Drum Stool Choice

Your Choice of Drum Stools

Clearly so called because of their drum-like shape, drumstools and associated footstools are available in a huge variety of heights and diameters which will complement any setting. These have a different manufacturing process from all the other designs of stools. They are built around a wooden frame, and are padded with soft foam before being covered with the buyers’ choice of either textile or leather. There are two additional choices of covering available for the drumstool. Any buyer wanting the look of leather without the additional cost is able to choose a faux-leather covering. For those purchasers wanting a suede appearance but not the price-tag, a faux-suede is available.

Reasons to Choose A Drum Stool


The purchase of a drumstool is a really wise choice. On the occasions in every family when there is a shortage of comfortable chairs, the drumstool can be used as extra seating. Children in particular, will enjoy perching themselves on this fun piece of furniture. Click on any of the pieces shown and it will bring up a large choice of materials suitable for that size and style of footstool. Samples of the various materials can be sent to you (without charge) before you commit to your purchase, so you will be able to confirm whether that specific fabric design is appropriate for the room. The prices are really reasonable and the additions of the faux finish ensure that these drum stools are able to be sold at prices reasonable to all.

Drum Stools For Interior Design

The very nature and style of these drum stools make them ideal for buying in twos. It is even a good idea to choose different coverings in contrasting colours so that these drumstools may be moved from room to room as and when required. They can also be bought with different dimensions which will add interest – and if required they can be covered with the customers own materials, enabling them to co-ordinate with other soft furnishings. Contact the brilliant customer services team and ask for their advice. They will be delighted to help you choose the most appropriate size and styles for your home. Check out all the choices available to you, decide where you want to place the drumstools and then measure the space to ensure that they will fit. It would be terribly disappointing if, having taken delivery the stools were either too small or too large for the area allotted to them. Take due care and you will be rewarded by having pleasure from these drumstools for years to come.

Selecting a Table stool

Whatever the style and design of table stool needed to complement any room there is going to be one which is just perfect to suit your requirements. There is a huge choice of fabric and leather covers – you have the difficult decision of which, out of the vast selection, is right for you. Even more surprising is the extremely low price particularly when you consider the workmanship which is necessary to achieve these items of furniture.

Selecting Your Table stool
Table stools are available with a large selection of different legs all are which are chosen to marry up with the fabric or leather covering of the table stool. These are extremely sturdy pieces of furniture designed to take centre stage in whichever setting chosen for it. Fabric toppings include contemporary and traditional styles, which are all available as swatches for you to look at in the comfort of your own home. The standard size for one of these wonderful table stools is 40” x 30” although if you felt that a different size is more appropriate for a particular setting, then of course, this can easily be ordered from our bespoke range of table stools which are made especially for each customer. The stools are designed specifically at a low height which is usual with this particular style. All these footstools are priced individually depending on the materials used for covering the stools. The prices are extremely competitive for the amount and quality of workmanship involved in each and every table stool. These coverings include natural and chenille fabrics to materials with bold patterns and colours. Alternatively consider the wide choice available in our range of butter soft leathers in colours to suit every home.

Ordering Your Table stool
There are a range of material swatches for you to choose the perfect covering. You will only be able to tell the quality of fabrics by seeing and feeling samples of the specific materials used. Our customer services team will be happy to help you in any way possible. You can contact them either by completing the online form and requesting a call at a time convenient for you, or by phone direct to customer services. Take the time necessary to make the correct decision as to the perfect table stool for your home. Once the choice has been made you can order with confidence knowing the high quality with which your footstool will be manufactured. This outstanding piece of furniture will grace your home for many years.

Summer Footstools in Cath Kidston Fabric

Footstools upholstered in Cath Kidston fabric bear the hall mark of summer. This is most certainly illustrated by a fabulous collection of footstools in a selection of vibrant prints from the celebrated British designer. Cheerful and practical, Cath Kidston products nod towards the 1950s and this contemporary range of footstools will brighten up any room in the house.

Cath Kidston began by creating a collection of printed ironing board covers but these days you can decorate the bedrooms of your children with her cowboy wallpaper, pitch a Cath Kidston tent or listen to a radio decorated with one of her designs. She opened her first shop in London in 1993 and after almost twenty years her business has a turnover today of more than £50 million. She felt from from the start that she was onto something with the notion of what she was doing. She recalled feeling, "I'd really overstepped the mark when I opened my second shop - thinking, that's probably going a stage too far." She was awarded with an MBE in the 2011 New Years Honours List and is Kirsty Young's castaway in the latest edition of Desert Island Discs to be broadcast on the morning of Friday 29th April, the same day as the Royal Wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton.

The collection of footstools upholstered in Cath Kidston Fabric reflects the colour and vibrancy of Spring and early Summer comprising footstools in a range of sizes. As an ideal foot rest the small footstool is upholstered in a delicate "Lace Stripe Pink" fabric with larger footstools and benchstools in Cut Roses and Provence Rose fabrics. Some people will want to order the stools to co-ordinate with existing furniture whereas others select these bold and exciting designs as a genuine splash of colour for the new season. With the selection of a fabric footstool from this range, skilled and time served craftsmen turn your dreams into practical and beautiful reality.
These hand crafted fabric footstools make a valuable household addition either as a gift or useful family footrest. With a footstool upholstered in a contemporary Cath Kidston designed fabric you will be at the forefront of quality and the vanguard of great British design!

Storage Footstools

Storage footstools not only offer a great way to get those tired feet up after a hard day but they are also a great solution for all those bits and pieces you only use on the odd occasion and which would otherwise clutter up the room. They come in all shapes and sizes, and in every imaginable colour making it easy to match the decor of the room. Here at Footstools2u we offer a storage footstool as an accessory so that they co-ordinate perfectly with an existing suite. There is such a vast selection to choose from you are bound to find just the right one to fit into your home.
Storage Footstool Sizes

Storage footstools are great in the bedroom too and the large ottomans fit snugly at the end of any bed giving the room that finished look. These large storage footstools are practical items of furniture where you can sit to take off your shoes without messing up your beautiful bed linen. They are ideal for storing towels, pillow cases and even magazines that you want to keep out of sight. A storage footstool is great for the children’s bedroom as they can store some of their toys in it, a definite advantage for keeping the room tidy. For smaller bedrooms or bedsits there are small storage footstools which offer a space saving solution and keep the rooms looking neat and tidy, they also add an extra seat in the room.
Storage Footstool Materials
There are beautiful bespoke storage footstools that will put the final touch to any room. They add that touch of luxury with their real leather or faux leather finishes. These footstools are exquisitely made in every detail. They are made out of the best materials that money can buy and crammed with the most luxurious fillings to make them as comfortable as they can possibly be. You can find a storage footstool upholstered in classical fabrics that offer comfort, style and extra storage space in a room or you may prefer the trendy modern design of fabric that fits into a modern home so well. The best thing is that there are no sharp corners making putting your feet up a real pleasure. From the ultra modern storage footstool to the classical ottoman you will find every design and style at affordable prices ensuring you are bound to find the perfect one for your home. The extra storage and comfort you these lovely items of furniture offer you will make you wonder how you ever coped without one.

Small Leather Footstools

There are some really gorgeous small leather footstools on the market today. The classic button small leather footstool is one of the most popular and can be found in most households today because they are so easy to put your feet up whilst sitting comfortably having a cup of coffee in front of the television. There are some chic leather drum leather footstools that will add that little bit extra and will certainly be a great focal point in a room. Beautiful coloured leathers that are used to upholster these classic designed footstools and it is this marvellous choice that makes it so easy to buy one that will match the decor of any home.
For that extra chic the bespoke small leather footstools are the ones that you can design and have them made exactly as you would like them. In no time at all the size that you need to fit into an awkward corner of a room can be made just as you would like it. You can choose the leather that you prefer so if you want that luxurious look that only the highest quality Italian leather can achieve it can be made for you. You can even choose the exact colour to co-ordinate the footstool to your existing decor. There is nothing more beautiful than a handmade small leather footstool which is crafted to the highest standard in every detail. These footstools add that touch of pure extravagance to any room in which they are placed and will be admired by all who visit you in your home.
Choosing your small leather footstool could not be easier and with the vast selection on offer from specialist furniture makers you are bound to find the exact one that you have been looking for. There are many retailers who now have websites where you will find so many designs and creations that you will be spoilt for choice. There are classic designs, the ultra modern creations and the novel ideas all with a choice of leather upholstery and selection of small leather footstool colours that will impress even the most discerning of customers.
The finishes of the leather footstools are perfect right down to the tiniest of details and with a choice of small leather footstool feet from the tapered wooden to the turned feet with brass rollers and bun feet in a natural or mahogany shade choice. By adding a quality leather footstool to your room you will be adding a touch of class to your home.

Legs for your footstool

When selecting a fabric or leather for your footstool the finishing touch is to carefully choose an appropriate leg that is both in keeping with the product size and adds a decorative statement. Here we consider each and every element with the vast choice of legs that will provide you with the best result.

The primary decision to be made is to assess how the legs will match the rest of your furniture. If you have mahogany as the predominant wood in your sofas and tables then mahogany legs will be your appropriate choice. Should your wooden floors be pine or light oak then a lighter choice of wood for your legs should be considered.

The selection criteria covers our complete range of footstools and we have left no stone unturned by giving our customers a variety of legs for all settings. For the modern look our contemporary legs are available in mahogany, natural, mid oak and pine shades. Our Turned Metal with Brushed Finish feet provide the contemporary look for footstools in modern apartments and studio flats. The Small Polished Metal Foot is designed specifically for Cubes and provides a winning combination whether you choose leather or a fabric option. Alternative and always popular contemporary legs include the Tall Polished Metal Leg, the Turned Cone Leg (available in mahogany, natural, mid oak and pine shades) and the Turned Bun Foot also available in these four shade options. If you require extra height then the Tall Contemporary Leg is what you are looking for.

For those customers looking for a classical, traditional footstool leg then they should consider the decorative offerings in both wood and metal (or a combination of both). For greater flexibility then a leg choice with castors adds to the traditional look. Our most popular leg in this category is the Turned leg with Brass Casters. This leg not only looks good but provides excellent manoeuvrability, particularly for customers with wooden floors. The leg is available in the four main wood shades combined with a brass wheel base. To complete the “classical appearance” the Turned Leg in Metallic Finish with Chrome Castors is an excellent choice for those customers who choose a footstool to match existing ornate classical furniture.

With this in mind we are confident you will find just the leg you are looking for to finalise that special purchase of your funky footstool.

Yet Another Humble footstool!

The humble footstool began its life as a random item, designed to take the weight off muddy boots. People found that sitting with their legs outstretched was a more natural and comfortable position when sitting upright, and this simple device allowed weight to be distributed more proportionally. This in turn, provided them with higher levels of relaxation and comfort, commencing the continual search for things to rest their heels on.At this point, chairs were reserved for those of importance such as dignitaries, and the everyday man would instead use backless stools to perch on – which were inevitably grabbed occasionally for those on chairs to rest their royal feet on.

The realisation that the human form is just not designed to be seated for long periods of time still rings true today. Also unchanged in time, sitting bolt upright often encouraged the crossing of legs, which is known to cut off the full blood flow to the lower limbs and affect the alignment of the spine.The footstool was made even more practical and popular with the realisation that, medically speaking, raising one’s legs meant better circulation.

It wasn’t long before upholsterers began to apply the same ideas to four-legged stools as was used on the main seating, with many designs and patterns to choose from, and features such as padded tops began to make an appearance too.Soon, the footstool, like the chair, was available to purchase in an array of styles, colours and fabrics, from leather to linen. This made what was originally an ancillary item, start to stand out in a room and begin its evolution into a design icon in its own right. As time marched on, homeowners realised that when produced in line and in height with the sofa and matching chairs that now adorned every living room, they could also add to their available seating with the added bonus of the footstool being more mobile.

Now also considered a useful storage area, function has combined with comfort as many footstools are now made hollow with a lid for storing magazines and newspapers. Commonly known as ottomans, these are designed to take the clutter of items like magazines or extra cushions and linens from the initial view of the room while keeping them within easy access. Bench stools are space savers that are more elongated in shape and are ideal to slot under your window sill when not being used to relieve your joints. These can sometimes be made with arms and look like a miniature but backless version of your sofa and are reminiscent of a modern day chaise.A style very popular now is the large square ottoman, which has a number of uses: from coffee table to storage unit, as well as for resting your feet on of course, these now come in a range of designs to make an attractive centrepiece.

The All-Purpose Ottoman

Funky Footstools are proud to provide the finest footstools and ottomans to customers throughout the UK. We have several different kinds in a wide range of designs and upholstery styles. Whether you're replacing old furniture or buying brand-new, we have the footstools and ottomans you're looking for. You might be wondering, "why an ottoman?" Ottomans are more than just large footstools, they are versatile pieces of furniture which can prove invaluable in your home.

Ottomans
First of all, ottomans tend to be larger than standard footstools so they are ideal for use with the sofa. Imagine you and your significant other enjoying your favourite film or TV program, snuggled together with your feet up on the ottoman. A standard footstool won't be large enough to accommodate both of you comfortably, but that's not the case with an ottoman. Furniture in the conservatory or living area is just not complete without one.

A bigger ottoman can even be used as a bench or an extra seat when guests come over. And it's strong enough to hold a significant amount of weight so you don't have to worry about breaking it. Having a dinner party? Inviting the whole gang over for the football match? Seating isn't a problem if you have a large ottoman or two. Just gather them around the rest of furniture and you have extra seats for several more guests.

Leather Ottomans
One of the nice things about ottomans is that they don't have to be ugly. Leather ottomans offer all the functionality of an upholstered piece while adding the luxurious beauty only leather can provide. A leather ottoman adds elegance and class to any room; they are especially nice in formal sitting rooms and more up-scale conservatories. They are very easy to care for if you know what you're doing, so there's no need to worry about damaging your leather ottoman. Storage is another consideration as well.

A leather storage ottoman is the best of both worlds. You get the beauty of an elegant piece of furniture as well as the storage capability inside. Sizes can vary, but any amount of extra storage you can get is great for putting away photo albums, family memoirs, or other things.

Storage Ottomans
Storage ottomans are becoming more and more popular because of the convenience they offer in homes and flats with limited storage space. Ottomans with storage provide that extra space in a way that's easily accessible and convenient. A storage ottoman is an ideal place for things you don't want displayed but need access to on a regular basis; things like your CDs and DVDs. They are also an excellent choice for magazines, books, and other literature.

Ottoman storage has become so popular that it has spawned an entire line of furniture. You can now purchase storage Ottomans in several shapes and sizes - from the traditional to the modern - and all with the extra storage space you so desperately need.

Ten Years of Footstools

With over ten years trading experience behind us we can justifiably claim to be the leading UK manufacturer and Etailer of footstools on the net. From the click of a browser customers can buy footstools, cubes and storage ottomans directly from a superbly designed and easy to navigate website.

All products are built in the UK to contract standard by experienced craftsmen who deliver exceptional quality as the norm. At the turn of the Millennium the online furniture industry was in its infancy. The older mail order businesses were experiencing difficult trading conditions and needed to find ways to adapt to the changing times offered by new technology. Funky Footstools entered the market place to manufacture and sell footstools, benchstools, tablestools, cubes, drumstools and storage ottomans offering sensibly priced products with quick delivery.

From humble beginnings the business worked out of a back bedroom at first. Some of the founders of the business had been in the textile industry, others in home furnishings and furniture manufacturing. The originators decided to "live the dream" and start their own business on the net.

It was tough at first but the business began to find its way with help from partner suppliers. Today it has its own dedicated factory in Yorkshire where each piece is hand built by skilled craftsmen to individual customer requirements.

Funky Footstools have made their fair share of mistakes throughout the years but have always managed to take stock, learn from their mistakes getting back stronger each time. As the business struggled to grow it saw the opportunities to help people make their homes better places to live through easy and dedicated access to buying footstool furniture online. And ten years later Funky Footstools are well on their way to becoming the first choice for UK footstools furniture.

Treasured Footstools

Before reclining chairs and sumptious sofas people used a footstool to stretch out their legs after another long hard day at work. When making dinner the footstool was summoned to reach the furthest jar in the cupboard when your vertically challenged mother could stretch no more. The relics of childhood footstools in our house are now battered wooden structures in need of a lick of paint!

Earlier incarnations of footstools have survived the years because most were carved from hard wearing wood such as oak or teak. Most were valued and lovingly cared for by their owners. With the passage of time footstools were reupholstered, some with needlepoint others with tapestry or quilted covers. I have always treasured my collection of footstools as valued pieces of antique furniture in their own right.

With my own footstool collection, some are valued for the beauty of the wood and the ornate decoration of the carving while others are displayed for their beautiful fabrics and aesthetic qualities. Small wooden footstools are wonderful when displayed on a table shelf or a large bookcase . You will find a lot of valued footstools in the homes of antique dealers. Such people are in the business because they treasure what they sell. And with the passage of time precious articles can accumulate. Things look better on a table or shelf albeit on different levels, perhaps with a glass frontage or spotlight to aid display. Instead of clutter a display of footstools creates interest, a focal point for guests at a gathering or party. They are indeed museum pieces for the home, a valuable journal of days gone by.

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 at a good price. They were not thrown away, instead, they were kept to enjoy for the beauty they are. 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.





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

The All Purpose Ottoman

Funkyfootstools are proud to provide the finest footstools and ottomans to customers throughout the UK. We have several different kinds in a wide range of designs and upholstery styles. Whether you're replacing old furniture or buying brand-new, we have the footstools and ottomans you're looking for. You might be wondering, "why an ottoman?" Ottomans are more than just large footstools, they are versatile pieces of furniture which can prove invaluable in your home.

Ottomans
First of all, ottomans tend to be larger than standard footstools so they are ideal for use with the sofa. Imagine you and your significant other enjoying your favourite film or TV program, snuggled together with your feet up on the ottoman. A standard footstool won't be large enough to accommodate both of you comfortably, but that's not the case with an ottoman. Furniture in the conservatory or living area is just not complete without one. A bigger ottoman can even be used as a bench or an extra seat when guests come over. And it's strong enough to hold a significant amount of weight so you don't have to worry about breaking it. Having a dinner party? Inviting the whole gang over for the football match? Seating isn't a problem if you have a large ottoman or two. Just gather them around the rest of furniture and you have extra seats for several more guests.

Leather Ottomans

One of the nice things about ottomans is that they don't have to be ugly. Leather ottomans offer all the functionality of an upholstered piece while adding the luxurious beauty only leather can provide. A leather ottoman adds elegance and class to any room; they are especially nice in formal sitting rooms and more up-scale conservatories. They are very easy to care for if you know what you're doing, so there's no need to worry about damaging your leather ottoman. Storage is another consideration as well. A leather storage ottoman is the best of both worlds. You get the beauty of an elegant piece of furniture as well as the storage capability inside. Sizes can vary, but any amount of extra storage you can get is great for putting away photo albums, family memoirs, or other things.

Storage Ottomans

Storage ottomans are becoming more and more popular because of the convenience they offer in homes and flats with limited storage space. Ottomans with storage provide that extra space in a way that's easily accessible and convenient. A storage ottoman is an ideal place for things you don't want displayed but need access to on a regular basis; things like your CDs and DVDs. They are also an excellent choice for magazines, books, and other literature.

Ottoman storage has become so popular that it has spawned an entire line of furniture. You can now purchase storage Ottomans in several shapes and sizes - from the traditional to the modern - and all with the extra storage space you so desperately need.

The Footstool

The origins of "The Footstool" begin with its use as a practical foot propper or step up stool. It has evolved over the years to become an essential piece of household furniture in its own right. Footstools today are found in living rooms, bedrooms and offices providing comfort and practicality in equal measure.The literal function of the footstool as a furniture piece is to support the feet of its user. Its role providing comfort satisfies the most discerning shopper with the range of sizes, shapes, styles and the choice of available fabrics and leathers. Footstools can be ordered to fit into the smallest or largest of spaces and footstool height can be varied by choosing from a range of legs and feet. The footstool is a point of relaxation, allowing the recipient a period to rest his or her feet. Allowing people to take the weight off their feet has many medical benefits as patients suffering from varicose vein or thrombosis surgery will surely testify.

Footstools were discovered when the tombs of the Pharaohs of Egypt were unearthed by archaeologists in the late Nineteenth and earlier Twentieth Century. Miniature footstools were found encased within various sacred artefacts. Discovered remains show the ancient Egyptian chair as being quite high off the ground in stark contrast to other Egyptian furniture which had smaller dimensions. The highness of the chair required a footstool to be reached. It is thought that in order for the Pharaohs to reach their throne a specially crafted footstool was presented to the King as part of the investiture ceremony, conferring his new found status. When enthroned, the footstool was used to support the feet and was made out of teak, cedar or a similar hardwearing wood. The fact the evidence of these footstools remains is due entirely to the longevity of the wood used and the sterile conditions found within Egyptian tombs. Footstools have also been discovered at Greek and Roman archaeological sites.

Yet it was the nomadic Arab Moors who more than anyone needed a lightweight device to carry from place to place. Latterly the Ottomans of the Turkish Empire popularised what we would today understand as a storage footstool or "Ottoman". They combined practicality, storage and comfort with a softly upholstered seat piled with cushions. The first of these "Ottomans" was introduced into Europe in the late 18th century by English and French veterans of the Napoleonic Wars in and around Egypt and the Ottoman Empire.

Upholstery manufacturers today provide a great variety of footstools to compliment their sofa offerings. Most dedicated footstool retailers recognise that their products need to reflect contemporary tastes so that colours, textures, fabrics, shapes and styles fit seamlessly into modern everyday living environments. And in the way of countless generations before, people can take the weight off their feet and relax by putting their feet up on a footstool after another hard day of toil!


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.

Ten Years in Footstool Furniture.

With over ten years trading experience Funkyfootstools can justifiably claim to be the leading UK manufacturer of footstools on the Internet. From the click of a browser customers can buy footstools, cubes and storage ottomans directly from a superbly designed and easy to navigate website.

All products are built in the UK to contract standard by experienced craftsmen who deliver exceptional quality as the norm. At the turn of the Millennium the online furniture industry was in its infancy. The older mail order businesses were experiencing difficult trading conditions and needed to find ways to adapt to the changing times offered by new technology. Funky Footstools entered the market place to manufacture and sell footstools, benchstools, tablestools, cubes, drumstools and storage ottomans offering sensibly priced products with quick delivery.

From humble beginnings the business worked out of a back bedroom at first. Some of the founders of the business had been in the textile industry, others in home furnishings and furniture manufacturing. The originators decided to "live the dream" and start their own business on the net.

It was tough at first but the business began to find its way with help from partner suppliers. Today it has its own dedicated factory in Yorkshire where each piece is hand built by skilled craftsmen to individual customer requirements.

Funky Footstools have made their fair share of mistakes throughout the years but have always managed to take stock, learn from their mistakes getting back stronger each time. As the business struggled to grow it saw the opportunities to help people make their homes better places to live through easy and dedicated access to buying footstool furniture online. And ten years later Funky Footstools are well on their way to becoming the first choice for UK footstools furniture.

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.

Bedroom Ottomans

Your bedroom is the last place most of your visitors will see however it is your sanctuary and place of calm after you have shed the last vestiges of your day. When you need peace and quiet your bedroom should be the place to encourage rest and placidity where you can reflect upon the triumphs and challenges of your life. Your focus should be on comfort, order and function so that nothing can disrupt your need for sleep and relaxation. So what better than making an investment in an ottoman, altogether an essential piece of your bedroom furniture.


According to the Encyclopaedia of Furniture by Joseph Aronson, an ottoman is defined as an “upholstered seat or bench having neither backs nor arms, so named after the Turkish influence in the early 18th Century”. Many people will not know that back in the Nineteenth Century ottomans were used as backless chairs in Middle Eastern council chambers. The were also made popular in Europe after members of both Napoleon and Nelson's forces brought ottomans back from Egypt and the Ottoman controlled Eastern Mediterranean following the English victories over the French at the Battle of the Nile (1798). Ottomans and ornate footstool furniture entered the fine houses of Western Europe thereafter from the early days of the Nineteenth Century.

In your bedroom an ottoman adds a high degree of style especially when you select colours and textures to coordinate with your surroundings. Today comfort and softness are built in to the bedroom ottoman with rigid foam cushions and polyester wadding surrounding a hardwood frame. The upholstery choice is between fabric or leather with shade variations to suit. For those with a smaller budget an ottoman in faux leather is the perfect compromise. These are ideal for the bedrooms of children where surfaces can be easily wiped clean after a spillage. If your choice is a fabric upholstered ottoman then an easy care solution may be a stain protected fabric which similarly helps protect against grease and grime.

Those with bigger bedroom budgets should consider an ottoman upholstered in the finest leather. A choice of Capri, a semi aniline, grained leather from Italy conveys feelings of calm that are reflected in the subtle hues of this most sought after and exquisite material. By combining contemporary shades with softness of texture your bedroom is greatly enhanced by the addition of an ottoman upholstered in Capri leather.

Not only are ottomans fine pieces in their own right they are also functional and provide storage solutions. Bedroom wardrobes are traditionally where linen and clothing is stored however this constant logistical problem is solved by the clever internal storage solution within any ottoman. Beneath the opening lid is deceptive storage space for extra bedding, laundry and pillows. With easy access your bedroom ottoman is on hand to provide you with sheets, duvets and throws. Not only does it enhance the quality of your room, your bedroom ottoman effectively solves one of your major household storage issues - at a stroke!

New Year Footstools

So 2011 has arrived and we would like to wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year! We are all looking forward with relish to the opportunities ahead and in particular suggest that you consider a small investment in an invaluable piece of household furniture. So make this a good one and as our motto for January goes, "New Year, New Footstool!"

How about an investment in a small leather footstool? These are unobtrusive footrests, built by skilled craftsmen and will last for years if treated with care and respect. Using quality sourced leathers from a tannery in Italy our footstools are lovingly crafted by our team of time served upholsters. They are available from stock and make an ideal New Year present!

When the family descends in January where they are all going to be seated? A selection of hardwood frame Pouffes are a superb way to create additional household seating. Manufactured in our UK factory, pouffes and cubes are available in both fabric and leather selections. From as little as £75 a faux leather pouffe makes a fabulous gift at any time of the year.

When you need something upon which to rest a tray, or papers why not consider a tablestool? These splendid pieces are essentially supersized footstools which can be upholstered in either leather of fabric. They traditionally sit in front of your favourite sofa or chair, opposite a roaring fire and provide a Winter sanctuary of comfort and relaxation. People use tablestools as the centre piece of a room where they function as tables between the chairs and sofas.

Benchstools are also make great seating solutions. With an extensive choice of feet their most appropriate use is as a footrest for two to share however choosing a set of tall contemporary legs (giving a height of around fourteen inches from floor to top) provides an additional seating solution. Choosing castor feet enables you to move the benchstool with ease and a choice of ornate Queen Anne legs convey a feeling of genuine character.

And finally the perfect storage solution, an ottoman! These fantastic furniture pieces can be upholstered in either fabric or leather is ideal for storing all your favourite household items. An ottoman enhances any room by its presence providing functionality with elegance. They are available in a range of sizes to fit your bedroom (for the storage of bedding or laundry), living room or office. The cube storage ottoman is also a sturdy and practical seat. If you take on board the call "New Year, New Footstool" then you cannot make a better choice than an investment in an ottoman!

Along with prostitution the tanning of leather is one of the oldest professions on earth and approximately half of all footstools sold today are upholstered in leather. But where does the leather we use come from and what are the origins of this multimillion pound industry?
The origins of leather production can be traced back to the stone-ages. The first leather was created almost by accident by Neanderthal man. As the early hunter gatherers prepared their prey, the first part of the preparation was to skin the animal. They soon discarded the skin and not long after noticed that skins left in moist areas when combined with the foliage from leaves had exhibited certain characteristics. They lasted longer before they began to decay and retained their features longer than other skins. The plant extracts eventually became known as vegetable tanning and is still practiced today in a similar form. According to the Bible Simon the Tanner was plying his trade as long ago as 2000 years ago.

Leather making advanced slowly over the ages, with more modern refinement of chemicals slowly improving the quality of the leather produced by the early tanners. It wasn’t until the 19th century that more dramatic changes were introduced. In the mid 1850’s, Frederick Knapp presented his ideas on tanning with chromium sulphate. Chromium sulphate with its higher hydrothermal stability soon became a favourite of leather makers across the globe and is today the most popular product used in the tanning process.

Progress in the research and development of organic chemistry utilised in the chemical industry have seen much more rapid advances in the technology used in the leather making process, leading to much more advanced leather products. Various footstool ranges offer leathers finished to differing quality standards and specifications. Hard wearing leathers are most appropriate in the contract market whereas softer, more vibrant shades are upholstered to form pouffes, cubes or ottomans on offer to the general public. Customers agree that a leather footstool is an excellent household investment and will offer great use for many years.