Why not turn putting your feet up after a long day into a truly elevating experience with a stylish footstool? These beauties aren't just a practical addition to your living space - they can also make a statement when it comes to room decor!
What is the difference between an ottoman and a footstool?
The word footstool is an umbrella term to describe any piece of furniture that can be used as such, but inherently it's a stool with legs that can provide low support for the feet. Ottomans can be used as footstools, but can also be used as seats or side tables, so they serve different purposes. But the main difference between an ottoman and a regular footstool is the storage space that ottomans have. There are also differences in how they look.
What is the purpose of a pouffe?
Pouffes are softer and more flexible than other types of footstools. They are more lightweight and cushiony as they're usually made from a soft material or filled with small beans or balls - similar to the feel of a bean bag. They can be used as footstools or as extra seating, and they work great as a visual focal point in a room.
What height should a footstool be?
The ideal height has been found to be between 33cm and 45cm, but it really depends on your height and the height of your seat. It's recommended that your footstool is at least 5cm shorter than your seat, as slightly lowering your legs will ensure you're sitting comfortably. But a lot of it is down to preference: some people prefer a footstool that's the same height as their seat, while others prefer it to be near the ground! It's never a bad idea to try it out to make sure.
Best footstools to buy in 2024
HNNHOME 45cm Cube Velvet Ottoman Box
Pick from six warming colours, spanning from mustard to dark green, to find the footstool that's right for your home decor. This ottoman stool boasts a storage capacity of 47L, meaning that all the clutter in your living room can finally have a cosy place to live.
The ottoman is a 45cm-wide cube that's 43cm tall, which should be a fitting height for when you're putting your feet up. Made a soft, velvety fabric for added comfort (plus, when does velvet ever look bad in a living room?), it also has non-slip legs which can be removed if needed.
Gallery Direct Sergio Footstool Jet Velvet
This gorgeous piece of furniture just shows that even a humble footstool can act as a style centrepiece. In dark and dramatic jet black, it's a luxurious-looking, velvet stool with button-finished padded cushioning.
Oswald Check Storage Footstool
The checked yellow pattern of this footstool gives it a quirky yet traditional vibe - perfect for an eclectic vintage or Cottagecore scheme! It has a neat storage compartment within and detachable wooden legs.
Velvet Button Back Stool
Pink velvet footstools aren't always easy to find, and the soft shade of this one from Not On The High Street means it can blend wonderfully in both a colourful room or a minimalist one, and it might just help you create your new favourite spot to relax.
Liang & Eimil Chapel Stool
A graphic print inspired by abstract art is a sure way to draw attention in a modern minimalist scheme, so you might as well choose one that's as stylish as it gets. This footstool has a striking contemporary pattern of brushed paint strokes, in a versatile monochrome.
Gallery Direct Fabien Footstool Ochre
The sleek, simple lines and earth-toned upholstery of this footstool allow it to complement the existing aesthetic of your home, whether that's Japandi or industrial. Equally at home in a traditional or modern decor scheme, this footstool would look fabulous styled next to your sofa or armchair.
Boucle Louise Storage Ottoman
- Buy now from Anthropologie (£248.00).
Perhaps one of the most versatile footstools in this list, this bouclé ottoman from Anthropologie has a soft ivory colour that can go with pretty much anything. It's practical, too, with a storage compartment for stowing away living room essentials like extra blankets for chilly nights.
Bespoke Fabric Footstool
- Buy now from Not On The High Street (£785.00).
Made from sustainable materials, these footstools are made to order and customisable - choose your preferred size, colours and pattern, and it will be handmade to your specification for a truly unique finishing product!
Scandi Print Ochre Pouffe
This lovely little pouffe is warm, yellow, summery - basically everything you could look for in a floral Scandi footstool. The cover is 100% cotton and it's filled with polystyrene beans for instant comfort when resting your feet.
Liang & Eimil Alton Stool
Inspired by mid-century Hollywood styles but fashioned into a timeless design, this footstool has an a geometric pattern that's both unique and long-lasting. Its long, brushed brass-finished legs add subtle contrasts between the metal and the pattern's colours. The stool is 43cm tall for an ideal resting position.
Velvet Louise Storage Ottoman
- Buy now from Anthropologie (£298.00).
The burnt red/orange tones of this velvet footstool give it a look that's romantic and sophisticated. It's a striking colour, made more eye-catching by the patterns in the fabric. The ottoman has a hardwood frame, and opens up to reveal some decent storage space inside.
Sweet Needle Dori Pouf
Available in nine homely colours, this pouffe from Sweet Needle is a simple but versatile choice. As it's so lightweight, it can be moved around the house for whatever situation demands it. Plus, it's filled with Thermocol beans to make it as soft and flexible as you'd expect from a pouffe.
The 35cm-tall pouffe has a diameter of 50cm, and it can be used as a footstool or as an occasional seat. The pouffe is made from cotton and manually braided, making it a great choice for a hand-sewn footrest.
Dachshund Small Footstool
Here's one for the dog lovers. It's hard to go wrong with the dachshund design, but this footstool is particularly cute. As dinky as its canine inspiration, it's only 17cm tall, so would work better with lower seats. The footstool, with beechwood feet and leather piping, is handmade in Wiltshire.
Farmington Floral Ottoman
For something a little more traditional, this footstool has a woven fabric cover adorned with flowers. Open it up and there's a neat storage compartment inside, perfect for remotes, magazines or other living room accessories.
