Five Footstools For Christmas

With many years trading experience behind us we can justifiably claim to be the leading UK manufacturer of footstools. All our products are built in the UK by experienced craftsmen who deliver exceptional quality as standard. As the home of the UK's most trusted online retailer for footstools, pouffes and ottomans what do we recommend as the best buys this Christmas?

Small leather footstools are an ideal present as they are compact and have the dual advantages of being ideal footrests and unobtrusive footstools. They are solidly built and will last for many years if handled with care. All small leather footstools are hand crafted by time served upholsters who use the finest Italian leather. They are available from stock and make ideal stocking fillers!

Pouffes and Cubes represent superb value for money and are a great way to create extra seating when the family descends at Christmas. Manufactured using a hardwood frame and composite foam, pouffes are available in either leather or fabric. From under £100 a contemporary fabric pouffe makes a fabulous gift during the festive season.

Benchstools are wonderful foot rests and can also be selected as seating. The choice of feet determines their most appropriate function: - a set of tall contemporary legs gives a height of around fourteen inches (from floor to top) making an ideal seating solution. A choice of ornate Queen Anne legs conveys genuine character and makes a footstool for two to share.

Tablestools are essentially large benchstools and make ideal coffee tables and are practical footstools. At Christmas time many people use tablestools as the centre piece of the room. Here they act as functional tables between chairs and sofas where nuts, crisps and nibbles are placed on trays. They are softly upholstered and make fabulous foot rests for your guests when they fall asleep in front of the television during "The Great Escape" or "The Sound of Music".

Where to store all those Christmas presents? In a large storage ottoman of course! Large ottomans upholstered in either fabric or leather are ideal for tidying away toys, magazines or linen and their presence enhances any room. Wrap your presents then open the lid on Christmas Day to reveal all your gifts of the season! A smaller storage solution would be the cube storage ottoman. Not only is there a large storage capacity beneath, with the lid down the cube ottoman makes a sturdy and practical seat. If you only have one gift to buy this year then you cannot go far wrong with the acquisition of a small cube ottoman!


The author has over 20 years experience running companies involved in furnishing fabrics and furniture manufacturing in the UK and writes extensively about footstools "> and contemporary furniture.

The National School of Furniture

We are always inspired to see initiatives promoting the next generation of budding furniture makers and last week saw the launch of The National School of Furniture which seeks to unite the educational sector with furniture manufacturing businesses. With the new government looking to encourage apprenticeships and skills based careers this new venture is to be welcomed.

The partnership is to be based at Oxford and Cherwell Valley College and will create a holistic educational experience, offering huge benefits to learners and the entire furniture industry. This is a key time for the furniture industry, and it is vital that employers and the education sector invest in skills for growth. The National School of Furniture will be creating the next generation of highly skilled talent, helping to ensure economic growth for the UK furniture industry. The scheme enables students to make new contacts with the furniture industry, providing routes into employment.

The courses can be studied at two educational establishments: Bucks New University in High Wycombe, and Oxford and Cherwell Valley College and they will be working together to provide education across all levels, from Certificate (Level 1) to PhD (Level 8). Between the two educational centres students can study an aspect of the subject for the very first time.

It will also connect established industry personnel in need of trainees, managers, skills or advice. Through the school, students have an array of courses they can choose from, including short skills-based training, bespoke industry courses, apprenticeships, leisure courses and diplomas. It also offers undergraduate, foundation and master's degree courses.

The National School of Furniture aims to create a skills base for furniture making, design, manufacture, conservation and furniture retail. It hopes to spread providing a portal via a website for anybody interested in the UK industry. The portal will help interested individuals get connected to the school network of partners, alumni, industry supporters, sponsors and key industry personnel.

However it is not just students who gain from their education and interaction with the industry. This is a key time for the furniture industry, and it is vital that the education sector and employers invest in skills for growth. The School will be creating the next generation of highly skilled talent, helping to ensure economic growth for the furniture and footstool industry and the nation as a whole. A key benefit for industry professionals is the development of an archive for historical reference, as well as a research base and test bed for existing and new ottoman projects.

The author has over 20 years experience running companies involved in furnishing fabrics and furniture manufacturing in the UK and writes extensively about footstools and contemporary furniture.

Biblical and Literary Footstools

Whether known as a "repose-pied" (France), "fodskammel" in Denmark or a "sgabellino" in Italy, footstools are a well respected piece of household furniture. They have also had significant literary presence with references in the Bible and some of the great works of world literature.

In the Bible, "Jehovah symbolically dwelt in the holy place between the cherubim above the ark of the covenant. The ark was his footstool" (1 Chr. 28:2; Ps. 99:5; 132:7). "And as heaven is God's throne, so the earth is his footstool" and in Matthew 5:34,35. "Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King."

In Psalms 110:1."The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool." and later from the Old Testament, "For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:
Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862) who was a philosopher, author and naturalist said in his 1864 work, The Allegash and East Branch, "When the chopper would praise a pine, he will commonly tell you that the one he cut was so big that a yoke of oxen stood on its stump; as if that were what the pine had grown for, to become the footstool of oxen." English Poet John Donne, writing in 1613 said, "Who sees God's face, that is self life, must die; What a death were it then to see God die! It made his own lieutenant, Nature, shrink; It made his footstool crack, and the sun wink."

In 1861 Julia Ward Howe composed the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" as the early battles of the American Civil War raged between the Confederate and Union armies. Howe was influenced by the anti slavery societies in the North and had been persuaded to write new lyrics to the popular patriotic song "John Brown's Body". She was later paid the princely sum of $5 by a US publisher as the song caught on and swept into the consciousness of the North. Her lyric included the seminal reference to "God's footstool" in the final verse; -

"He is coming like the glory of the morning on the wave,
He is Wisdom to the mighty, He is Succour to the brave,
So the world shall be His footstool, and the soul of Time His slave,
Our God is marching on."

The author has over 20 years experience running companies involved in furnishing fabrics and furniture manufacturing in the UK and writes extensively about footstools and contemporary furniture.

Principals of the Successful Footstools Retailer

Modern furniture businesses should be centred on the dual concepts of quality and excellent customer service. Customers need to be at the heart of everything the business does. Furniture products need to be engineered to maximise relaxation and to provide high-class design with built in quality. They need to be aesthetically appealing whilst combining practicality and functionality.

Successful footstool manufacturing businesses know the importance of “putting our feet up” after a hard day at work. As busy people themselves they understand the importance of relaxation. They value leisure time and know they have an important part to play by rewarding customers with the quality of the furniture they offer.

The design principles behind a successful furniture company are based on the idea of giving customers choice within a quality palette. That choice should be customer lead striking the perfect balance of colour, fabric, proportion and texture. In this way company products fit seamlessly into any lifestyle and environment.

A footstool business within the furniture sector needs to provide a niche product range. Hence made to measure footstools, pouffes and storage ottomans are designed to fit into any household space. They are appropriate for any room and are practical pieces in their own right. And the pieces are individually hand built for comfort and relaxation. Only through careful sourcing of the best leather, fabrics and component materials can craftsman built footstools meet the high expectations of customers.

An increasing number of footstool and ottoman manufacturers sell their products online. In this way they cut out the expensive overhead of retail rent and rate charges. Customers are buying a unique range of products directly from the manufacturer, thus avoiding the cost of a middleman. By visiting the site of an independent footstool retailer you are simply a click away from putting your feet up!

The author has over 20 years experience running companies involved in furnishing fabrics and furniture manufacturing in the UK and writes extensively about footstools and contemporary furniture.

Cubes for Seating

Upholstered pouffe or cube seating is the perfect solution to providing inexpensive and practical seating capacity at events, exhibitions and retail environments. You will rarely pass a shoe shop without seeing an arrangement of cubes within. Public houses, bars and restaurants rely on their adaptability for seating and cubes provide ready, comfortable seats in office reception areas. They are easy to store, each one coming in a tight fitting double walled card board box and if cared for will give you a life span of many years service. How then can such a simple piece of furniture offer so much to so many for so little?
Reputable footstools and ottoman suppliers regard the cube as a required piece within their furniture stores. Cubes fit into the smallest of spaces and can be arranged in any variety of combinations. A craftsman built cube offers a genuine measure of quality. The template is its hard wood frame, glued rather than screwed, stapled or nailed. A two to three inch deep rigid foam pad beneath a plywood structure provides the comport for seating and a protective foam and polyester wadding offers protection to the edges and sides. Four plastic glide feet are applied to the base so as to avoid scuffing and tears to the edges at floor level. The glides also provide stability and balance allied to simple manoeuvrability across surfaces.

The choice of outer covering should be dictated by where and for what purpose the cube is to be used. For instance cubes that provide seating in bars and restaurants require a hard wearing outer upholstered surface that is easy to clean. Light colours should be avoided as they are prone to staining. Dark fabrics should not be exposed to direct sunlight. That said the choice of beauticians and hairdressers is for "lighter" upholstered cubes in shades such as whites or golds. The brand image you are trying to portray is essential to your choice of cube. Wedding event organisers tend to select white leather cubes to enhance the atmosphere of the occasion. Many bar owners choose reds or black as their design colour and their cube seating selection is reflected accordingly. Leather or faux leather tends to be their upholstery choice as it is a practical solution for the club or bar environment.

If treated appropriately your cube will last you for many years. Fabrics treated with a Guardsman* stain resist finish (such as faux suede) may be wiped clean with a damp cloth to remove excessive stains and soiling. Upholstered leather cubes, particularly those in an aged Mustang leather look better with age and can last for up to ten years! If you are looking to buy seating for your business or home then a cube offers you a quality solution at a price to suit!



The author has over 20 years experience running companies involved in furnishing fabrics and furniture manufacturing in the UK and writes extensively about ottomans,
cubes and footstools.

Leather for your footstool

Footstools upholstered in a fine Italian leather make a real statement about the discerning footstool buyer. When you purchase a British built leather footstool the true meaning of quality is revealed. But for all customers the style and leather selection is most important especially when a footstool becomes a true family heirloom and is to be passed onto future generations of your family.

The tanning of leather is a centuries old craft that can be traced back to pre Roman times. According to biblical references, Simon the Tanner was plying his trade in the first century AD. Renaissance Florence became a European centre for leather and the tradition of excellent leather manufacturing is maintained today in modern day Italy.

When used for upholstery the latest scientific techniques and rigorous quality control are employed to each hide prior to tanning. Without a significant beef industry there would be no skins and therefore no trade in leather. Hence Northern Italy, with a prosperous cattle sector is well placed to provide the raw material for the trade in leather.

At the abattoir skins are removed from the beasts and are left in a temperate place to cool. In some traditional Italian abattoirs the skins are placed on marble floors to cool down. This procedure is vitally important as the rapid cooling of marble reduces the threat of bacterial attack. Hides are then salted to preserve them prior to shipping to a tannery where further processing takes place.

On arrival at the tannery blemishes are removed from the hide and re inspected to ensure only the best hides are used. At this point colouration takes place whereby a number of hides are dyed in large vessels to a precise formulation. A protective coating is frequently applied to the leather after colouration to protect it from wear and tear and ensure a long life span. Finally the leather is softened and then ironed to remove creases prior to shipment.

Upholstery buyers are particularly selective when choosing leather. Given the value of the furniture to be upholstered, leather for benchstools, tablestools or ottomans is highly prized and needs to be of the highest quality. Leather for your footstool must comprise three main elements. Firstly is has to be durable as it will have to withstand the weight of many feet during its life time. Secondly it must be without major blemishes such as creases, scars or tears. Finally the leather for your footstool must convey the quality of a superior piece of upholstered furniture. Its appearance must be second to none or the premium a customer deserves when choosing leather for his or her footstool will not be met. Only then will the discerning customer realise he or she has made an excellent footstool choice!

The author has over 20 years experience running companies involved in furnishing fabrics and furniture manufacturing in the UK and writes extensively about footstools, ottomans and contemporary furniture.

Buying an Ottoman Today

Buying an ottoman today could not be easier although with the choices available finding the piece to match your exact requirements may be more difficult. You can find storage ottomans in a variety of shapes and sizes, built to varying levels of craftsmanship. With a purchase plan in mind you should not have a problem finding something that will suit your needs.

The first thing you should consider is what you want from your ottoman. Do you want it to be stylish, practical or both? If you want a stylish bedroom then you should consider buying an ottoman to ensure your bedroom is stylish and relaxing. Ottomans are suitable for almost any bedroom size and shape. They are most commonly located at the foot of the "master bed" where linen, pillows and duvets become easily accessible. Sleek storage ottomans are ideal for helping to keep your bedroom clear of clutter and they are ideal for storing bedding and laundrySome storage pieces add a touch of glitz to a living area and help set the tone of the room.


There are plenty of size options available, even for the smallest room. When it comes to selecting an ottoman you will probably want something sleek, either upholstered in fabric or leather. If selecting a piece to coordinate with your suite you have plenty of options available. A mixture of both leather and fabric is more likely to be the design choice of today.

You can buy storage ottomans both online and offline. You will need to think about how much you are willing to spend and what items you need the piece to coordinate with. If selecting the offline option make sure you choose a store that has a good selection of Sofas and Ottomans. There are many places to visit and in the UK DFS, Argos and IKEA, are as good as anywhere. Online the choice is even greater although a reputable online footstools and ottomans retailer with many years trading experience and a verifiable list of satisfied genuine customers is the place to start.

After you have chosen a place to buy your ottoman and settled on a budget you may consider the ranges available. As long as you make sure you have done your research then an ottoman should be a fun and exciting task.


The author has over 20 years experience running companies involved in furnishing fabrics and furniture manufacturing in the UK and writes extensively about ottomans, footstools and contemporary furniture.

The Benefits of using a Footstool

The medical benefits of using a footstool are perhaps not as well known as they should be. Here we demonstrate which organisations recommend using footstools, who should use one and why they are beneficial to health and well being.

During infancy, when mothers are bottle or breast feeding their child, the World Health Organisation recommends using footstools to ensure the baby's bottom is well supported. This is not only beneficial to the mother by preventing back problems it allows for better bonding between mother and child. In the United Kingdom,the National Health Service (NHS) also recommends a footstool to prevent back pain and sciatica and for treating the symptoms of lymph oedema by reducing pain and swelling of legs, knees and ankles. The NHS also recommends footstool use for improved well being and relaxation to counter stress related illnesses, such as high blood pressure, anxiety, and depression.

In the United States the American Heart Association recommends using a footstool to make it easier to put on shoes and socks and The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends propping up your feet on a footstool as often as you can to relieve swelling and soreness and stop varicose veins from getting worse. The American College of Nurse-Midwives recommends new fathers offer your partner comfort measures such as a drink, a footstool, or a pillow to use while nursing whereas the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends using a footstool to make life easier after joint replacement surgery and for intermittent leg elevation. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends a footstool in front of the toilet to help constipated children have their feet firm and find relief from constipation.

Rheumatology experts suggest that people protect their joints by standing on a stable footstool when reaching for high objects. Macmillan Cancer Support recommends footstools for the skin problems of cancer, and fluid build up, lymph oedema, reducing swollen legs and leading prostate cancer Charities advise sufferers to employ the use of footstools for swollen legs.

Sports injury clinics say that using a footstool for getting the last few degrees of leg extension in the latter stages of a rehabilitation process really has a meaningful effect on recovery. Recovering footballers, rugby players and athletes employ this advice in the latter stages of their rehabilitation process. Schiropractors recommend applied footstool use so patients can sit with knees higher than their hips to help them to steer clear of pain and inconvenience. This allows for improved blood circulation and quicker recovery times.

On a more practical level the Turner Syndrome Society of the United States and Nemours Foundation advise placing a footstool to put things within reach, for example in the kitchen, the bathroom and with easy access to clothing, closets, personal care items, and other necessities. Also in the United States the Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association of America recommends using a footstool for the unaffected foot during static standing to promote weight shifting and balance.




The author has over 20 years experience running companies involved in furnishing fabrics and furniture manufacturing in the UK and writes extensively about footstools and contemporary furniture.

Pensioner Confronts Intruder with Footstool

Police have praised the bravery of a seventy-one year old woman who confronted a knife wielding intruder... with a footstool. The man, believed to be of Asian origin, five feet seven inches tall with dark wavy hair forced his way into the home of a seventy-nine year old woman only to be beaten away by the woman's niece who was armed with the footstool.

The house owner and her niece were watching television together when the suspect knocked at the door claiming there had been a motor accident on the road outside. The man then burst through the door and struck the older woman in the face before demanding money from the elderly pair. When he produced a knife the seventy-one year old acted instinctively by grabbing a footstool and hitting the intruder over the head with it.

According to police the knifeman was so taken aback by the tenacity of the woman that he fled empty-handed from the scene.

The pensioners, from Reading in Berkshire, were both injured by the intruder and were being comforted by police after their terrifying experience. The seventy-one year old woman suffered a stab wound to her hand and the house owner was left with bruises. Police said that the incident, which happened on Tuesday 24th August at around 8.00pm, could have been a lot more serious but for the bravery of the two elderly ladies. They are looking for a local man wearing a brown or light beige jacket with unkempt two-inch long dark hair. He is said to be of slim build, in his early to mid twenties and they have issued a photo fit picture of the man they wish to speak to about the incident.

The author has over 20 years experience running companies involved in furnishing fabrics and furniture manufacturing in the UK and writes extensively about footstools and contemporary furniture.

Ottomans for life

We have an ottoman in our house that we believe once belonged to my Great Grandmother. We have a well known Yorkshire saying in our family that if something is worth keeping it stays with us "for life". This is certainly the case with this most treasured family heirloom.

Made out of oak with wicker sides and a reupholstered rigid foam lid for sitting on, the ottoman has now served four generations of our family. Originally it was designed as a linen box to be fitted into the master bed room of the house. Subsequently it has served us as a blanket and duvet store, a coat box and a toy box. Now it has regained its former preeminence and after its umpteenth reupholstering and paint job it sits proudly at the base of our king size bed in the master bedroom.

It is its very versatility that is the key to its long and successful life. No one can bear to part with our most treasured family member! One relative remembers the ottoman as being kept in the attic where it was used to store the dressing up clothes worn by the children. On long winter nights they would proceed up the step ladder to the dimly lit attic where a succession of cowboy, Monsters Inc and Sleeping Beauty outfits, would be paraded proudly by our children. Latterly the ottoman was brought down to the play room where its functionality was further examined as it be came a receptacle for train sets, Action Men and Play Station accoutrements.

As the children grew up and its use as a toy box became redundant we decided to "re vamp " this most valued piece. It has recently been reupholstered using a delightful colour woven stripe fabric (Prairie Stripe Aubergine) once sourced for the furniture store, Sofa Workshop. We are delighted to say the ottoman remains a proud part of our family and will remain with us until we pass the baton on to the next generation.

The author has over 20 years experience running companies involved in furnishing fabrics and furniture manufacturing in the UK and writes extensively about footstools, ottomans and contemporary furniture.

Footstool Definitions

According to a well known "online resource" a footstool is a piece of furniture, the purpose of which is to support one's feet. There are two main types of footstools, which can be loosely categorized as those designed for comfort and those designed for function.

The type of footstool designed for comfort is typically used to provide comfort to a person seated, for example, in a chair or sofa. It is typically a short, wide, four-legged stool with a padded top, upholstered in a fabric or animal hide, such as leather. This type of footstool is also a type of Ottoman and it often referred to simply as an Ottoman. It allows the seated person to rest their feet upon it, supporting their legs at a mostly horizontal level. Ottomans are frequently designed with another function in mind, namely they arrive with a hinged lid allowing for valuable storage space within.

A functional footstool, also known simply as a stool, is used as a short stepladder or to support a person's (usually a child's) feet that do not reach the floor when seated. In the former case, the footstool is used by placing it on a flat surface and standing on it to extend one's reach. In the latter case, the footstool is placed under the feet of a sitting person so that the person's feet may rest comfortably on it. An example of the latter is the type of piano footstool used in conjunction with a piano bench. It is also used to make the blood circulation of your body flow more freely than sitting down. The "step up stool" is often found in the kitchens of short people. It can be quickly moved in and out of use and allows the short person to reach the highest shelves or to clean cobwebs in far flung corners. For repeated higher level work we recommend the use of a ladder or step ladder rather than a footstool.

The author has over 20 years experience running companies involved in furnishing fabrics and furniture manufacturing in the UK and writes extensively about footstools and contemporary furniture.

World Leaders Who Need Footstools

Kim Jong-il, Russia's Dmitry Medvedev and Nicolas Sarkozy may need to gain an extra few inches in order to make up for their lack of stature on the world stage. Indeed Sarkozy, the French President, has started using a footstool to make up for his lack of inches when appearing with taller world leaders. Recent pictures have caught him using a discreet wooden accessory during world summits. It followed repeated attempts by the 55-year-old to use everything from stacked heels to standing on tiptoes to increase his tiny stature.

President Sarkozy is just 5ft 5 inches whereas many contemporary world statesmen are more than six feet in height. Barack Obama is 6 feet 2 inches, as is Canadian Prime Minister, Stephen Harper and German Chancellor Angela Merkel is 5feet 8 inches tall. The new British Prime Minister David Cameron stands well over six feet. President Sarkozy is even smaller than Napoleon.

A spokesmen for the French President said "The footstool was put in place just before M. Sarkozy made one of his speeches in Normandy... He knew he was appearing on the same podium as far taller world leaders and would have looked ridiculous using a lectern set at their height. You would have barely been able to see Mr Sarkozy's hair bobbing up and down." An insider added, "Combined with his stacked heels, the footstool allowed M. Sarkozy to look as though he was an impressive height, although there were sniggers from those of us who could see what was really going on."

Carla Bruni, the President's statuesque wife, last week admitted that she regretted the way people mocked the flat heeled pumps she regularly wears to try and disguise the five inch height difference between the couple, who married two years ago. The 43-year-old former supermodel turned First Lady, who is 5ft 10 ins, said she could accept almost all the pressures of her new job – except attacks on the diminutive head of state she calls "My little chou chou".

An Elysee Palace spokesperson confirmed that the new Sarkozy footstool was a "useful accessory" to make sure that the President did not disappear behind lecterns designed for far taller world leaders. Fun is frequently poked at the President for standing on a footstool behind podiums known as a "Sarkozy step" when making speeches.

The French president is not the smallest major world leader – he is slightly taller than North Korea's Kim Jong-il and Russia's Dmitry Medvedev, both of whom are 5ft 3 ins tall. It is perhaps best not to recommend a footstool for Kim Jong-il in the light of his current macho posturing over nuclear weapons, the poor performance of the North Korean football team in the recent World Cup and his parody in the film "Team America"!


The author has over 20 years experience running companies involved in furnishing fabrics and furniture manufacturing in the UK and writes extensively about current events, footstools and contemporary furniture.

The footstool Collector

Before the advent of reclining chairs and sofas people used a footstool. Footstools have survived the passage of time because most were carved from wood and beautifully upholstered. Over the years footstools were upholstered and upholstered again by their owners, some with needlepoint hand work others with tapestry or quilted covers. I have always collected footstools as valued pieces in their own right and am proud of the collection I have built up.

As for my own private footstool collection, some are valued for the beauty of the wood, while others are displayed for their ornate fabric and aesthetic qualities. Wooden footstools are wonderful as a table shelf. You will find a lot of footstools in the homes of antique dealers. Such people are in the business because they value what they sell. And as the years go by, things accumulate. Ornate footstools are presented as works of art in their own right. They look better on a table or shelf albeit on different levels. A sympathetic lighting display always creates interest - instead of clutter a display of footstools creates a focal point for guests at a gathering or party.

By the middle of the twentieth century footstools became large square hassocks. And yet, these wonderful pieces were built to last. Footstools before that era are still plentiful today and can be found at auction for sale at affordable prices. They were not thrown away, instead, they were kept to enjoy for the beauty they represented. From me to you, add a footstool to your home, it's a fabulous conversation piece that really does create a home sweet home statement.


This author does not get out much and is a regular contributor to the world of footstools and writes extensively about UK contemporary furniture.

Further Medical Uses for Footstools

From the sanctuary of my hospital bed I can see the benefits of being able to put your feet up after a serious illness or major surgery. Several patients in my vicinity have had varicose vein surgery and as part of their recuperation have by necessity to promote proper blood circulation to the legs. Others have blood pressure issues so that blood flow to feet, positioned on appropriately sized footstools, becomes an essential component of recovery.

Whilst in recovery many people are under pain relief medication. Some patients require oxygen whilst other need something stronger such as morphine. The medical profession are keen to stress the benefits of effective recuperation as part of the whole recovery process. They stress the need for relaxation and for people to get as much sleep as they can. This can be achieved in bed however as the patient gets increasingly mobile, he or she is encouraged to sit in a chair with feet in a horizontal position. The reasoning for this is simple; - blood flow is more evenly distributed in this position and the body' natural defences s can more effectively repair damaged tissue. Clearly the prescription of a suitable footstool is most important.

Size matters! Doctors recommend a footstool height where the legs are on a slight incline from the the recipient's bottom. A comfortable "sitting" height is about 16 inches so a footstool height of 12 - 14 inches would be appropriate. Height levels can be adjusted on certain types of footstools but these are mechanical in appearance and aesthetically displeasing. A much better solution is to select a given height by choosing feet for the stool. These come in different sizes and styles and can be attached to your footstool accordingly. The choice can be made between wooden, or metal legs, either of which can be fixed on castors to aid manoeuvrability.

The outer covering material of the footstool needs to be correctly specified. In a medical environment, polyurethane or "faux leather" upholstery coverings enable regular cleaning and sterilisation of surfaces. With concerns over patient transferred infections and efforts to clamp down on the super bug MRSA, effective use of appropriate cleaning agents is vital. What is clear however is that a correctly specified footstool really can increase the recovery times of patients who reed rest and recuperation.


The author has over 20 years experience running companies involved in furnishing fabrics and furniture manufacturing in the UK and writes extensively about ottomans footstools and contemporary furniture.

Leather Cube Footstool selection

Cubes upholstered using the finest European leather really do say something about the discerning footstools buyer. A craftsman built leather cube conveys a genuine measure of quality. Leather footstool cubes are simply the best. And why do we place such value in this ancient upholstery material? Because fine leather is a tried and tested product that if cared for correctly will last for years. Some leather even gets better with age but beware there are cheap imitations out there that should be be avoided.

Leather manufacture is a centuries old craft that can be traced back to pre historic times. Stone Age Man and the Egyptians refined the art of tanning leather. According to the Bible "Simon the Tanner" was plying his trade in the first century AD. With time leather processes improved so that today we can buy the very finest aniline leather for furniture through to low value, plastic coated bi-cast leather for the most basic of uses.

Leather is a by-product of the meat industry. Without meat there would be no skins and therefore no trade in leather. At the behest of the market prices move up and down as governed by the law of scarce resources . At the time of writing (August 2010) leather prices have risen by 40% since the Spring due to a scarcity of hides caused by increasing demand for meat from China and South America. Increasing prosperity in those regions has left the world relatively short of leather with the inevitable consequence of sharply increased prices!

Through a combination of the latest scientific techniques and rigorous quality control mechanisms each hide of leather is individually selected prior to tanning. The skin is removed from the animal at the abattoir and generally left on a marble floor to cool. This procedure is vitally important as the rapid cooling of marble reduces the threat of bacterial attack. The hides are then salted to preserve them prior to shipping to a tannery where further processing takes place. Any blemishes are removed from the hide at this stage.

The skins are re inspected after tanning to ensure only the best hides are used for the manufacture of cube footstools. A protective coating is applied to the leather after colouration to protect it from wear and tear and ensure a long life span. Finally the leather is softened and ironed to remove any creases prior to shipment. At this point the finished leather is ready for upholstery.

This is the point when you choose the leather quality and shade for your cube. On offer are generally four types of leather; - aged, grained,semi-grain or bi-cast. Mustang is an aged leather fashioned from full aniline hand finished Italian leather. Capri, a semi-grain leather is soft and exudes distinction. Its sumptuous look is enhanced by a subtle shaded effect. A third leather is Style made from soft yet very durable European hides is a fully grained, durable leather and is ideal for contact applications. Bi-cast leather, which is fashioned from lower grade hides and coated with plasticers to improve appearance and performance is generally a choice to be avoided unless you are looking for a budget footstool cube. When purchasing a leather cube the discerning customer has to select a reputable manufacturer and then chose from these styles and leather qualities.


The author has over 20 years experience running companies involved in furnishing fabrics and furniture manufacturing in the UK and writes extensively about ottomans, footstool cubes and contemporary furniture.

Information about Ottomans

Ottomans in the home are multifunctional and make a statement about the quality of your furnishings. They also contribute to the amount of valuable storage space you have as well as being used for seating and as footstools. However many people will not know that back in the Nineteenth Century ottomans were used as backless chairs in Middle Eastern council chambers.

Although ottomans are not usually employed as chairs these days, rigid foam cushions and polyester wadding are nowadays built in, adding comfort, to the wooden originals. Today the choice is between fabric or leather ottomans with variations of each. For instance low maintenance ottomans may be produced in faux leather which is simply wiped clean after a spillage. If you want an easy care solution a stain protected fabric ottoman should be your preference. Those with bigger budgets should look towards the genuine quality of leather ottomans.

Reputable ottoman manufacturers construct their frames with a solid hardwood such as beech or oak. Their frames are glued and the upholstery should be double stitched to protect the covering. For an ottoman in the living room storage is an essential feature where papers, toys, videos and CD's can be quickly stored in the event of an unexpected arrival. The piece also functions well as a coffee table or footstool when centred between living room sofas. When hosting parties or at Christmas time your ottoman is invaluable as a source of seating for extra guests.

No longer the exclusive preserve of politicians at Middle Eastern council meetings, ottomans are made affordable by Internet retailers offering the widest range of sizes and styles. Discerning customers enjoy choosing between fabrics and leathers at prices that are not going to break the bank! And the major difference between locally sourced suppliers and those from overseas is that there will be no six to eight week wait for delivery. Most reputable suppliers will carry stock or arrange delivery within two weeks of you having placed an order.

The author has over 20 years experience running companies involved in furnishing fabrics and furniture manufacturing in the UK and writes extensively about ottomans, footstools and contemporary furniture.

Christmas in July - buying footstools?

What with QVC, Selfridges and Universal Studios store in Orlando urging us to part with money a full five months before the festive period, Christmas in July really has come early this year! However the great 1940 film "Christmas in July" written and directed by Preston Sturges shows a darker side to Christmas when a home town American boy enters contests in the hope of someday winning a fortune. And to cap it all he is secretly contemplating marrying the girl he loves.

Our hero, Jimmy MacDonald, played by Dick Powell, attempts to win the Maxford House Coffee Slogan Contest. As a joke, some of his co-workers put together a fake telegram which says that he won the $25,000 grand prize. As a result, he gets a promotion, buys presents for all of his family and friends, and proposes to his girl. When the truth comes out, he's not prepared for the consequences!

Some consider this to be one of Preston Sturges's most profound comedies. In "Christmas in July" Sturges was possibly trying to teach the great director Frank Capra how to handle sentiment without falling into sentimentality. The scene where Dick Powell is handing out presents to his neighbours, and he gives a doll to a crippled girl in a wheelchair is a remarkably tender moment in the midst of a hectic scene. The director captures just the right touch with a classic line where bug-eyed Raymond Walburn sarcastically tells contest-winner Powell, "I can't wait to give you my money!" Sturges also shows that you can have plot complications without resorting to villains. There is no Capraesque class warfare in this film. Here rich and poor are equally lovable, even gruff William Demarest as Mr Bildocker.

None of this is to say that spending money on gifts in July is a bad thing. Any number of Internet retailers are offering Christmas in July incentives with items such as footstools and ottomans among the best sellers. Selfridges in London say many of their foreign customers head specifically for the Christmas Gift Shop when they arrive from abroad. QVC, the television shopping channel are reported to turnover £1 million on their "Christmas in July Shopping Weekend" which finished yesterday. Many visitors attend Universal Studios Islands of Adventure theme park in Florida with the sole intention of stocking up with gifts from the Christmas Store. I can vouch for it having recently spent over $12 on a Christmas decoration - in July!


The author has over 20 years experience running companies involved in furnishing fabrics and furniture manufacturing in the UK and writes extensively about footstools and contemporary furniture. He particularly enjoys shopping for Christmas gifts in July.

Upholstered Footstool Ottomans

An upholstered footstool with storage capacity, sometimes known as an ottoman may be a great way to add softness, texture, or colour to your design plan yet for the originators of the Ottoman these were but some of the features required.

When early nomadic tradesmen formed their caravans to cross vast swathes of desert they had to account for every single item. As their camels were required to carry not only their wares but also their homes, portability and storage were important features to consider.

After long hot days under the desert sun the evenings for these traders were for a time of relation and sustenance. This was when the ottomans were unpacked – some had been used to store silks, cloths and linens for bedding, some others contained spices, dates and figs. They now had use as a leisure item and were decorated in bright intense coloured fabric piled with cushions. The simple decoration of the nomads tents were enhanced by some home” decor” and the ottomans performed great purpose by being bright, covered as they were in colourful textiles and acting as useful storage vessels.

Firstly it was the nomadic traders and latterly the Ottomans who more than anyone needed a lightweight device that was portable enough to carry from place to place. As the Ottoman Empire stretched across most of Central Asia and Persia and over the deserts of North Africa they popularised the Ottoman, with what we would today understand as an upholstered footstool with a central storage area. The design, developed over time was a deeply upholstered seat of any shape, with or without a back, where, it was to become the central piece of domestic seating. An early version was designed to go entirely around three walls of a room, and from this evolved a smaller version, designed to fit into corners.

The first of these “ottomans” was introduced into Europe in the late 18th century from Turkey. Then with Napoleon Bonaparte's adventures in Egypt and British efforts to halt his advances at the Battle of the Nile in 1798, Western Europe saw the what the locals were using to store their wares and footstool ottomans soon became a popular adornment to grand Georgian and latterly Victorian homes.

As incomes grew throughout the Twentieth Century, ottomans became an essential fashion statement in UK households. The ottoman became the place to store bedding or to dispose of dirty linen. Today the ottoman is a central feature of many British homes and can be found not only in the bedroom but in living rooms and offices for storing many of the cherished and important household items.


The author has over 20 years experience running companies involved in furnishing fabrics and furniture manufacturing in the UK and writes extensively about history, footstools and contemporary furniture.

Which Footstool?

A footstool has a dual purpose as a piece of furniture. It has a primary function of being a support to the feet and can also be used for seating. The styles of footstool available on the Internet vary widely and only the most reputable retailers with solid trading performance should be considered. They should also be able to exhibit testimonial evidence from customers who have bought footstools and would recommend them to others.

A footstool as a "foot rest" should be used to compliment existing furniture. For example a potential customer should select a footstool to match his or her sofa or a favourite chair. Thus shade, texture, size and performance are key considerations when making that all important purchase. A typical piece should be slightly lower in height than the seat of the chair or sofa. In this way the legs rest below the seating position, outstretched for beneficial circulation and muscle relaxation. This type of stool is usually a short, wide, four-legged piece with a rigid foam upholstered top pad either buttoned or plain. Most footstools are either supplied in fabric or leather with a wood frame surrounding base and four legs.

As a vehicle for seating, footstools need to be well constructed to withstand the various pressures of human weight loads and gravity. Seating footstools are not chairs or sofas as such and are designed without a backrest so they can be approached from virtually any direction. A cube, ideally about eighteen inches tall from the ground, provides an acceptable height for seating whilst fitting into the
smallest household space. Similarly a drum stool affords about seventeen inches of height and is popular as a seating solution in bars, pubs and restaurants. Both cubes and drum stools are fitted with small glide feet to enable smooth transfer whilst protecting the edges from "scuffing" through direct contact with hard stone or wood floor surfaces.

Choosing a footstool on the Internet either for seating or as a foot rest is made easier via a well developed website. With so much to choose from customers need quick answers to their questions so a contact through email or a land line telephone is most important. Secure in the knowledge that the stool would be appropriate for either seating or resting feet the customer can go ahead with confidence and make his or her purchase decision.

The author has over 20 years experience running companies involved in furnishing fabrics and furniture manufacturing in the UK and writes extensively about footstools and contemporary furniture.

Faux Suede Footstools

The “must have” fabric of the moment is “faux suede”. It has made a huge impact to the upholstery industry over recent years and its popularity seems to be growing by the day. Its usefulness as a hard wearing versatile fabric is well documented and for use on footstools its flexibility in unsurpassed.

Created by Japanese textile technologists in the 1980s, faux suede was developed as a micro fibre to readily accept colouration. The fabric has useful performance applications in both clothing and the field of furnishings. The base of faux suede is polyester, a man made fibre extracted as a derivative from petroleum. Polyester can be blended with any other textile fibre however to maintain performance and
satisfactory texture a faux suede fabric should ideally be woven from 100% core polyester.

In its application for footstools potential customers are urged to resist cheaper alternatives particularly as footstool abrasion requirements are necessarily onerous and footstools are designed and built to last for many years.

As a fabric for footstools faux suede ticks all the boxes. With a brushed “napp” faux suedes exhibit a velvet appearance similar to the effect found on snooker or pool tables. The lustrous feel reflects light in the direction of the false pile, created during the fabric’s finishing process. The wide colouration of faux suedes is made easier by the receptive nature of the fabric to complex dyestuffs.

Polyester is most receptive to deep and rich colouration allowing the dyer to employ deep reds, bright pinks, oranges and various pastel shades that are more problematic to natural fibres. Contemporary shades for faux suedes tend to be centred around “earth tone” pallets whereby natural colours predominate. Reputable footstools manufacturers are well represented within these tonal areas having many colours to offer on their footstools range. The most popular shades include, coffee, ivory, chocolate, black and hazelnut. Among several new shades offered for the first time are red, muscat and white with another set of favourites from which stone, natural camel and beige are prominent.

The real versatility of a faux suede fabric when upholstered to a footstool is this very breadth of shade. Interior designers can go over board with the colour variations on offer and the footstool purchaser can really compliment his or her own surroundings by making an appropriate and relevant colour selection.

The author has over 20 years experience running companies involved in furnishing fabrics and furniture manufacturing in the UK and writes extensively about footstools and contemporary furniture.

England's Failure at the World Cup - Chapter One

I know nothing can make up for a team that just isn't playing well but there are a couple of things that did really get on my nerves about the "non - performance" of the England 2010 squad. Simple, time-proven elements should have been avoided and would have been if Fabio Capello wasn't so stubborn and inflexible. He stuck to his tried and tested rules by announcing team selection as the players boarded the bus to the game, two hours before kick off! How that must have motivated / demotivated those pampered, costeted, overpaid stars!

Why was Emile Heskey even there? Why was he even considered for the squad in the first place? He's just a big bruising English centre forward in the Nat Lofthouse mould (without Nat's goalscoring record!) with the stature and guile of a fully laden supertanker. Capello's masterstroke during the Germany game was to bring on Heskey when England were already losing 1 - 4! How is a striker with only seven international goals in over sixty appearances going to suddenly change the course of England's World Cup? His non existant goal scoring record for England meant little to Capello who saw him as the perfect partner to Wayne Rooney. Unfortunately Rooney lost the form that so lit up his season with Manchester United. Emile and Wayne simply didn't click. But neither did anyone else!

Peter Crouch was brought along to unsettle defences with his ungainly playing style and height. Unfortunately his cameo performance against Algeria confirmed his lack of international class - he should not have been on the field, especially playing international football for England. He unbalances the team. The most unlikely, six foot nine plus English footballer with little ball control has only ever scored in the past because Beckham could pick out his head. Without Becks and far superior opposition than he meets in the Premiership, Crouch remained a poor attacking option for England in South Africa.

Why didn't he do the obvious? Take Michael Owen instead of Heskey! Admittedly Owen has a sketchy injury record but he has scored amazing goals throughout his career and could have been brough along as an impact substitute! His appearance near the end of a game may have created something spectacular. Then, instead of Crouch, Agbonlahor should have been there, maybe even as first choice striker with a proven goal scorering record in the Premiership.

Another factor is we all know that Lampard and Gerard cannot play on the same squad as they are the same player! They should have been subs for each other. Plus, playing Gerard down the left wing was not his best postion. We all know that his role should have been in the hole just behind Rooney! It's a position that England have never been able to properly fill, ever since John Barnes. Then finally in 2006, Joe Cole (the most under utilised English player at this World Cup) came along, an attacking midfielder with buckets of skill and speed for the wing fitted the slot perfectly. Yet, Gerard was placed on the wing and Joe Cole just sloppily bought on 70mins into a game that was already lost. He went into Rooney's position and was expected to pull off a miracle.

So as I ponder all the options with my feet propped up on my favourite footstool I look forward to the 2018 World Cup in England! By then members of the victorious England Under 17 side who have just been crowned European champions will be established regulars in the senior England team. Just like the Germans who have promoted many of their best young players during this World Cup, England will become a force to be reckoned with. Unfortunately we will have to wait another eight years for the emergence of the next "Golden Generation".


The author has over 20 years experience running companies involved in furnishing fabrics and furniture manufacturing in the UK and writes extensively about footstools, contemporary British furniture and football.

Ottomans and the World CUp

As I prepare myself for tonight's encounter between England and Algeria my eyes are drawn towards an upholstered footstool, usually called an ottoman which sits to one side of my living room which acts as essential storage for many of the day to day nick naks our family treasure. An ottoman is a great way to contribute design presence giving quality, texture, and colour to any room plan. Yet for the originators of the Ottoman these were but some of the features required.

When early nomadic tradesmen formed their caravans to cross vast swathes of desert they had to account for every single item. As their camels were required to carry not only their wares but also their homes, portability and storage were important features to consider. After long hot days under the desert sun the evenings for these traders were for a time of relation and sustenance. This was when the ottomans were unpacked – some had been used to store silks, cloths and linens for bedding, some others contained spices, dates and figs.

They now had use as a leisure item and were decorated in bright intense coloured fabric piled with cushions. The simple decoration of the nomads tents were enhanced by some home” decor” and the ottomans performed great purpose by being bright, covered as they were in colourful textiles and acting as useful storage vessels.

Firstly it was the nomadic traders and latterly the Ottomans who more than anyone needed a lightweight device that was portable enough to carry from place to place. As the Ottoman Empire stretched across most of Central Asia and Persia and over the deserts of North Africa they popularised the Ottoman, and what we would today understand as a footstool. The design, developed over time was a deeply upholstered seat of any shape, with or without a back, where, it was to become the central piece of domestic seating. An early version was designed to go entirely around three walls of a room, and from this evolved a smaller version, designed to fit into corners.

The first of these “ottomans” was introduced into Europe in the late Eighteenth century from Turkey and soon became a popular adornment to grand Georgian and latterly Victorian homes. As incomes grew throughout the Twentieth Century, Ottomans became an essential fashion statement in UK households. By the year 2000 over 90% of all British homes owned an Ottoman or similar storage device. It has become an essential piece of the storage furniture repertoire and we look forward to future ottoman developments in the years to come.


This author has spent over 20 years experience running companies involved in furnishing fabrics and furniture manufacturing in the UK and writes extensively about footstools , contemporary British furniture and football. He also happens to be a follower of Manchester City.

Early Goalkeeping Gaffes at the World Cup

So we now have a pair of entertaining goalkeeping fumbles to set alive the 2010 World Cup! And we also have an interesting local story courtesy of the Look North Newsroom - whilst England may not win on the pitch an English company have already won with the pitch. According to reports the turf for each stadium being used in South Africa was developed, grown and transported to the venues by a company in Bingley, West Yorkshire. This involved a massive logistical operation for the company in terms of planning and installation. Yet three days into the Tournament pitches are not the only talking point - the goalkeepers of England and Algeria most certainly are!

As I took to my favourite armchair (with beer in hand and legs outstretched upon my footstool) I expected to see England overcome a competent yet uninspiring USA side. And with six minutes on the clock things were going swimmingly well when England captain Steven Gerrard calmly opened the scoring with a well worked goal. England failed to press home their advantage and the Americans began to see more of the ball and started playing some pleasant football. Shortly before the half time interval, Fulham's Clint Dempsey took a speculative punt in the direction of the England goal only for Robert Green, the England goalkeeper, to fumble and let the ball slide through his grasp and into the net. The Americans could not believe their luck and for Green there was no where to hide. Fifteen million English television viewers were left stunned and Green's humiliation was complete.

Earlier today a similar thing happened to the Algerian goalkeeper when his team were beaten by a single Slovenian goal. Perhaps pressure is getting to the goalkeepers when there is so much at stake during the early stages of this World Cup. What is for certain is few goalkeepers like the quality of the balls that have been introduced for the tournament. Some have complained that they swerve unduly whilst in the air, others that the balls seem to bounce far more than the standard match ball. This was evident during the opening fixture when many players failed to correctly estimate the trajectory and flight of the ball in flight. On contact with the pitch surface, the bounced deceived more than one seasoned international footballer. One commentator wryly observed that the ball was cube like in its bounce:- no one was sure which direction it might take!

So with plenty of excuses being thrown in the direction of the pitch, the ball the South African vuvuzela horns et al this world Cup competition is already shaping up to be one of the most memorable. Roll on the next three and a half weeks!



The author has spent over 20 years experience running companies involved in furnishing fabrics and furniture manufacturing in the UK and writes extensively about footstools , contemporary British furniture and football. He also happens to be a follower of Manchester City.

Footstool Predictions - How England performed in the 2010 World Cup

With just three days to go the excitement is building as the nation prepares itself for the next instalment of anticipation followed by almost certain underachievement from this "Golden Generation" of England footballers. Whether it is at the end of the group stage (unlikely), the last sixteen (possible), the quarter finals (likely) or beyond, the England Football Team will return home, sore, bruised and full of excuses. But with Fabio Capello at the helm surely England will avoid the ignomy of the penalty shoot out or the consequenses of Wayne Rooney's dismissal for a moment of Latin inspired madness? How well will England do and what are the team's chances this time (more than any time)? With my crystal ball in tow this is what actually happens at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.........

England have been given a favourable draw: - no English player should be fearful of the workrate of Rene Krhin (Slovenia), the "never say die attitude" of Rafik Djebbour (Algeria) or the silky skills of Carlos Bocanegra (USA). England end up as group winners where they face a last sixteen encounter with (on no) GERMANY! And this is where their campaign ignites. Germany have one of the best records of all the recognised footballing nations in the World Cup and England have one of the worst! But this is not a vintage German side and they lost their talisman, Michael Ballack, in one of the earlier warm up fixtures. The Germans still possess talent (you never write off the Germans!) and their team contains several world class performers with the likes of Bastien Schweinsteiger, Phillip Lahm and Miroslav Klose on show. But from the comfort of my sofa, with feet outstretched on my footstool and with beer in hand the Germans are mastered and England beat them:- in a penalty shootout!

So who do England face in the quarter final? It turns out to be the pesky Uruguayans and their prolific goal machine (and Manchester United flop), Diego Forlan. But Uruguay can not rely on just one man and they do not have the strength in depth that the top teams need to compete at this level. Diego may be one of the finest goal poachers for Athletico Madrid in La Liga but in the World Cup Quarter Final against England, Ledley King "has him in his pocket" and the striker proves completely ineffectual. The Three Lions win the game when Emile Heskey scores his eigth ever England goal in a tight and nervous encounter.

The World Cup Semi Final sees the stylish Dutch take on the ever improving English in what turns out to be a classic World Cup fixture. Van Bommel scores early for Holland whilst England reply when Joe Cole conjurers up a bit of magic and lobs Van der Saar from outside the box. Then England take the lead when Crouch heads in from close range only for the outstanding Wesley Sneijder to equalise just before half time. The second half remains goalless and extra time is looming when Gareth Barry scores his second ever England goal to take his team towards the final. With seconds to go and every Englishmen down to his last millimetre of biteable fingernail, Robin van Persie is tripped in the penalty area by the hapless John Terry...PENALTY!!! Van Persie himself steps up to take the spot kick and instead of placing his shot, he blasts the ball inches wide of Joe Hart's left hand post! The referee looks at his watch, blows and England are in their first World Cup Final since 1966! Utter pandemonium as the nation celebrates in joyous unison (and all thoughts of the recent Tory / LibDem budget massacre are banished until another day!)

England play Spain in the final and are beaten by four goals to nil.


The author has spent over 20 years experience running companies involved in furnishing fabrics and furniture manufacturing in the UK and writes extensively about footstools , contemporary British furniture and football. He also happens to be a follower of Manchester City

Storage Footstools

It was the nomadic desert tradesmen of centuries gone by who seized upon the idea of combining their footstools and ottomans as storage devices. As their caravans swept across the desert what we now understand as storage footstools would be laden with silks and spices on their way to market in some distant market in Arabia. By the time their goods were sold their storage footstools and ottomans would be empty. As the tents were unfurled at night time the empty storage units were placed with cushions, decorated with exotic fabrics giving the traders a taste of home in the middle of a desert environment.

The idea of footstools as storage units has been developed over the years so that we now have many ingenious devices to offer. Bedding can be folded and tidied away in a large storage ottoman. Placed at the foot of bed a large storage ottoman is a stand out piece of furniture in its own right. Upholstered in one of many splendid leather or fabric options it will enhance its surroundings whilst at the same time providing a practical storage solution for many years to come. And well looked after it may very well become a treasured family heirloom.

Medium storage ottomans are perfect for collecting dirty laundry and these can be stored appropriately in bathrooms or laundry rooms. Their capacity is a matter of choice and the functionality of a medium storage footstool is beyond doubt. The range of small storage footstool ottoman is well suited to almost any space within the house. Magazines and books can be stored within a small storage footstool enabling the householder an economical use of space whilst at the same time keeping things tidy. They are entirely in keeping within bedrooms where any corner can be transformed into an area for storing socks, tights, ties or belts. Many people store their CD’s or videos in their small storage footstools. They are indeed the perfect solution where space is at a premium and are even valued by some as extra seating! Indeed the practicality of the modern storage ottoman is often overlooked: - it can be a useful storage facility as well as providing additional seating when you have a houseful!

The author has over 20 years experience running companies involved in furnishing fabrics and furniture manufacturing in the UK and writes extensively about footstools and contemporary British furniture styles.

Footstool Choice

There are many important considerations to make when deciding to make a footstool purchase. With so many ranges and styles to choose from it is all too easy to make the wrong choice. What we intend to do here is guide you through the many aspects of the footstool buying decision prior making that all important purchase.

By way of an example are you buying a footstool to coordinate with an existing sofa arrangement? How do you want to use it and is the footstool to be functional or for decoration? The first question to answer is do you want to rest your feet on your stool? If so then the height of the stool is a vital consideration.

The height of the seat cushions from the floor will vary however an average UK sofa / chair height is perhaps fifteen inches. Without stretching your legs in an exact horizontal position, most people prefer to gently rest their feet downwards so that their feet are below the height of their posteriors. This means that a footstool should be between ten to fourteen inches in height from floor to top.

When an optimum height is established it is important that the choice of legs coordinates with your existing furniture. For instance if your sofa and chairs incorporate a dark wood finish then choosing a dark oak or mahogany wood finish for your footstool legs would be sensible. If the sofa runs on brass castors then similar feet should be chosen for your stool. Many people rush into a footstool purchase without considering the leather shade to coordinate with a leather sofa. We always suggest collecting leather or fabric samples before buying as the best way to ensure appropriate marrying of shade and texture.

Footstools can be simply decor but as functional units they really come into their own. Does your room have a table? If not a table footstool to solve this dilemma. "Tablestools" are useful pieces in either fabric or leather to match to your existing furniture and act as a coffee tables for placing drinks or snack foods. They are a fabulous addition to any room and provide the dual aspects of style and functionality at the same time. Your tablestool acts as a footrest for anyone else who can fit onto the sofa! When choosing a tablestool ensure that the top is firm and flat enough to rest drinks on and check that a fabric or stain protection has been applied to fabric tablestools to avoid problems with spillage. As previously ensure that the height suites everyone before making the purchase.

Another important consideration is whether you want your footstool to offer storage and how much will be needed. A small footstool storage cube with an uplifting lid can be used to hide away papers, magazines and books as well as offering valuable seating capacity in small rooms. A footstool pouffe may be used as a footrest or for additional seating so it can be easily moved around and tucked out of the way when not in use.

In conclusion it is footstool functionality and "decorative" value that should determine your buying decision. Whether you are looking for an extra accessory to add balance to your room or you need to rest weary feet after along day at work your choice of footstool is very much a personal decision. With these thoughts in mind your perfect footstool purchase can now be made.

The author has over 20 years experience running companies involved in furnishing fabrics and furniture manufacturing in the UK and writes extensively about footstools and contemporary furniture

Buying a Footstool

There are many different aspects of your footstool you will need to consider before you make that all important purchase. With so many different shapes, types and functions of a footstool you need to make sure you are making the right choice for you. The most important of these considerations is the functionality of your intended footstool. The primary and secondary functions of your footstool will help determine the material, the padding, the size and the shape and design of your footstool.

For example, do you want your footstool for use on the sofa? If so, is your room occupied by a table? More and more people are noting the benefits of having a combined table and footstool to solve this dilemma. These types of footstools are known as bench stools. You can have them in either fabric or leather to match your existing furniture, as they are the same size as a coffee table. They act as a stylish addition to the centre of room and can provide a footrest not just for you but also for anyone else who can fit onto your sofa. At the same time it doubles up as a table with a top that's firm and flat enough to rest your coffee on quite comfortably. You can also get these in a variety of heights to suit your tastes.

You may also consider whether or not you want your footstool to offer storage as well and how much storage space you need versus the room you have available. You can either get a storage cube which is the same size as a pouffe so it can be easily moved around and tucked out of the way when not in use, or you can get an ottoman which can't be moved casually but offers a larger storage space. The ottomans are also much higher than the cube version and may well be more suitable in front of a sofa or as a window seat as they are large in width than a standard chair.

Perhaps you are just looking for an extra accessory for your room to balance out the space make a stylish addition and to be used casually from time to time as a footstool or spare seating when you have a lot of guests. In this case a pouffe or cube footstool would be ideal as it offer the comfort of both seating and a foot rest while maintaining a small size enough to still be tucked away to the side when not in use.

You may also wish to consider the shape and fabric of your footstool in relation to your existing furniture. A footstool should compliment your current décor and fit in with your current style and other furniture.

The author runs several furniture related businesses and is a respected authority on the subject of footstools and modern furniture design.

The Humble Footstool

As an unprepossessing piece of furniture the footstool was regarded by many as an unnecessary encumbrance to the set up of a room. Individuals sat in their large padded chair by the fireplace with their feet in a horizontal position without giving much thought to the "Humble Footstool".

As an item of great merit, the footstool really serves us very well. We relax with our feet up at the end of a hard working day. Now, the humble footstool has emerged as a central piece of furniture in its own right and turned those lazy evenings of comfort into stylish relaxation. Now we proudly display our footstools as essential room accessories. They have developed their own distinctive character and have even become part of the family!

We still utilise the benefits of having a lower level footstool that can be easily tucked away to make more room when we have guests arriving and space is at a premium. Storage footstools allow us to gather up our belongings giving the room a quick makeover when those guests arrive on a whim. Cube footstools with storage even have the added benefit extra seating when chairs are at a premium and space is limited. Developments in footstool technology now give us a range of multifunctional footstools: - these have practical and functional benefits whilst contributing style and glamour to the aesthetic appearance of our rooms.

As designs have progressed over the years we can forget about the conventional rectangular shape of our footstools. Although still in the majority of footstools sold, there are a multitude of alternative shapes to suit today's discerning footstool buyer. We can rest our feet on a rounded square "Pouffe" that doubles up as an emergency children or pets seat! Thanks to their unrivalled comfort and soft foam padding, pouffes (or cube footstools) are actually popular in many shoe stores. Manufacturers supply them as practical seating with optional foot rests. These cube footstools are also be provided in a variety of vibrant shades and materials.

Many people select leather or faux leather (imitation) cubes in natural tones such as dark brown, rust, mocha, beige or and sometimes rouge. Also popular are luxury cube footstools with exotic floral designs in chenille, velvet, suedes or basket weave fabrics. In addition we find earth tones with metallic notes incorporated in several of the high end fabric suppliers offerings. Many footstool upholsterers offer faux leather on storage cube footstools so when we rest our feet the cube can be easily wiped clean by using a cloth soaked in mild detergent. These footstools score well on hygenene and such materials are often found in medical environments or where it is essential the room remains clean. The added benefit of cube storage is as a place to store books, games, DVD's or bedding thus providing storage and style in equal measure!

Footstool designers encourage us to engage with round cylindrical footstools known as drum stools. Drum stools provide comfortable seating and are often located in bars, restaurants and reception areas. They are designed to be about 18 inches high (an optimum seating height) although many people prefer a low drum stool at about 12 inches high as a perfect small foot rest. In contrast to the conventional rectangular or square cube, drum stools are ideal for a house that loves curves not defined angles.

People today enjoy the best of both worlds, a stylish large footstool and a place to rest our feet! These large footstools or tablestools are designed to allow you to rest your cup and saucer and the morning newspaper on with their large flat surface, whilst still being a comfortable foot rest. We often get yelled at for having our feet on the table so why not opt for a large tablestool! A recent new addition is the table stool ottoman where all bases are covered. There will no longer be an excuse for untidiness in any house that has invested in a footstool ottoman.

The author runs several furniture businesses and is a respected authority on the subject of footstools and modern furniture design.

The Likely Outcomes of the 2010 General Election

At the time of writing it is mid morning of 7th May and I am still following the closest General Election in living memory. We have entered a power vacuum. Who presently runs Britain, who is making the decisions and what of our "first past the post" electoral system? Now the horse trading begins.

Conservative leader David Cameron has come closest to victory however an outright majority of seats in the House of Commons seems to have eluded him. With approximately 36% of the total votes cast, the Conservatives are the largest single party. However with a combined 62% of votes, the Liberal Democrats and Labour could proportionately represent the largest block in Parliament. However as things stand 36% gives the Tories 291 seats and 62% results in 299 Labour and Liberal Democrat seats. Neither result leads to a majority of 326 parlimentary seats with which to form the next government.

What should each of the three main parties do? As I sit down to ponder each scenario with feet outstretched on my footstool and an expresso in hand my overriding view is that coalition government is the most likely outcome.

David Cameron needs to form a coalition with like minded representatives of the Scottish Nationalists and Ulster Parties where potentially 16 seats are up for grabs. Assuming the Conservatives gain 308 - 310 seats of their own, then a combination of support from these two parties may just enable the Tories to form a new administration. If Cameron is able to secure the support of any other newly elected independent MPs he may just secure the majority he requires.

Having said all that I believe a new government consisting of Labour, the Liberal Democrats and a combination of the Scottish and Welsh Nationalists with some independents is also a real possibility. As stated, Labour and the Liberal Democrats have a genuine mandate from 62% of the electorate. And the reason for this analysis is that both parties are in favour of a form of proportional representation as an urgent solution to the inequalities of the present electoral system. Potentially, Gordon Brown of Labour and Nick Clegg of the Liberal Democrats will form a coalition to demand that immediate legislation is introduced to remove the "first past the post system" which disenfranchises a large proportion of the UK electorate. With a majority of more than 326 supporting MPs, the voting system may be changed and another election called. Then we will then see enhanced democracy in Britain and a new era of coalition and concensus government.

The author is taking a close interest in the General Election campaign as he runs a number of furniture businesses whose future prosperity depends on the right calls being made by whichever government comes to power.

Footstools and why every home should have one.

Footstools are basically low stools for the feet, constructed out of wood and rigid foam that are large enough to rest and relax legs and feet. Some foot stools are designed with small feet or legs that keep feet in a low position relative to sitting. The effect is to allow the smooth flow of blood to the feet especially when the recipient is undergoing therapy or recovering from injury.

A typical "footstool user" enjoys putting his or her feet up! People all over the world have appreciated the physical and mental benefits of footstools for many centuries. They were present in the bathhouses of Rome and the spas of Victorian England, popular for their well-proven relaxation and healing properties. Today footstools are a regular feature of most private homes. In the past, only wealthy people could afford to have them. More recently, footstools have become much more reasonably priced and generally available to the majority of the population.

Relaxation via a foot rest is well known to have a soothing effect, both physically and for well being. Tense muscles become relaxed, anxiety dissipates and moods vastly improve after a long rest on a footstool. Such comforting effects make footstools perfect pieces of furniture to unwind with after a long hard day. Most seasoned footstool owners enjoy putting their feet up and relaxing with a good film, a nice bottle of finest red wine in front of a roaring fire and a good book to delve into.

The health and medical reasons for "putting your feet up" should not be under estimated. Aching leg muscles need increased circulatory and cardiovascular
attention to remove lactic acid build up thus avoiding the dreaded outcome of stiffness on waking the following morning. Injured muscles require oxygen replenishment and this is greatly encouraged by an upright footstool, placed horizontally to the seating position. An outstretched (180 Degrees leg position) enhances blood circulation and improves the likelihood of rapid muscle tissue repair. Top sports stars are encouraged to use footstools particularly when nursing calf, achilles or thigh injuries. For the elderly the health giving benefits of regular footstool use are incalculable. Many doctors prescribe a course of footstool therapy to improve vascular circulation resulting in less heart stress and lower blood pressure.

The medical profession have demonstrated that with judicial and regular use of footstools, the overall repair of joints, muscles and tendons is much improved. What appears to be a relatively innocuous piece of household furniture can be worth its weight in gold for its beneficial effects, both physical and mental. The result of employing a footstool help to improve blood circulation serves to reduce pain and inflammation. Whether for aesthetic or life affirming consequences, buying a footstool to help remedy the every day pressures of life is an essential household investment.

The author has over 20 years experience running companies involved in furnishing fabrics and furniture manufacturing and has recently been specialising in company start ups

Watching the General Election with my Feet Up!

As we approach the finishing line of the struggle between right and left, the clash of the egos and the final call to vote, how many of us will be putting our feet up during the closing stages of the forthcoming Election? Gordon Brown, Nick Clegg and David Cameron will most certainly not be relaxing until after May 6th when the voters of Britain decide who will form the next government. As an antidote to windbagging politicians droning on and on and on, uncork a bottle of your finest, take the weight off your legs and relax your feet on a footstool.

The 2010 General Election has just over a week to go before the decision is made about who should be given the keys to 10 Downing Street. This Election campaign
has been just about the most interesting I can remember with no single political party claiming more than about a third of poll support. The current talk is of a "hung parliament" where no one party assumes a clear majority of Members of Parliament. This brings into focus the prospect of a coalition government where "horse trading" and "back alley deals" become order of the day. Alliances are quickly established and bitter rivals are forced together by circumstances. With a reported UK debt over £160 billion, how quickly the personalities of government
come together around a table of consensus will be heavily scrutinised by all the financial markets. Funding an overdraft is never easy but one this size will exercise the great minds (and smaller minds!)of today.

The final television debate on Thursday assumes huge importance. How "presidential" will the candidates appear? Who can look into the camera with total sincerity and connect with the electorate? Which of the three Prime Ministerial candidates can persuade the voter that a tick in the box for him will result in a better Britain? All these questions will be decided on May 7th when either a Labour, Conservative or Liberal Democrat administration (or more likely a combination of any two of these!) will whistle off down the Mall to meet with the Queen. The successful candidate may well have some explaining to do! He will most certainly be in need of a relaxing footstool.

The author is taking a close interest in this General Election campaign as he runs a number of furniture businesses whose future prosperity depends on the right calls being made by whichever government comes to power on May 7th.

Large footstool suggestions

Such is the range on offer from various internet providers that even the largest footstool makes a welcome addition to any living room. A large footstool is a particularly valuable piece of furniture and benefits the homeowner by offering additional seating capacity during busy family get together. The size works well in a sizable room where a large footstool fills the spaces between sofas, chairs and tables. The presence of a large footstool is welcome where a roaring fire enables many people to put their feet up on what becomes "the central feature" of the room. Relaxation and bonhomie ensue.

It should always be remembered that a large footstool is an essential piece of furniture when weary limbs crave the moment to be rest. When tiredness can no longer be resisted “putting your feet up” on such a large receptacle of relaxation becomes the order of the day. Large footstools can indeed be used for dual purposes - informal seating, accent tables - in addition to their traditional, formal uses. A well designed large footstool will make a substantial decorating statement. Size matters! When you need to go large then it is a large footstool you need!

There is no point positioning your large footstool in anything but a large room. Stylish large footstools enhance the décor and what is most important is the upholstery choice. A bright, vibrant fabric selection will enhance almost any surroundings.

What further compliments the large footstool is the choice of feet and legs. The primary selection is between metal or wooden legs however within these options lay further choices. When choosing wood the discerning customer can ask for “turned” or “contemporary” legs. To enhance the choice metal or brass castors may be selected. Alternatively a fully “metallic” leg may be selected. This can include a “turned leg in metallic finish with chrome castors” or the sumptuous “tall polished metal leg”

Finally the height is an important facet of the large footstool choice. For instance a tall contemporary leg can give your footstool the presence it deserves. If the footstool is also to be used for occasional seating a minimum sitting height of 14" (36cm) is recommended. In conclusion whichever room you decide to place your large footstool it deserves to be shown in its full splendour and in the most palatial of surroundings!