Linen, Velvet, Cotton or Wool? A Handy Guide to Fabric Footstools

Linen, Velvet, Cotton or Wool? A Handy Guide to Fabric Footstools

Fabric makes all the difference in the look, feel, and function of the footstool in the home. At Footstools & More, we get many questions about the most suitable fabric choice for a home. The choices are actually not influenced so much by trends as by the lifestyle that is lived in the home. This guide will walk you through each type, providing the information you need.

When people look at fabric footstools, they begin by thinking about what they want the room to look and feel like. Casual and easy? Elegant and polished? Functional and sturdy?

Fabric goes far beyond a piece of furniture, and this is why we are here to help you make an informed decision.

Linen: Relaxed and airy

Linen is adored for its natural texture and the airy feel it provides. This material will work well for neutral interiors, coastal, or rooms wherein softness is preferred over formality. Even though linen footstools have a calm and understated presence, they crease and mark easily. Hence, they are well-suited for lower-traffic areas or homes where a lived-in look is part of the charm.

Velvet: Rich and expressive

Velvet adds an instant depth and warmth. It also has a different kind of reflection of light at different times of the day, and thus it is very useful for adding interest to a room without adding bold prints. Modern velvets are much more practical than people assume, particularly in deeper colours.

Cotton: Versatile and familiar

Cotton is a very versatile material to use in the errands of everyday life. It is breathable, soft, and comes in a large number of colours and patterns. The colours are quite open, and cotton is best used in multi-purpose rooms where the footstool is frequently accessed.

Wool: Warmth and elasticity

Wool is relatively durable and forgiving. It resists compressing, is resistant to flattening by normal use, and provides warmth when standing on it. Wool footstools and even ottomans are useful for keeping cool spaces warm and will not become unsupportive with age.

Matching fabric to size and purpose

The choice of fabrics becomes even more relevant in the case of a statement piece, such as a large ottoman. The fact of the matter is that a bigger surface area will wear down faster. This makes texture very important in your choice of fabrics if you are using a larger graphic.

Ready to make your choice?

At Footstools & More, each footstool is made by hand. This means that the choice of fabric is never considered secondarily. It is considered right from the design stage.

Are you ready to make a selection of fabric that will suit not only your house but your lifestyle as well? The first thing you have to do is ask for fabric samples and check them in your environment. Remember, the best teacher is experience.

When you are ready, we will help you create a piece that is made just for you.