Footstools

What is a footstool and what can you use it for?

A footstool is a small, upholstered stool that does more than one job. Most often it's a place to rest your feet and relax in front of the sofa, but it's just as useful as extra seating when friends drop round, and with a tray placed on top it becomes a handy surface for drinks, snacks or a book. Some styles also open up to reveal hidden storage inside, which is ideal for tucking away throws, magazines or toys. It's a small piece that makes a room more comfortable and more flexible. A footstool pairs beautifully with a favourite chair — see our armchairs range to complete the look.

Are the footstools genuine leather or Leather Aire?

Both — and we're careful to keep them distinct, so you always know which you're buying. Some of our footstools are genuine leather, a natural hide that's breathable, hard-wearing and develops a soft patina over time. Others are Leather Aire, a leather-look material with a smooth, wipe-clean surface that gives the appearance of leather with easy care at a lower price. Leather Aire is not genuine leather, and we never describe it as faux either — it's its own material. The material for each footstool is stated clearly on its product page, so check there before you buy. If you're furnishing with a natural hide, see our genuine leather sofas.

What is the difference between genuine leather and Leather Aire?

Genuine leather is a natural material made from real hide. It's breathable, long-lasting, and ages into a characterful patina, and it sits at a higher price to reflect that. Leather Aire is a man-made, leather-look material: it gives you the look and much of the feel of leather with a wipe-clean surface and a lower price, and it doesn't need conditioning. Neither is “better” in the abstract — it comes down to your budget and how you like to care for things. If you're weighing up a budget man-made option more broadly, our faux leather sofas are a separate range to compare.

What colours are available?

Footstools come in five colours, so you can pick one to blend in or stand out. A bold mustard adds a pop of warmth and works beautifully as a contrast piece against a neutral sofa; black is smart, timeless and hides marks well; grey is a cool, contemporary neutral that suits almost any scheme; brown is warm and easy to live with, especially alongside wood tones; and cream is soft and light, though it rewards a little more care to keep it looking its best. To match a footstool to a grey scheme, our grey sofas page shows coordinating options.

Do these footstools have storage inside?

Some do. Storage footstools have a lift-off or hinged lid and a hollow interior, giving you a discreet place to keep throws, cushions, magazines, remote controls or children's toys — handy for keeping a living room tidy. Whether a particular footstool has storage is shown on its own product page, so check there if that's a feature you need. Even without storage, a footstool is a genuinely versatile piece that adds comfort and an extra seat wherever you put it.

How do you match a footstool to your sofa?

There are two easy approaches. The first is to match: pick a footstool in a similar colour and material to your sofa for a coordinated, pulled-together look. The second is to contrast: choose a bolder colour, like mustard, as a deliberate accent that lifts a neutral room. Either works — the key is to decide which effect you want. It's also worth thinking about height, so the footstool sits at a comfortable level with your seat. Whether your sofa is leather or fabric, there's a footstool to suit; our fabric sofas range is a good reference if you're coordinating with a fabric suite.

How to choose the right footstool

Start with how you'll use it most — as a footrest, extra seating, a tray surface or for storage — as that points you to the right size and style. Then think about material and care: genuine leather for natural character, or Leather Aire for an easy, wipe-clean finish. Measure the space so it sits comfortably in front of your seat without blocking the room, and pick a colour to match or contrast. Our team can talk measuring up and choosing materials through with you if you would like a hand.

How to care for a leather footstool

Care depends on the material, which is why we label it clearly. For genuine leather, dust regularly, wipe with a slightly damp cloth, and condition occasionally with a suitable leather conditioner to keep the hide supple; wipe spills promptly and keep it out of direct heat and prolonged sunlight. For Leather Aire, simply wipe with a clean, slightly damp cloth and dry with a soft cloth — it doesn't need conditioning. For both, avoid harsh chemical cleaners, wet wipes and abrasive sponges, which can dull the finish.

Are footstools fire-safe?

Yes. As upholstered furniture, our footstools meet UK Fire Resistant (UKFR) standards, so the materials and construction comply with the fire-safety regulations required in the UK. This is a baseline legal requirement rather than an optional extra, and it applies across every footstool in the collection whatever its material or colour.

How long does delivery take?

Most in-stock footstools are delivered free, typically within 7–10 working days. You'll be kept informed of your delivery details, and if you're ordering a footstool alongside a sofa it can usually come together. As footstools are compact, they're easy to place wherever you need them in the room. Full timescales and coverage are on our delivery information page.

Can you spread the cost with finance?

Yes. You can spread the cost of a footstool — or add one to a larger order — using one of our named finance providers, all subject to credit check. Simply select your preferred option at checkout; the exact terms for your order are shown before you confirm. Full details are on our finance options page.

Finance is provided by third parties and is subject to status and affordability checks. Missing payments may affect your credit rating.

Why choose Furniture Instore?

We specialise in upholstered furniture, and a footstool is a lovely finishing touch — comfortable, versatile and easy to match. We describe our materials honestly, so you always know whether a footstool is genuine leather or leather-look Leather Aire, and you're welcome to visit our Coventry showroom to see the colours and feel the materials before you decide. Every order comes with free delivery and our 14-day change-of-mind returns, we hold a 4.8★ Excellent rating from over 4,800 genuine Trustpilot reviews, and you can spread the cost interest-free with Klarna, Clearpay or PayPal Pay in 3, or over a longer term with DivideBuy, all subject to credit check. To find a footstool to match a new suite, browse our sofas range, and call us on 02476 705 600 if you'd like a hand choosing.

Frequently asked questions