Best foot stools from John Lewis, M&S and Ikea

There's nothing better than putting your feet up after a long day, making a foot stool is the one of the best pieces of furniture you can invest in for your living room.

Whether your preference is a low pouffe, hairpin legs or vintage-inspired styles, there's plenty of choice when shopping for one that will be compatible with your sofas and armchairs.

Many also double up as extra seating when guests visit, and best of all, some are available with inbuilt storage – perfect for keeping clutter out of the way.

We've handpicked our favourite options to shop now, from big-name brands including Aldi, Dunelm, Ikea and more.

Starting from £50, our shopping guide spans budget-friendly pieces to high-end luxury styles.

This Scandi-style stool is an ideal budget buy solution for small rooms or student pads. It's ridiculously easy to use too: Convert the stool into a small table, simply remove the soft top and turn it over to reveal an oak-effect tray.

You can always count on Ikea to come up with functional designs and this foot stool is no different. Perfect for putting your feet up, the inner storage section is ideal for keeping cosy throws, TV remotes or a book pile close by.

Boucle is a cosy, bobbly fabric that can add texture to your soft furnishings. This foot stool in particular is both on trend and practical, with inbuilt tray storage and piped edge detailing.

This vintage inspired foot stool is ideal for larger living rooms. It arrives fully assembled and is available in 13 different colours, ranging from indigo to tumeric.

If you want to add a playful but subtile touch of colour, this bee print is a fun option. One five-star review said, "Stylish and well made, lovely fabric and print! Looks perfect in our living room."

Another budget-friendly option is this pink and gold style from Next. The hairpin gold legs add an elegant touch and the inbuilt storage with a lid is ideal for concealing TV remotes and clutter.

This classic design is a timeless choice. Available in a whopping 108 different fabrics and four different leg styles, it has a contemporary shape that won't date but is spacious enough for plenty of feet.

If you're looking for a stylish storage solution for a smaller living room, this Dunelm design ticks every box. Available in ivory or olive, its lid can be flipped and used as a table and the soft touch sherpa upholstery will keep your space feeling cosy.

Structured but squishy, this square foot stool comes in three sizes and 132 different fabrics. While we love this marmalade shade, you can also shop it in rosewater pink, dusted cocoa, baked fig green and much more.

This affordable pouffe has many five-star reviews from happy shoppers. One said: "Very nice pouffe! Well made and looks like it will be hard wearing!"

If leather is your favourite fabric, this sturdy foot stool is a modern and minimalistic design with the added practicality of a storage compartment inside. You can simply lift the top cushion using the attached handle and hinge support.

For design lovers, this Laura Ashley foot stool is our top pick. From the scalloped edged cushion to the circular wooden legs, it's the perfect marriage of flair and functionality.

Maximise your storage space with this mid-century inspired foot stool form Dwell. Upholstered in velvet and available in seven colours, it's contemporary and generously sized.