The Creation Of Our Small Footstool

The creation of our small footstool began its life as a random item, designed to take the weight off muddy boots. People found that sitting with their legs outstretched was a more natural and comfortable position when sitting upright, and this simple device allowed weight to be distributed more proportionally. This in turn, provided them with higher levels of relaxation and comfort, commencing the continual search for things to rest their heels on. At this point, chairs were reserved for those of importance such as dignitaries, and the everyday man would instead use backless stools to perch on – which were inevitably grabbed occasionally for those on chairs to rest their royal feet on.

The realisation that the human form is just not designed to be seated for long periods of time still rings true today. Also unchanged in time, sitting bolt upright often encouraged the crossing of legs, which is known to cut off the full blood flow to the lower limbs and affect the alignment of the spine.

The footstool was made even more practical and popular with the realisation that, medically speaking, raising one’s legs meant better circulation.

It wasn’t long before upholsterers began to apply the same ideas to four-legged stools as was used on the main seating, with many designs and patterns to choose from, and features such as padded tops began to make an appearance too. Soon, the footstool, like the chair, was available to purchase in an array of styles, colours and fabrics, from leather to linen. This made what was originally an ancillary item, start to stand out in a room and begin its evolution into a design icon in its own right.  As time marched on, homeowners realised that when produced in line and in height with the sofa and matching chairs that now adorned every living room, they could also add to their available seating with the added bonus of the footstool being more mobile.

Now also considered a useful storage area, function has combined with comfort as many footstools are now made hollow with a lid for storing magazines and newspapers.  Commonly known as ottomans, these are designed to take the clutter of items like magazines or extra cushions and linens from the initial view of the room while keeping them within easy access.  Bench stools are space savers that are more elongated in shape and are ideal to slot under your window sill when not being used to relieve your joints.  These can sometimes be made with arms and look like a miniature but backless version of your sofa and are reminiscent of a modern-day chaise. A style very popular now is the large square ottoman, which has a number of uses: from coffee table to storage unit, as well as for resting your feet on of course, these now come in a range of designs to make an attractive centrepiece.

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462 Reviews

Reviewsio

4.9 Rating 76 Reviews

Derek Longwell

Verified Customer

Footstools Direct had a prompt delivery service and kept me informed thought. Their products are excellent.

7 days ago

Helen Blake

Verified Customer

The vinyl cube is just the job for my son, didn't realise that I bought a footstool from you a few years ago now which you covered for me and is still going strong, and used every day

8 days ago

Anonymous

Verified Customer

I'm very pleased with my new footstool and recommend Footstools Direct. I love the pattern and it's great for putting my feet up relaxing and watching tv.

9 days ago

Fiona Cameron

Verified Customer

Bought this footstool for my mother in law, she absolutley loves it. The choice of fabrics and different height leg options allowed us to get one that suited what she wanted. Would definitely recommend this company. Order was delivered within a few days. Could not fault the service received.

14 days ago

Anonymous

Verified Customer

I am extremely pleased with my footstool. After requesting some leather samples, I chose one that was the closest colour match to my sofa. When it arrived, I was thrilled to find that it was a perfect match. I now intend to order a second one.

14 days ago

Anne Allen

Verified Customer

Beautiful quality and an excellent service. Thoroughly recommended.

19 days ago

Danielle McCullough

Verified Customer

I ordered grey footstools for an event and they're perfect! Great quality and the colour matches our brand perfectly. Thank you.

19 days ago

Beverley King

Verified Customer

Swift, efficient service. Product explained clearly and succinctly. Matches my furniture wonderfully. Exceedingly comfortable to rest my wearly feet and legs on and storage to hide the chocolate away from the rest of the family. Very pleased.

24 days ago

Anonymous

Verified Customer

Lovely footstool, sturdy and comfortable. Order arrived quickly and the recipient is very pleased, thank you!

27 days ago

Michael Clinton

Verified Customer

The care instructions for the leather footstool We’re not included , I received care instructions for a tartan covered footstool

1 months ago