Decorating
Styling: Ramp Up the Comfort Factor with a Stylish Footstool
Footstools and ottomans come in all designs to suit all settings. Here’s why it’s time to give one house room…
As autumn sets in, so does the nesting instinct. The humble ottoman is the perfect companion for cosy nights in, so if you’ve shied away from them in the past, it’s time for a rethink. As fringing and tassels make way for all sorts of contemporary designs, there’s never been such a stylish way to put your feet up, whichever room you’re in.
Seek storage
It makes perfect sense to opt for an ottoman with integral storage. House cosy throws or extra cushions in yours, or use it to hide away toys at the end of the day in a family room. This elegant velvet design proves there’s no need to compromise on comfort and style for the sake of practicality.
Check out stylish freestanding storage
It makes perfect sense to opt for an ottoman with integral storage. House cosy throws or extra cushions in yours, or use it to hide away toys at the end of the day in a family room. This elegant velvet design proves there’s no need to compromise on comfort and style for the sake of practicality.
Check out stylish freestanding storage
Try an informal alternative
Get all the benefits of a footstool without committing to the genuine article. These oversized cushions, which add delicious colour and texture, are ideal for putting your feet up or providing an extra perch. And if you need the floor space, they can easily be flung on the sofa.
Get all the benefits of a footstool without committing to the genuine article. These oversized cushions, which add delicious colour and texture, are ideal for putting your feet up or providing an extra perch. And if you need the floor space, they can easily be flung on the sofa.
Love your curves
There aren’t many seats that look good positioned in the centre of a room, but the low-level ottoman is an exception, particularly round designs. With no awkward angles and plenty of space to spread out, this buttoned number makes this bathroom a place to linger longer.
There aren’t many seats that look good positioned in the centre of a room, but the low-level ottoman is an exception, particularly round designs. With no awkward angles and plenty of space to spread out, this buttoned number makes this bathroom a place to linger longer.
Choose dual purpose
Many of us have space for either a coffee table or a footstool, but not both. In that case, choose a generous ottoman with a flat surface that will comfortably house a tray and you can enjoy the best of both worlds.
Many of us have space for either a coffee table or a footstool, but not both. In that case, choose a generous ottoman with a flat surface that will comfortably house a tray and you can enjoy the best of both worlds.
Get the set
Been saving up for an statement armchair? Do your feet a favour and hang out for that matching footstool. This Eames lounger’s iconic status is well deserved and the complementary footstool is a beautiful piece in its own right. Matthew Hilton’s Balzac chair and Eero Saarinen’s Womb chair also have stylish matching footstools.
Been saving up for an statement armchair? Do your feet a favour and hang out for that matching footstool. This Eames lounger’s iconic status is well deserved and the complementary footstool is a beautiful piece in its own right. Matthew Hilton’s Balzac chair and Eero Saarinen’s Womb chair also have stylish matching footstools.
Think understated
Sometimes it makes sense to select a footstool that isn’t vying for your attention, especially when there’s another imposing piece of furniture in the room. This simple leather cube works well with an impressive Egg chair, coordinating with its material but not detracting from its place centre stage.
Sometimes it makes sense to select a footstool that isn’t vying for your attention, especially when there’s another imposing piece of furniture in the room. This simple leather cube works well with an impressive Egg chair, coordinating with its material but not detracting from its place centre stage.
Find the right fit
If space is tight, a bespoke ottoman may be the answer. Most smaller bathrooms would look cramped with boxy storage in the middle of them, but here, a clever design allows it to be tucked in under the basin. It’s also an ideal place to sit and chat to whoever happens to be in the bath.
If space is tight, a bespoke ottoman may be the answer. Most smaller bathrooms would look cramped with boxy storage in the middle of them, but here, a clever design allows it to be tucked in under the basin. It’s also an ideal place to sit and chat to whoever happens to be in the bath.
Employ for extra seating
Exchange emergency folding chairs for a cube (or two) that will tuck neatly under the table when not in use. Cover in a fabric that ties in with your dining room scheme and they’ll be a valuable addition, rather than an afterthought.
See more space-saving dining room ideas
Exchange emergency folding chairs for a cube (or two) that will tuck neatly under the table when not in use. Cover in a fabric that ties in with your dining room scheme and they’ll be a valuable addition, rather than an afterthought.
See more space-saving dining room ideas
Maximise comfort
When you’re choosing an ottoman with nothing but relaxation in mind, indulge in something utterly irresistible. With its gorgeous mushroomy shape and knitted cover, this beauty has a magnetic-like draw, making it impossible to resist draping yourself over it at once.
What do you like about ottomans? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
When you’re choosing an ottoman with nothing but relaxation in mind, indulge in something utterly irresistible. With its gorgeous mushroomy shape and knitted cover, this beauty has a magnetic-like draw, making it impossible to resist draping yourself over it at once.
What do you like about ottomans? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Where space allows, a pair of ottomans is a lovely touch, creating a sense of symmetry in a room (not to mention avoiding arguments about sharing). These buttoned-velvet beauties create a classic look and the generous size means there’s room for a couple of kids to squeeze on each one when they’re watching TV.