for physical exertion to help them stay in shape! According to The Royal Collection Trust, in the 18th Century, the royal family of England would use a footstool to raise and lower their feet as a means of exercise. This was a popular method for keeping fit before the advent of gyms and modern exercise equipment. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.