The humble footstool began its life as a random item, designed to take the weight off muddy boots.A simple device, it allows the weight to be distributed more proportionally when one is sitting upright in a chair, and people found that outstretching their legs felt a more natural position.Consequently, the hunt was on to find ever more comfortable things to rest their feet on.At this point, chairs were reserved for those of importance such as dignitaries, and the everyday man would instead use backless stools to perch on – which were inevitably grabbed occasionally for those on chairs to rest their royal feet on.
The realisation then still resonates true today that the human form was not designed to sit still for long periods of time. Also unchanged in time, sitting bolt upright often encouraged the crossing of legs, which is known to cut off the full blood flow to the lower limbs and affect the alignment of the spine. So medically, the lifting of one’s legs served for better circulation and made a stool specifically for feet even more practical and popular.
Upholsterers began creating four legged stools of a similar height and specification and began utilising the same designs and patterns to accompany the main seating and adding matching features to the chairs they had been commissioned to make, such as a padded top.Soon, the footstool, like the chair, was available to purchase in an array of styles, colours and fabrics, from leather to linen.This meant that what was originally just an accessory could become much more: an icon in its own right, ready to begin its evolution in design history. As time marched on, homeowners realised that when produced in line and in height with the sofa and matching chairs that now adorned every living room, they could also add to their available seating with the added bonus of the footstool being more mobile.
Now also considered a useful storage area, function has combined with comfort as many footstools are now made hollow with a lid for storing magazines and newspapers.These are more commonly known as ottomans, and are convenient for their ability to hide away items such as magazines or extra cushions whilst keeping them easily accessible.More elongated in shape, bench stools can be slotted under window sills when not in use, making them great space savers. These can sometimes be made with arms and look like a miniature but backless version of your sofa and are reminiscent of a modern day chaise.A style very popular now is the large square ottoman, which has a number of uses: from coffee table to storage unit, as well as for resting your feet on of course, these now come in a range of designs to make an attractive centrepiece.
