The Ultimate Guide to Footstools with Storage: Style, Function & Finding the Perfect Fit

Meet the footstool with storage—a stylish and functional addition to your living room. This versatile piece can upgrade your decor, hide away clutter, and provide a comfortable place to rest your feet. Let’s explore the world of footstools with storage and find the perfect fit for your home!

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Where Style Meets Practicality

Footstools with storage are the hidden gems of furniture. They offer a cozy spot to relax while discreetly storing blankets, books, or anything else you want out of sight. It’s a win-win!

Choosing the Ideal Footstool

Finding the perfect footstool with storage is about understanding the options and what works best for your space and style. Consider these factors:

Type:

Ottomans: Classic footstools known for their plush padding and various shapes and sizes.
Storage Benches: Offer seating and storage—perfect for entryways or the foot of your bed.
Cube Ottomans: Compact yet surprisingly roomy, ideal as accents or extra seating.
Folding Footstools: Collapsible for easy storage, great for smaller spaces or occasional use.

Specifics:

Size: Measure your space to ensure a comfortable fit, keeping in mind its primary use as a footrest or occasional seating.
Storage Capacity: Determine how much storage you need. Some footstools accommodate larger items, while others suit smaller accessories.
Durability: Choose durable materials like leather, velvet, or linen that match your style and withstand everyday use.
Weight Capacity: If used for seating, ensure the footstool can support the weight of people comfortably.
Budget: Footstools come in various price points, from affordable options to luxurious pieces.

Footstools in Unexpected Places

Don’t limit footstools with storage to just the living room. Here are some other places they excel:

Bedrooms: At the end of your bed for extra blankets or as a bedside table for a cozy reading nook.
Entryways: A welcoming spot to sit while putting on shoes, with storage for clutter.
Kids’ Rooms: A fun and functional way to organize toys.
Home Offices: A comfortable footrest that doubles as storage for office supplies or extra seating for guests.

Styling Your Footstool

Your new footstool can add personality and style to any room. Here are a few ideas:

Bohemian Rhapsody: Choose an ottoman with intricate details and rich fabrics to create an eclectic and inviting space.
Modern Minimalism: Opt for a cube ottoman in a neutral tone with clean lines for understated elegance.
Farmhouse Charm: Infuse warmth with a rustic storage bench featuring distressed wood and cozy fabrics.
Contemporary Cool: Create a sophisticated look with an upholstered ottoman showcasing clean lines and luxurious materials.

Why Footstools with Storage Are a Game-Changer

Ultimate Comfort: Propping up your feet after a long day is pure bliss.
Clutter Be Gone: Discreetly hide clutter and keep your home tidy without sacrificing style.
Space-Saving Superstars: Maximize space with hidden storage.
Masters of Disguise: Seamlessly blend function and style, serving as extra seating, coffee tables, or play areas.
Style Statement Pieces: Elevate your home decor, adding personality and sophistication to any room.

What Is a Stool with Storage Called?

The furniture world can be tricky with names. The most common term for a stool with storage is an “ottoman.” However, “storage bench” is another popular option.

Here’s a breakdown:

Ottoman: Typically upholstered, roomy, and often paired with a sofa.
Storage Bench: Longer than an ottoman, often accommodating two people, and perfect for storing throw pillows or board games.
Footstool: A broader term for any low stool designed for resting your feet—may or may not have storage.
Hassock: An older term, essentially synonymous with “ottoman.”
Pouf: A round, plush cushion focused on comfort rather than storage.

Ultimately, whether you call it an ottoman, a storage bench, or even a hassock, this versatile piece keeps your living space tidy and provides extra seating when needed.

What is the difference between a pouffe and a footstool?

Both pouffes and footstools offer a place to rest your feet, but they differ in design and functionality.

Pouffes:

Resemble oversized cushions, often round and plump.
Prioritize comfort and a cozy vibe.
Tend to be larger and less mobile than footstools.
Excel in versatility, serving as extra seating or adding a pop of color and style.

Footstools:

More structured than pouffes, often with sturdy legs.
Designed primarily for resting feet.
Typically smaller and more easily moved than pouffes.
May offer hidden storage compartments.

While footstools generally focus on functionality and pouffes on versatility, some overlap exists. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your needs and preferences.

Should a footstool be higher than the sofa?

While it might seem more comfortable, most experts suggest a footstool should be slightly lower than your sofa for optimal comfort and ergonomics.

Why Lower is Better:

Natural Foot Position: A lower footstool allows your feet to rest at a more natural angle, reducing strain on your legs and back.
Improved Circulation: Propping your feet slightly lower than your heart promotes better blood flow.

The 2-Inch Rule:

Experts recommend a footstool roughly 2 inches shorter than your sofa’s seat height. This allows for a gentle downward slope, encouraging proper leg positioning and reducing the risk of discomfort.

Finding the Perfect Height:

Measure: Determine your sofa’s seat height.
Prioritize Comfort: Experiment with different footstool heights to find what feels best.
Consider Functionality: If the footstool will be used primarily for seating, a height closer to your sofa might be more comfortable.
Match Your Style: Choose a footstool that complements your sofa and overall decor.

While guidelines are helpful, personal preferences vary. Don’t hesitate to experiment and find the footstool height that provides the most comfort and support for you.

Key Points:

Footstools with storage offer comfort, practicality, and style.
Consider the type of footstool, its size, storage capacity, durability, weight capacity, and your budget.
Footstools can be used in various rooms, including bedrooms, entryways, kids’ rooms, and home offices.
Choose a style that complements your existing decor.
The ideal footstool height is typically slightly lower than your sofa for optimal comfort and ergonomics.

In designing your bedrooms, have you applied the Feng Shui method? Find out which side of your bed should be against the wall and more by clicking on this feng shui bedroom map. You might also want to change your bed to a more sustainable material, and here are some full size bed frame wood options to help you do so.

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Mark Soldy

Aficionado of interior design with a keen eye for style and innovation. As a guy deeply passionate about crafting captivating spaces, he blends creativity with functionality to breathe life into every room