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Quick answer
A foot rest ottoman should be close to the height of your sofa or chair seat, usually within about 2 in either side, and should sit 4 in to 8 in in front of the seat edge so your knees stay bent comfortably. For most sofas that means an ottoman between roughly 13 in and 18 in tall. The three listings we compared cover three different types: the HIGOGOGO round pouf (20 in wide), the Mordchil HF folding stool (about 15 in tall, 5.5 lb) and the ALASDO folding storage ottoman (17 x 13 x 13 in). Choose a soft pouf for casual lounging, a folding metal-frame stool if you move it a lot, and a lidded storage ottoman if you also want to hide blankets or remotes.
Quick compare: the products in this guide
Sizes come from the Amazon listings as we read them; check the product page for the current details before you buy.
| Product | Listed details | Link |
|---|---|---|
| HIGOGOGO Round Stuffed Pouf Ottoman, Corduroy Poufs with Foam Chunk Filling | 20 x 20 x 15 in; states a 300 lb maximum | See details on Amazon Affiliate link |
| 15″(H) Folding Ottoman, Foldable Footrest Stool, Portable Small Foot Stool… | 18.5 x 14.8 x 15 in; 5.5 lb | See details on Amazon Affiliate link |
| ALASDO Storage Ottoman Footrest Stool Small Ottoman with Storage Foldable… | 13 x 17 x 13 in; states a 400 lb capacity | See details on Amazon Affiliate link |
Why a foot rest ottoman helps
Sitting with your feet on the floor is fine for work. For relaxing, raising your feet takes weight off the back of your thighs and lets you recline slightly. A footrest ottoman also gives you a place to rest a tray or a book, and it can serve as extra seating when friends visit.
In a small room, an ottoman is more flexible than a recliner. It can be pushed under a console table, tucked beside the sofa or stored in a closet when you need floor space. A recliner stays in the room all day.
For desks, there is a separate under-desk type of footrest, which is height adjustable. This guide focuses on living-room ottomans that you use beside a sofa or armchair.
Match the height to your seat
The most important number is the height. OSHA’s computer workstation guidance describes a seat as the right height when your whole foot rests on the floor and the back of the knee sits slightly higher than the seat. That is a work-chair rule, but it shows how much a few inches change your posture. A footrest that is far higher than the seat lifts your knees above your hips and can feel awkward on a long sit.
A good rule of thumb for a living room:
- Ottoman height equals seat height. The feet rest level with your knees, a relaxed position.
- Up to about 2 in lower than the seat. Still comfortable, and good for people who prefer more recline.
- More than about 2 in higher than the seat. Not recommended: your knees rise too far.
Measure from the floor to the top of your sofa cushion while you sit on it, then compare with the listed ottoman height. The ALASDO lists 13 in, the Mordchil HF folding stool lists 15 in, and the HIGOGOGO pouf lists 15 in in its dimensions (the same listing also shows an 18 in seat height in its data, so we treat the height as unclear and suggest you check before buying).
Pouf, folding stool or storage ottoman
Each type suits a different use.
Pouf ottoman (soft and round)
The HIGOGOGO is a 20 in round pouf with a faux fur and corduroy cover, filled with foam chunks. It states a 300 lb maximum. A pouf is the softest of the three and works as a floor cushion, a footrest or an extra seat. Because it has no hard frame, it can sag over time, and it will compress a little more than a firm stool. It is also easy to move, as it has no corners to bump.
Folding metal-frame stool
The Mordchil HF is 18.5 in by 14.8 in by 15 in tall, weighs 5.5 lb, and has an alloy steel frame with a removable padded cushion fixed with Velcro. It states a 200 lb maximum. It folds flat, which makes it a good choice if you only need a footrest for an hour or two and want it out of sight afterwards.
Folding storage ottoman
The ALASDO is 17 in by 13 in by 13 in, with 43 L of storage, and it folds to about 2.5 in high. It lists a 400 lb capacity and weighs 4.8 lb. It is the lowest of the three, so it suits a low sofa or a short person. The storage can hold remotes, a throw and magazines.
Sizing example: fitting a footrest by a small sofa
Here is the arithmetic worked through. Say a living room is 10 ft by 12 ft (120 in by 144 in) and a sofa that is 36 in deep sits against the 144 in wall. A coffee table, 20 in deep, stands 14 in from the sofa.
- Floor in front of the sofa. 120 in minus 36 in is 84 in.
- Coffee table plus gap. 20 in plus 14 in is 34 in, leaving 84 in minus 34 in = 50 in.
- Add a 20 in pouf in front of the sofa. If you put the pouf between the sofa and the coffee table, it needs about 20 in of that 34 in zone.
- Remaining walkway beside the table. Keeping a 36 in path (the US Access Board yardstick for accessible routes), you have 50 in minus 36 in = 14 in of spare space.
With 14 in spare, the 18.5 in deep folding Mordchil HF would be tight if left out all day. In this room, the better choice is the 13 in deep ALASDO, which folds away, or the pouf if you can slide it under the coffee table.
Material and care
- Faux fur and corduroy (pouf): soft to the touch, but harder to wipe clean.
- Cotton or linen top (folding stools): easy to spot clean, and the Mordchil HF cushion can be removed.
- Metal frame: the Mordchil HF listing says the frame has a powder-coated finish and non-slip foot pads. Use the pads on hard floors to prevent scratches.
- MDF box (ALASDO): MDF is strong and light but swells if it gets wet. Keep it away from damp areas.
How to measure before you order
Three quick measurements save most returns. First, sit on your sofa or chair the way you normally do and measure from the floor to the top of the seat cushion. This is the height you want the ottoman to match. Second, measure the open floor in front of the seat from the seat edge to the next object, such as a coffee table or the TV stand. Subtract 36 in if the spot is also a walking path. Whatever is left is the depth your ottoman can use. Third, measure the clear gap under your coffee table if you want to slide the ottoman beneath it when it is not in use. Many coffee tables leave 8 in to 12 in under the top, so a 13 in tall stool will not fit under, while a folding model that collapses to about 2.5 in can be stored in the gap.
Also think about how you sit. If you tend to stretch your legs fully, a wider top of 18 in to 20 in supports both feet side by side. If you cross your ankles, a narrower 13 in to 15 in top is enough and takes less floor. A round pouf lets you rest your feet at any angle, while a rectangular top gives a defined surface for a tray.
Who should buy a foot rest ottoman
- Small-living-room owners who want flexible seating and a footrest that stores away.
- Renters who cannot fit a recliner but want to put their feet up.
- People who read or watch TV in a chair and want a lighter alternative to a chaise.
Who should skip it
- People with swollen legs or circulation issues who need a specific leg elevation: ask a clinician, as an ottoman is not a medical device.
- Users who need to sit at a desk all day. A living-room ottoman is the wrong height and shape for under-desk use.
- Homes with very low sofas, where a 15 in ottoman would sit well above the seat.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Ignoring the seat height. A footrest that is far taller than the seat tilts your knees up.
- Choosing size by looks. A 20 in pouf takes more floor than it seems.
- Skipping the weight limit. The three listings state 300 lb, 200 lb and 400 lb. If you plan to sit on it, check the number.
- Forgetting storage use. A lidded ottoman is convenient, but the contents add weight when you sit on top.
Also worth comparing: Foot Rest Ottoman For Couch
Some shoppers search for “foot rest ottoman for couch” instead. These three listings are worth comparing with the picks above; the notes come from each listing, so confirm size and details on the product page before you buy.
25.6″ Boneless Ottoman for Couch (listed size 23.6″ D × 25.6″ W × 14.9″ H). Choose this ottoman if you want the largest listed footrest surface beside a couch and a 350 pound stated recommendation. Skip it if the 23.6 by 25.6 inch base is too wide.
HIGOGOGO Round Stuffed Pouf Ottoman (listed size 20″ D × 20″ W × 15″ H). Pick HIGOGOGO for a compact 20 inch round pouf with a stated 300 pound recommendation. Skip it if you need a height the listing states without conflict or a rectangular couch footrest.
23.6in Pouf Ottoman (listed size 23.6″ D × 23.6″ W × 16.5″ H). Choose the Beige square pouf if you want a 23.6 inch side in both directions and no assembly. Skip it if you need the smallest footprint or the higher stated 350 pound recommendation.
Keep reading
These guides cover related picks and sizing checks for a small space.
- Sofa With Ottoman: Size, Height and Room Fit
- Office Foot Stool Under Desk: Height, Size and Tilt
- Best Desk Foot Rest: 3 Under-Desk Options Compared
Frequently asked questions
How tall should a foot rest ottoman be?
Close to the sofa seat height, within about 2 in. Most living-room models range from roughly 13 in to 18 in.
Can I use an ottoman as a footrest under a desk?
You can, but a living-room ottoman cannot adjust its height. For a desk, an adjustable footrest is easier to set up.
Is a pouf as good as a stool for resting my feet?
A pouf is softer and more casual. A firm stool gives more stable support. Choose by how you sit.
How much weight can a folding ottoman hold?
Among the listings we read, the Mordchil HF states 200 lb and the ALASDO states 400 lb. Always follow the number on the listing.
Where should I put the ottoman?
Place it 4 in to 8 in in front of the seat edge, on a non-slip surface, and out of the main path.
Products worth checking
We have not tested these products. Sizes and features come from the Amazon listings as we read them; where a listing does not say, we say so.
HIGOGOGO Round Stuffed Pouf Ottoman, Corduroy Poufs with Foam Chunk Filling
- Keep in mind: we have not tested it, and the listing may show more than one size or finish, so pick the variant that matches your numbers.
15″(H) Folding Ottoman, Foldable Footrest Stool, Portable Small Foot Stool for Couch (brand Mordchil HF)
- Keep in mind: we have not tested it, and the listing may show more than one size or finish, so pick the variant that matches your numbers.
ALASDO Storage Ottoman Footrest Stool Small Ottoman with Storage Foldable Ottomans
- Keep in mind: we have not tested it, and the listing may show more than one size or finish, so pick the variant that matches your numbers.
Sources checked
Specifications come from the Amazon listings as we read them for this guide. Product details and availability can change, so confirm on the product page before you buy.
