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.

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.