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.