How to Style a Footstool as a Coffee Table

By Timeless Furniture, Lighting & Homeware | Rowen & Wren | Published: 2026-10-30

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to turn a footstool into a stylish coffee table alternative with practical tips on height, surface, and styling for a relaxed living room.

Quick Answer

To style a footstool as a coffee table, choose one with a sturdy, supportive surface and a height close to your sofa seat, then top it with a tray to anchor drinks and decor.

Why a footstool works as a coffee table

A footstool—or ottoman—can be a clever coffee table alternative when you want a softer, more casual look in your living room. Unlike a hard-edged table, it adds warmth and invites relaxed lounging, and it can double as extra seating when guests drop by.

The key is choosing a piece that can handle everyday use. A footstool with a firm, supportive filling and a durable upholstery like linen will hold a tray of drinks or a stack of books without sagging, keeping the surface practical as well as pretty.

Height and proportion matter

For comfortable reach from the sofa, the top of your footstool should be roughly the same height as the seat cushion—or slightly lower. Too high and it feels like a table; too low and it becomes awkward for setting down a cup.

Also consider the footprint. A footstool that's about two-thirds the length of your sofa creates a balanced anchor, while a smaller one can work as a side table alternative beside a chair.

Steps to style your footstool as a coffee table

Choose the right footstool: Pick a footstool with a firm, supportive top and a height close to your sofa seat. Upholstery like linen is durable and easy to refresh. Check the filling is supportive, not just soft, before committing.
Add a sturdy tray: Place a large tray on top to create a flat, stable surface for drinks, remotes, and decor. Choose one with a lip to prevent items from sliding off. A tray with handles makes it easy to lift everything off when you want to use the footstool for seating.
Style with purpose: Arrange a small stack of books, a candle, or a low vase on the tray. Keep the arrangement low so it doesn't block sightlines across the room. Leave some empty tray space for everyday items like a mug or remote.
Balance with surrounding furniture: Position the footstool so it sits comfortably within reach of your sofa and leaves enough walkway space. Pair it with a rug to anchor the seating area. Step back and check the proportions—adjust the distance from the sofa if it feels cramped.
Adapt for different uses: When you need extra seating, clear the tray and set it aside. The footstool can then be pulled up for guests or used as a footrest. Keep the tray lightweight and easy to move, so switching functions is effortless.

A footstool that fits the brief

Elbert Ottoman, Rust Linen: The Elbert Ottoman features a foam filling that is comfortable but supportive enough for trays and books. This means you can confidently place a drinks tray or a stack of coffee table books on it without worrying about dents or wobbles.
Elbert Ottoman, Rust Linen