A footstool should sit level with your sofa or armchair seat, or up to 5 cm lower, so your legs rest straight without strain. That usually means 38 to 45 cm high. Choose a firm top if it will double as a seat or a coffee table, and a lift-off lid if you want storage.
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Buying guide
Few pieces work as hard for their size. The same footstool rests your feet in the evening, seats a child or a guest at the weekend and holds a tray of drinks when friends come round. Decide which of those jobs matters most, then choose the height, size and filling to suit.
Measure from the floor to the front of your sofa or chair seat. A top at the same height, or up to 5 cm lower, keeps your knees comfortable. Most seats are 42 to 48 cm high, so a footstool of 38 to 45 cm fits the majority. Pouffes are often lower, around 35 to 40 cm, and suit deep, low sofas.
For one person, a top of 40 to 50 cm is enough. In front of a three-seat sofa, a larger footstool of 80 to 100 cm lets two people share it and can replace a coffee table. Round and oval shapes are easier to walk past; rectangular ones line up with a straight sofa. Leave 40 cm between the footstool and the seat if you will use it as a table.
Firm foam keeps its shape and takes a tray. Softer fillings such as fibre or bean-style beads are comfortable for feet but less stable under a cup. If the footstool will be used as an extra seat, choose a firm, flat top and check the maximum load given by the manufacturer.
A lift-off or hinged lid turns the inside into a box for throws, magazines, toys or games controllers. Check the internal depth before you buy, and look for a soft-close hinge if children will open it.
Bouclé, wool and textured weaves hide marks and feel good under bare feet. Velvet looks rich but shows pressure marks at first. Leather and faux leather wipe clean, useful if shoes go up too. As with any upholstered piece sold in the UK, check for a permanent fire safety label.
In front of an armchair, centre the footstool on the seat and leave 30 to 40 cm so you can stretch out. In a bedroom, a pair at the end of the bed gives a place to sit while dressing. Glides or felt pads let you slide it across a wooden floor.
Match its height to your seat, or go up to 5 cm lower, then pick the size for one or two people and a firm top if it will hold a tray.
Resting your feet, seating a guest, holding a tray of drinks or, with a lid, storing throws and toys.
A footstool is a padded top on legs. An ottoman is usually larger, with a lid and storage inside.
Not quite. A pouffe is soft and legless; a footstool stands on legs and is usually firmer.