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
Saturday 29 May 2010
Sunday 16 May 2010
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.
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.
Friday 14 May 2010
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.
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.
Friday 7 May 2010
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.
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.
Sunday 2 May 2010
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
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
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