Decorating a footstool is a simple and creative way to add a touch of personality and style to your living space. Whether you want to breathe new life into an old piece of furniture or customize a new one to match your room’s décor, there are countless ways to make your footstool stand out. With a variety of materials, patterns, and design techniques at your disposal, the possibilities are virtually endless. This guide will walk you through how to decorate footstool.
Why Decorate a Footstool?
Decorating a footstool allows you to transform a functional piece of furniture into a stylish accent that complements your décor. It’s an opportunity to express your creativity and personalize your living space. A well-decorated footstool can tie a room together, adding a pop of color, texture, or pattern to make the space feel cohesive and inviting. Additionally, revamping an old or plain footstool can breathe new life into it, saving it from being discarded and promoting sustainability by reusing items you already own. Whether for practicality, aesthetics, or both, decorating a footstool offers a satisfying and rewarding DIY project.
Materials Needed for Decorating
Before you begin decorating your footstool, it’s essential to gather all the necessary materials. The items you’ll need can vary based on your chosen design, but here are some common materials to consider:
- Fabric: Choose a fabric that suits your style and complements your room. Options range from bold patterns to solid colors or textured finishes like velvet or linen.
- Foam Padding (optional): If you want to add comfort, foam padding is a great material to make the footstool softer.
- Staple Gun and Staples: These are essential tools for securing the fabric to the footstool.
- Scissors: A sharp pair of scissors will be needed to cut fabric or other materials to size.
- Paint and Brushes (optional): If you’re updating the wooden or metal frame, paint in your chosen color can refresh its look.
- Sandpaper (optional): Use sandpaper to smooth the surface of any wooden or metal parts before painting or staining.
- Trim or Decorative Accents (optional): Add extra flair with decorative trim, tassels, buttons, or studs.
Types of Footstools
Footstools come in a variety of styles, shapes, and sizes, each offering unique functionality and aesthetic appeal. Understanding the different types can help you choose the perfect one for your decorating project. Here are some common types of footstools:
- Ottoman: Ottomans are versatile footstools that often double as storage or extra seating. They come in many shapes such as square, round, or rectangular, and are typically upholstered.
- Pouf: Poufs are soft, cushion-like footstools that add a casual and cozy vibe to a space. They’re lightweight and can be easily moved around the room.
- Wooden Footstool: Wooden footstools are classic and sturdy. They often feature a simple design, making them an excellent canvas for creative decorating.
- Adjustable Footstool: Ideal for ergonomic purposes, these footstools often feature adjustable angles or heights, focusing on comfort and support.
- Modern/Contemporary Footstool: With sleek lines and minimalist design, modern footstools complement contemporary interiors and often incorporate non-traditional materials like metal, glass, or molded plastic.
- Vintage/Antique Footstool: These footstools typically feature ornate designs and rich materials like velvet or carved wood, perfect for a timeless and elegant look.
10 Creative Ways to Decorate Your Footstool
1. Add an Upholstered Fabric Cover
A colorful or patterned fabric cover can bring instant personality to your footstool. Choose a fabric that complements your room’s decor—florals for a vintage vibe, bold prints for a modern touch, or neutral textures for a minimalist look. For DIY enthusiasts, upholstery kits are widely available, making this project achievable even for beginners.
Tip: Use stain-resistant or washable fabric to ensure longevity, especially if the stool is in a high-traffic area.
2. Paint It in a Bold Color
Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh coat of paint to breathe new life into an old piece of furniture. Pick a bold shade that contrasts beautifully with your existing decor, or stick with soft pastels for a subtle charm. Glossy finishes can add a contemporary touch, while chalk paint offers a rustic, farmhouse aesthetic.
Tip: Sand down the stool lightly before painting to ensure the paint sticks well and provides a smooth finish.
3. Stencil Intricate Patterns
Stenciling is a fun and easy way to add a custom design to your footstool. Choose geometric shapes, floral motifs, or even typography that resonates with your style. With painter’s tape and stencil brushes, you can achieve professional-looking results in no time.
Example: A white stool with gold stenciled patterns exudes sophistication, perfect for a glam-themed room.
4. Decoupage with Decorative Paper or Prints
Decoupage involves adhering decorative paper, prints, or old book pages to the stool’s surface using craft glue. This technique allows you to add unique textures and images to your footstool, turning it into a small piece of art.
Tip: Add a layer of clear varnish on top to seal the design and prevent wear and tear.
5. Cover With Faux Fur
For an instant cozy and luxurious update, cover your footstool with faux fur. It’s perfect for adding warmth to your space, especially during colder months. Opt for neutral tones like white or gray for a chic look, or go bold with bright, fun colors.
Tip: Secure the faux fur underneath with staples for a snug and clean appearance.
6. Wrap It in Rope or Twine
For a rustic touch, wrap your footstool in natural rope or twine. This is an excellent option for those who love coastal, farmhouse, or bohemian decor styles. The material not only adds an earthy aesthetic but also increases durability.
Tip: Use hot glue to adhere the rope tightly and evenly around the stool for a neat result.
7. Install Decorative Legs
Footstool legs may seem like a small detail, but swapping out plain legs for decorative ones can make a big difference. Look for mid-century modern tapered legs, ornate Victorian-style legs, or even metallic options to match your interior theme.
Example: Transform a basic footstool into a glamorous piece with the addition of polished gold or rose gold legs.
8. Use a Knit or Crochet Slipcover
Handmade knit or crochet slipcovers can add a warm, inviting feel to your footstool. Use a chunky knit pattern for ultimate coziness or keep it intricate with detailed lacework. This method not only enhances aesthetics but also allows for easy washing.
Tip: Coordinate your yarn colors with nearby throws or cushions for a cohesive look.
9. Incorporate Storage
Decorating doesn’t always mean it’s purely visual—add functionality by incorporating hidden storage under the seat. You can upholster the seat while keeping it removable to use the space inside for storing small household items like magazines or remote controls.
Tip: Decorate the outer storage area with wallpaper or adhesive films for a polished, trendy vibe.
10. Add Embellishments
Glamming up your footstool with embellishments like nailheads, buttons, or even studs can take it to the next level. These small details can create a sophisticated or edgy look, depending on the style you’re aiming for.
Example: Add rows of nailhead trims around the edges of an upholstered stool to achieve a high-end, designer finish.
Things to Consider When Decorating a Footstool
When transforming your footstool into a stylish focal point, it’s essential to keep a few key considerations in mind to ensure both functionality and design coherence.
1. Purpose and Functionality
Before starting any decorating project, think about how you plan to use the footstool. Is it primarily for resting your feet, extra seating, or storage? For high-usage pieces, prioritize durable materials and practical finishes.
2. Room Aesthetics
Your footstool should harmonize with the room’s overall decor style. Consider the color scheme, furniture materials, and decorative elements in the space. A cohesive design will make the footstool feel like a natural part of the room’s composition.
3. Material Durability
If the footstool will be in a busy area or used frequently, opt for durable fabrics and finishes. Stain-resistant upholstery, washable covers, or protective coatings can help the piece stand the test of time.
4. Budget
Set a budget for your project to avoid overspending. Creative options like DIY paint or repurposed materials can keep costs down while still achieving impressive results.
5. Skill Level
Assess the complexity of your chosen design and your level of experience with DIY projects. Some methods, like painting or upholstering, are beginner-friendly, while others, like decoupage or crafting slipcovers, may require more skill and patience.
Conclusion
Decorating a footstool is a creative and rewarding way to personalize your living space while breathing new life into an often overlooked piece of furniture. Whether you choose to paint it in bold colors, adorn it with intricate stencils, or enhance it with functional storage, the possibilities are endless. By considering factors like purpose, aesthetics, and budget, you can design a footstool that perfectly complements your style and needs. Follow these simple instructions outlined in this blog post about how to decorate footstool, and you’ll be able to get the job done with ease.