How to Choose a Footstool: Size, Shape, and Fabric Guide

By Timeless Furniture, Lighting & Homeware | Rowen & Wren | Published: 2026-10-26

Category: Buying Guides

Learn how to pick the right footstool for your space. This guide covers size, shape, and fabric considerations with practical decision rules.

Quick answer

To choose the right footstool, match its height to your seat height, pick a shape that fits your room layout, and select a fabric that balances comfort and durability.

Why size, shape, and fabric matter

A footstool isn't just a place to rest your feet – it can double as extra seating, a coffee table surface, or a decorative accent. Getting the size, shape, and fabric right ensures it works for your space and lifestyle.

The most common mistake is buying a footstool that's too tall or too short for your sofa or chair. A footstool should be roughly the same height as your seat cushion when you sit, allowing your knees to bend at a comfortable angle.

Shape and room layout

Rectangular footstools are versatile and pair well with sofas or beds. Square or round ottomans work better in tight corners or as standalone pieces. Consider the traffic flow in your room – a bulky square might block a narrow path, while a slim rectangle can slide under a console table.

If you plan to use the footstool as a coffee table, look for a flat, sturdy top. Some models, like the Elbert Ottoman, feature diamond pleating and a supportive foam fill that can hold a tray or stack of books without sagging.

Fabric and filling trade-offs

Linen upholstery offers a natural, breathable feel that softens over time. It's ideal for low-traffic living rooms or bedrooms. Velvet, on the other hand, adds a rich, tactile finish and is more resistant to wear from daily use.

Foam-core filling with a feather jacket (as seen in the Remy Footstool) gives a plush, pillow-like comfort perfect for resting legs. Firmer foam, like that in the Elbert Ottoman, provides better support for trays and books but is less forgiving underfoot.

Decision rules for choosing a footstool

Measure your seat height: Sit on your sofa or chair and measure from the floor to the top of the seat cushion. Your footstool should be within 2–3 inches of that height to keep your knees at a 90-degree angle.
Choose shape by function: Rectangular footstools work best alongside sofas or at the foot of a bed. Square or round ottomans are better for tight corners or as standalone seating. If you need a surface for trays, pick a flat-topped rectangular model.
Select fabric for durability and feel: Linen is breathable and natural but less stain-resistant. Velvet is more durable and easier to clean. For a soft, sink-in feel, choose a feather-wrapped foam core. For a firmer surface, go with solid foam. Test the fabric in your room's lighting before buying. Linen can look different under natural vs. artificial light.

Product facts

Freyer Footstool, Rectangular, Plaster Pink Linen: Upholstered by hand in a rich green velvet with delicately turned legs in a timeless aged oak finish. Velvet is more durable and stain-resistant than linen, making this footstool a better choice for high-traffic areas or homes with pets.
Freyer Footstool, Rectangular, Plaster Pink Linen
Remy Footstool, Moss Linen: Pillow-like comfort thanks to the foam core filling with a feather jacket, and upholstered in a soft green linen. The feather jacket adds a luxurious softness underfoot, but the foam core keeps the shape – ideal if you want to rest your feet or prop up a book.
Remy Footstool, Moss Linen