Along with prostitution the tanning of leather is one of the oldest professions on earth and approximately half of all footstools sold today are upholstered in leather. But where does the leather we use come from and what are the origins of this multi million-pound industry?

The origins of leather production can be traced back to the stone-ages. The first leather was created almost by accident by Neanderthal man. As the early hunter gatherers prepared their prey, the first part of the preparation was to skin the animal. They soon discarded the skin and not long after noticed that skins left in moist areas when combined with the foliage from leaves had exhibited certain characteristics. They lasted longer before they began to decay and retained their features longer than other skins. The plant extracts eventually became known as vegetable tanning and is still practised today in a similar form. According to the Bible Simon the Tanner was plying his trade as long as 2000 years ago. 

Leather making advanced slowly over the ages, with more modern refinement of chemicals slowly improving the quality of the leather produced by the early tanners. It wasn’t until the 19th century that more dramatic changes were introduced. In the mid 1850’s, Frederick Knapp presented his ideas on tanning with chromium sulphate. Chromium sulphate with its higher hydrothermal stability soon became a favourite of leather makers across the globe and is today the most popular product used in the tanning process.

Progress in the research and development of organic chemistry utilised in the chemical industry have seen much more rapid advances in the technology used in the leather making process, leading to much more advanced leather products.

Various footstool ranges offer leathers finished to differing quality standards and specifications. Hard wearing leathers are most appropriate in the contract market whereas softer, more vibrant shades are upholstered to form pouffes, cubes or ottomans on offer to the general public.

Our customers agree that a leather footstool is an excellent household investment and will be of great use for many years to come, using some of the finest Italian leather, hand-upholstered onto our locally sourced timber frames, for long lasting comfort. Explore our full range today.

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587 Reviews

Reviewsio

4.9 Rating 168 Reviews

Anonymous

Verified Customer

Excellent service. Footstool very well made. Would not hesitate to recommend. Thank You

11 days ago

Mary Kelly

Verified Customer

This firm is very reliable. My order came within a week. It was well packed to protect it. I've bought 3 stools from this firm.

16 days ago

Lorraine Pearce

Verified Customer

The cube is perfect for small hallway. Also perfect height as extra seat at dining table.

16 days ago

Reg Deverell

Verified Customer

Superbe crafted custom made to our spec service and staff very helpfull we would recommend this company to anybody 5*well done and thank you

26 days ago

Annie Holland

Verified Customer

Fast service and great product. Will be using Footstools Direct again.

30 days ago

Clare Hirst

Verified Customer

Very pleased with my purchases, a gift to my mother in law, exactly what she wanted. Good quality ……very pleased, easy to order and delivered on time!

1 months ago

Anonymous

Verified Customer

Just what I wanted, have been fighting a faux leather pouffe for years - this is so much better and the material is lovely. Delivery and shopping experience very good .

1 months ago

Brian Armitage

Verified Customer

Arrived as promised. We purchased a faux leather several years ago, the leather footstool when it arrived was worth the extra. Very pleased with the purchase and a perfect match for our leather suite

1 months ago

ian eason

Verified Customer

great company to work with, we used them a few years ago on an Atari project & just used again for an Emoji Planet project, pulled all the stops out & delivered to us on a saturday as we were desperate, very pleased with the results & the service.

2 months ago

Simon Martin

Verified Customer

Good quality product and looks nice. Really friendly, personalised and efficient service. I reccomend.

2 months ago