What Is The Difference Between An Ottoman, Hassock And Footstool

Most of the people use the terms “ottoman”, “hassock” and “footstool”, interchangeably, as they are more or less similar type of furniture. The main difference between them is the type of footrests that they provide to the user. All of them are same at the functional level but differs in terms of size, material and style used in manufacturing it.

Without appropriate knowledge, you can end up purchasing a wrong furniture. This not only incurs your expenses but also effort and time. Understanding the differences between the different types of furniture help you arrive at the right decision.

What is an Ottoman?

Ottomans are large sized, padded stools that are finely covered in fabric. They are designed to relieve the pressure from one's feet. The best characteristics of this furniture are the ability to accumulate things in it. They are available in different colours, black ottoman being the commonest of all.

What is a footstool?

A footstool is a typical kind of furniture that intends to support the feet of the person while sitting. A traditional footstool is made up of wood and has a simple design. More lavish versions of footstool are composed of several different materials to render that classy touch to a place.

A commonly available footstool is wood based furniture that is manufactured as a short step to comfortably reach up in closets and cabinets.  It does not make a convenient seating place for people.

What is a hassock?

A hassock is similar to an ottoman in terms of fabric covering. Unlike an ottoman, a hassock has an extensive of fabric such that no framing or legs of this furniture are visible. Second main distinctive feature in hassock is that it is not a central storage space like an ottoman. Hassocks are small in size as compared to a large ottoman and also do not provide the storage feature.

Each of these furniture pieces provides exclusive function and form. Also, they are available in unlimited patterns, colours, and shapes to serve comfort and style to people. It depends on buyers to determine the type of functional and aesthetic qualities they wish to be present in their furniture.

What Are the Different Types of Materials Used In the Manufacture of Footstools

The footstool is an increasingly used furniture item in present age homes. Depending on the requirement of a householder, it can be used either in your living room or bedroom. Available in different materials, it gives user flexibility to choose the one according to their requirements.

Use of footstool

Footstools are the best furniture to rest your tired feet, a place to sit for an enthusiastic child to listen to grandma stories, and also as storage means to keep drink trays etc.

Types of materials used in making footstool

The footstool is available in several different materials such as leather, cotton linen, textured fabric, chenille velvet etc. They are made to provide a colourful accent or blend into neutral backgrounds of the decor. The selection of material depends on the features that you require and your budget.

This antique furniture is manufactured to match your traditional decor. If the existing furniture in your house has a black colour then you can go for a black leather footstool to get a perfect look.  Besides its colour, leather footstool comes in varying quality. Some of them have been described below:

Pure leather:

Footstool made from real leather stays for a long time without any visible wear and tear. It is perfect for those who have pets and children at home.

Faux leather

Footstool made from this type of leather is durable and also looks beautiful. One can get them in multiple colour options. They are a great alternative to pure leather footstools.

Dyed leather

The dyed leather is another great variety of leather based footstools. They are available in brilliant colours to give a contemporary look to a room. Some of these types of footstools are also seen with needlework, cushions on top etc.

Other footstool materials

Faux Suede:

Faux Suede is a soft and liquid proof material. Footstool made from this material look elegant and stylish.

Cotton Linen:

Cotton is a hardwearing material that is used to make footstools in several fresh colours. Employing such footstools, your room is really going to look awesome. 

Chenille Velvet:

Footstools made from this soft material are very comfortable, beautiful and luxurious. Available in bold and rich colours, they are one of the best storage footstools on the market.
So, before you plan to shop for a footstool, research on all these aspects thoroughly. This will help you make an informed purchase.