9 best footstools and pouffes for the ultimate lounging spot

Dimensions: H 45cm W 43cm D 45cm

This is a brand that playfully exaggerates the lines of classic mid-century furniture pieces, reimagining them for today. The retrostar footstool is designed to complement the armchairs and rockers in the same series – with angles so sharp they could take your eye out. But the stool stands up – and stands out – in its own right. We loved its gravity defying shaping: slim arrow-like legs support a plump square cushion. The legs are crafted from stained and lacquered solid beech while the upholstered fabric is soft to the touch, but sufficiently durable. This is a strikingly handsome piece, not unlike an old school gym horse in miniature.

Dimensions: H 41cm W 54cm D 49cm

You don’t have to live out in the sticks to achieve country cottage charm – or “cottagecore” as it’s now dubbed. Upholstered in a soft but hard wearing checked woven polyester fabric, Dunelm’s versatile footstool fits right into a city pad, too. The lidded stool boasts a foam filled top, which we found ideal for cushioning our tired feet, while inside there’s handy storage space for magazines and remote controls. We do like a furniture piece with dual functionality. The footstool is elevated with turned wooden feet, further adding to its homely and traditional look.

Dimensions: H 40cm W 60cm D 60cm

Mixing cosiness and glamour with aplomb is this circular pouffe from Cult Furniture – a brand that’s always on point with the latest interior trends. And a big trend right now is boucle. The deeply textured fabric proved perfect for sinking our toes into, while aesthetically, it gives a homely warmth. In contrast is the Art Deco-inspired band of gold, which offers understated elegance and brings the piece together beautifully. This one’s available in a small range of neutral hues – but the grey is our favourite. Effortlessly chic.

Dimensions: H 23cm W 58cm D 58cm

At just 23cm in height, this boho-inspired number doubles as a luxuriously laid-back floor cushion. The drum shaped pouffe has a cotton cover that’s reliably durable given the amount of heavy use it’ll happily take. Its bright blue embroidery is dazzling and intricate, while its pom pom trim adds a nice textural touch. This is a piece that immediately sets the mood, whether that’s in the living room, conservatory or yoga studio. We’d even be tempted to take it out onto the patio, but only when the sunshine’s guaranteed.

Dimensions: H 43cm W 94cm D 64cm

This is another footstool with handy hidden storage. The aptly named stasher provides a commodious trough-like space for all the living room or bedroom bits you don’t want on show. The lid comes off completely, rather than on hinges, which we found great for a speedy de-clutter from every angle. (Throw it all in!) The footstool is highly functional, but scores big on form, too. It is a luxuriously plush affair with sumptuously deep buttoning and comes in a choice of 152 fabrics, from velvet to cord to linen. This one is handmade to order, so you won’t get it straight away, but we think it’s worth the wait.

Dimensions: H 45cm W 43cm D 43cm

In an arresting mix of materials, this contemporary footstool juxtaposes plush velvet with rustic mango wood finished in a warm walnut stain. We loved its boxy shaping, and the way the wooden frame simply supports the velvet cube with its four symmetrical struts. This one is on the taller side, therefore suited to sofas and armchairs with a bit of seat height. It’s also dense in makeup, so one for propping your feet up rather than sinking them into it. Small but mighty, we found this bright mustard footstool provides the perfect colour pop in the living room.

Dimensions: H 33cm W 97cm D 97cm

Designed to accent the fresh New England range of sofas and armchairs is this pattern-heavy pouffe. It’s upholstered in a soft chenille velvet with painterly strokes, that recall a mottled watercolour, giving it an eye-popping visual texture beyond its obvious tactile appeal. What we loved most about this piece though was its dimensions. At 97cm in diameter it is as large as a circular coffee table – yet it stays luxuriously low down and offers a relaxing place to perch. We loved the way its discreet wooden feet elevate it off the floor just enough to give it the illusion of floating. And as with all of Oak Furnitureland’s offering, this quality footstool is made to last.

Dimensions: H 30cm W 62cm D 62cm

There’s nothing like a chunky knit to induce feelings of comfort at home. This disc-shaped piece is a low-sitting footstool designed with ultimate relaxation in mind: not only does it allow you to put your feet up but, it’ll give them a good massage too. This is thanks to its intricately knotted cover in a heavy-duty cotton. The cushioned top is supported by stubby wooden legs, angled like a traditional milking stool to ensure a solid grounding. Fun and affordable, the stool comes in a range of colours, from soft and nature-inspired to eye-catching contemporary brights.

Dimensions: H 30cm W 60cm D 60cm

Handmade from natural jute and densely packed with polystyrene beads – just like a beanbag – this versatile pouffe acts as a coffee table, an extra seat or a handy footstool. While it brought an instant bohemian feel to our living space, its geometric patterning awards it a contemporary edge. We loved the contrast between the natural material and the bold block printing in navy blue too. This is another piece suited to bedrooms, nurseries, garden rooms and living room set-ups alike.