How to choose a small footstool for your home

A footstool is a piece of furniture which is designed to support the feet of someone who is seated. In some cases, a footstool is combined with a chair of some sort, allowing a seated individual to stretch out his or her legs, resting them on the footstool. You can buy a footstool to match your current furnishings or choose something completely different. 

small footstool

How do I choose the best small footstool for my home?

First of all, decide if you want a footstool that matches your existing furniture or if you will be happy with something different. Our selection of small footstools come in a range of different fabrics and leg types so you can pick the style you like best. Then consider what you are going to use it for, is it likely to be a substitute table and hold food and drinks which are likely to spill? If this is the case then you may wish to choose a darker and more durable fabric.

A footstool should fit in with the flow of your lounge and not block traffic through the area. This is especially important if you follow feng shui principles and value a non cluttered living space. 

The next item to consider is the type of finish you would like on the legs of your footstool. This can depend on the other types of furniture you have already purchased. All of our small footstools have the option of either waxed or mahogany legs. 

View our footstool collection here and choose the style and size that suits your lifestyle. 

What size should a footstool be?

Usually your small footstool should be no taller than the height of your sofa but if possible, it’s better for your footstool to be shorter than your couch by two inches. This is the height that will provide you with the most benefit. Our small footstools are typically 46cm (L) x 31cm (W) x 31cm (H), as well as these footstools being perfect to help you relax while sitting on your sofa or chair it will also make a great addition to your room. 

Are there health benefits to using footstools?

Besides improving circulation, a small footrest makes good chair posture easier and keeps the sitting position back in the chair. ... Blood flow and circulation increase, thus lowering the chances of leg pain, stiffness, and developing varicose veins or blood clots.


By reducing pressure on your legs, putting your feet up on a footstool can help to prevent blood clots and deep vein thrombosis, relieve pressure on the lower back, and decrease swelling in the legs and feet.Using a footstool helps to improve circulation and a condition known as lymphedema.

place a footstool

How do you place a footstool?

Placement of your small footstool should be based on how you plan on using it. If you are most likely to use your footstool as a footrest you can arrange it near your most seating areas so you can make full use of it when you need it. If you plan on using it to lean on while you sit on the floor, your footstool can go almost anywhere –  in the corner of the room, next to the chairs, or below the TV. If you want to use it as more of an aesthetic piece, then place it between your seats in place of a coffee table, or occasional table. From there, you can style it as you please – add a tray for holding drinks, books and other accessories. ​​

Are footstools fashionable?

Footstools have been fashionable since lounge suites became commonplace in most households, their style has evolved and changed over time but they are still a common furniture item to see in many modern households. A footstool is a really handy thing to have around your house and as well as being functional can also come in many different shapes and sizes to compliment your existing furniture.

Many of our footstools come with matching accessories such as cushion covers, rugs and blankets and throws.