How to Choose a Footstool to Match Your Armchair
By Timeless Furniture, Lighting & Homeware | Rowen & Wren | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: Buying Guides
A practical guide to selecting a footstool that complements your armchair in height, style, and fabric. Use our decision rules to find the perfect match.
Quick answer
Match your footstool to your armchair by aligning seat height, fabric type, and style. Aim for a footstool that is roughly the same height as your armchair seat or slightly lower, and choose upholstery that either complements or contrasts thoughtfully with your chair.
Height matters most
The most common mistake is choosing a footstool that is too high or too low. Your feet should rest flat on the stool without your knees lifting or your legs dangling. Measure your armchair seat height from the floor to the top of the seat cushion. Your footstool should be within 1–2 inches of that height for comfortable lounging.
Fabric and color coordination
You have two paths: match the fabric exactly for a cohesive look, or choose a complementary color and texture for visual interest. If your armchair is a neutral tone, a footstool in a soft green linen or sage velvet can add a subtle pop of color. If your chair already has a bold pattern, stick with a solid that picks up one of its accent colors.
Style and function trade-offs
A button-tufted footstool brings traditional elegance and works well with classic or transitional armchairs. A plush velvet footstool offers pillow-like comfort but may show wear faster in high-traffic areas. Consider how you will use it: as a pure footrest, or also as a coffee table with a tray. The latter favors a sturdier top and a more durable fabric.
Decision rules for matching a footstool to your armchair
- Measure seat height: Use a tape measure from the floor to the top of your armchair's seat cushion. Your footstool should be within 1–2 inches of this height for proper leg support. Write down your armchair seat height before shopping.
- Choose a complementary fabric: If your armchair is solid-colored, consider a footstool in a similar texture or a subtle pattern like a stripe. If your chair is patterned, pick a solid that matches one of its lighter or darker tones. Bring a fabric swatch or photo of your armchair when selecting a footstool.
- Match the style era: A button-tufted footstool suits traditional or transitional armchairs. A sleek rectangular footstool works with modern or mid-century designs. Avoid mixing ornate with minimalist unless you are aiming for an eclectic look. Check the leg style and silhouette of your armchair for cues.
- Consider dual-purpose use: If you plan to place a tray on the footstool for snacks or drinks, choose a sturdier model with a flat top and a fabric that can handle spills, such as linen treated with a stain guard. Test the stability of the footstool's top surface before buying.
Product facts
- Elbert Footstool, Moss Linen: Generously proportioned button-tufted footstool upholstered in soft green linen with piped detailing, turned legs with brass castors, and Oeko-Tex certification. The tufted linen adds a classic, tailored look that pairs well with traditional or transitional armchairs, while the brass castors make it easy to move.
Elbert Footstool, Moss Linen - Abington Footstool, Sage Velvet: Plump rectangular footstool in soothing sage velvet with foam core and feather jacket filling, on aged oak legs with brass castors. The feather-wrapped foam core gives a pillow-like comfort ideal for long lounging sessions, and the sage velvet offers a soft contrast to neutral or warm-toned armchairs.
Abington Footstool, Sage Velvet
Who this fits best
Best for
- Owners of a standard-height armchair (seat height 17–19 inches) looking for a matching footstool
- Shoppers who want a coordinated look without buying a full matching suite
Not for
- Those with a very low or very high armchair (seat height outside 16–20 inches) — you may need a custom-height footstool
- Shoppers who strictly want a footstool that matches the exact same fabric as their armchair — consider a custom upholstery order instead
