Many people see a Chesterfield footstool as a decorative extra, rather than a functional part of the seating arrangement, but they’re missing out on what footstools can really offer in a room.
Without the right footstool, a Chesterfield sofa can feel more formal than relaxed, especially in modern homes where living rooms need to support lounging, hosting, reading, watching TV, and everyday family use. Although often overlooked, a footstool changes a Chesterfield sofa by making it more comfortable, more accommodating, and more suited to modern living, while still preserving the classic style that makes the design so recognisable.
This article will explain why footstools change how Chesterfield sofas are used, from comfort and layout to storage, styling and long-term practicality.
How a Footstool Makes a Chesterfield Sofa More Comfortable
Chesterfield sofas are known for their structured shape, rolled arms, deep-button tufting and formal profile. Historically, Chesterfield sofas were designed to support upright sitting so as to not wrinkle the suits of whomever was sat on them. Since then, they have come a long way and many people find relaxing on a Chesterfield sofa quite comfortable.
A Chesterfield footstool takes this one step further, by allowing you to stretch out and relax as though you’re sitting in a lounger, without the need to sacrifice on style. It creates a chaise-style feel without needing to buy a full corner sofa or chaise sofa.
Given the versatility expected in a modern living room, where people watch TV, read, host and more, you need a seating arrangement that can keep up. Pairing a living room Chesterfield sofa with a Chesterfield footstool will give you increased comfort, more options for seating positions, and save you from needing a new sofa.
How Footstools Improve Living Room Layouts
With 27% of workers in the UK having a hybrid working arrangement and a further 13% being fully remote, modern living rooms need to be equipped for any and all situations. Flexible living room furniture is a must as many people need them to perform multiple functions, often with additional space and layout restrictions.
Rather than committing to a corner sofa or trying to squeeze in multiple seating options, consider a Chesterfield sofa arrangement. Styling a Chesterfield sofa with a footstool adds flexibility as it can be moved around more easily than a fixed chaise or corner sofa. A Chesterfield footstool can act as a central anchor in the room, similar to a coffee table, but with the accessibility to manoeuvre it to suit whatever you’re using the room for at any given time.
In smaller rooms, a footstool may provide lounge-style comfort without the footprint of a larger sofa configuration and can help to balance the strong visual weight of a Chesterfield sofa. If you’re looking to optimise your space with a Chesterfield sofa arrangement, a footstool is the perfect choice.
Footstool, Ottoman or Coffee Table: What Is the Difference?
Depending on the space available, the purpose of the room, and your own style, you may want different furniture options. When choosing ottoman vs footstool, or even a coffee table, you should be able to make an informed decision.
Chesterfield footstool
A footstool is mainly used for resting your feet on and extending the length and comfort of your sofa. As this is an extension of the sofa, you may wish to match a leather Chesterfield footstool with a leather Chesterfield sofa, a fabric Chesterfield footstool with a fabric Chesterfield sofa, and so on.
You can move footstools easily as they don’t generally weight as much as ottomans of coffee tables, making it ideal for multi-purpose rooms. Footstools can also be used as additional seating when needed, or even as a softer alternative to a coffee table.
Ottoman
Some people use the terms interchangeably, but storage is often what separates an ottoman from a traditional footstool. Ottomans usually open up to reveal hidden storage, are larger, and are less of a sofa add-on than their own individual furniture piece.
As with the footstool, this can double as extra seating, but due to its increased weight and size, is less convenient to move. You can purchase Chesterfield ottomans to match your sofa, and they make a great addition to a space.
Coffee table
A coffee table is the standard choice for an average-sized living room, but may be less convenient in a smaller room as they take up a lot of floorspace and are not suitable for sitting on.
Coffee tables can provide additional storage space and there are myriad options for styles and colours, whether you want to match your sofa or contrast it. In a larger space, you can pair a coffee table with a footstool or ottoman, adding layers to your living room and providing multi-purpose flexibility that so many people want.
How Footstools Change the Style of a Chesterfield Sofa
A traditional Chesterfield sofa already has a strong visual identity because of its deep buttoning, rolled arms and low, structured profile. The temptation is to get a matching Chesterfield footstool, which will make the room feel more coordinated and luxurious, as well as add cohesion as the footstool will become a visual extension of the sofa.
Pairing a leather Chesterfield with a leather footstool is not the only option, however, and there are lots of different Chesterfield interior design ideas you can try. A contrasting footstool can make the space feel more modern and give it an eclectic style.
For a more traditional, club-style look, consider a leather footstool, or for a softer look that warms up a room, try a velvet Chesterfield footstool. The deep buttoning on a Chesterfield footstool can echo the Chesterfield design without overwhelming the room or over-committing you to one style, if you did opt for matching furniture pieces.
Choosing the Right Footstool for a Chesterfield Sofa
If you want to know how to choose the best footstool for your Chesterfield sofa, here are some important considerations:
Scale
A rough footstool size guide is to try and match the scale of the footstool to the sofa. A small footstool in a large living room or with a large sofa will look lost, but a large footstool next to a small sofa will take over the space.
Whatever space and furniture you’re working with, make sure it’s all in proportion. A smaller room will be more limiting and you’ll need to make sure there’s still enough space around the furniture to walk around it without bumping into things. If you’re in a smaller space that includes young children, a footstool with rounded corners can be a great alternative to a coffee table, as they won’t get injured running into it, as they may with a coffee table.
Height
The height of the sofa should determine the height of the footstool; if you have a low-seated sofa, a high footstool will raise the legs too high and be uncomfortable to use. Likewise, a high-seated sofa will make a low footstool redundant.
If you’re planning to use your Chesterfield footstool as a coffee table or as additional seating, consider what would be a comfortable height to reach out for drinks or to sit on.
Purpose
Do you want your footstool to be a Chesterfield sofa accessory, or to be its own multi-functional piece of furniture?
The purpose of the footstool is a crucial factor in deciding its size and style, from a practicality point of view. For example, a smaller room with limited space may benefit from an ottoman that can store important items and reduce clutter in your living room.
If you’re planning to double up your footstool as a coffee table, consider a leather Chesterfield footstool for more durability, and as it will be easier to clean if there are any spillages. We would also recommend getting a tray to sit on top of your footstool for added stability. A fabric footstool may be better if you’re looking to add a nice feature to your living room, as it will add softness, colour and a relaxed finish to your living room aesthetic.
The Perfect Footstool for You
A footstool does more than complete the look of a Chesterfield sofa. It changes how the sofa is used by improving comfort, adding flexibility, supporting better room layouts, and making the space feel more practical for modern living.
Footstools are surprisingly versatile and are available in almost as broad a variety as Chesterfield sofas themselves. Whatever the size, design, or function of your room, a footstool could be the perfect new addition to complete your space. Take a look at our range of Chesterfield footstool to find the right one for you.