So, you’ve got your office set up ergonomically. You have a seat cushion that protects your tailbone and provides the perfect amount of support to your hips. You have a lower back cushion that keeps you from developing lower back pain. You even have armrests and an oil diffuser going for maximum comfort. What is it that you could possibly be missing? 

A foot rest is an incredibly important component in the ergonomic setup of your office. Whether you’re at home or at work, you should always make sure to include a foot rest. 

The perfect ergonomic office setup includes: 

• A monitor that’s at arm’s length away
• Wrists that remain straight 
• Hands at or below elbow level 
• Knees and hips at the same level 

In order to keep your knees and hips at the same level, a foot rest may be required. Not only that, but a foot rest will help to take any extra pressure off of your legs, making your setup more comfortable overall. 

What is the Purpose of a Foot Stool?

A foot rest is used to achieve perfect ergonomic structure when sitting at your desk chair. Because you’re supposed to keep your knees and hips at the same height, you can run into some complications. For example, if you’re too short or if you have to raise the height of your chair to match the height of your desk, you may need a foot stool or foot rest in order to level the playing field. 

Better yet, a foot rest also makes the perfect ottoman, which can sit in your living room and serve as extra seating, somewhere to put your feet while you're sitting on the sofa or in an armchair, or even as extra storage, depending on what kind you buy.

What’s the Best Height for a Foot Stool?

Your foot stool will need to be the perfect height for you. The height that a foot stool should varies between each person, the height of their chair, and the height of their desk. The most important thing that you should focus on is getting a foot rest that allows your knees to reach the same level as your hips. 

If your foot rest is too small, your knees will drop below your hips, placing pressure on your legs and knees. If your foot rest is too large, you’ll put more pressure on your hips, tailbone, and knees. To ensure your foot rest is the correct size, opt for one that’s adjustable. 

Foot Stool vs. Foot Rest

The difference between a foot stool and a foot rest is mainly in the materials used. Foot rests are usually memory foam, made to look more like a pillow on the ground. Adjustable foot rests are often made of plastic or other hard materials. Foot stools tend to be a bit higher, more closely resembling a low stool or an ottoman. They may be covered with leather or fabric to match the decor, and in a pinch, you could probably even use a foot stool to hold a tray or as a makeshift coffee table. 

However, most often, these two terms are used interchangeably to mean either type of rest. 

Benefits of Using a Foot Stool

There are many reasons you should use a foot rest or foot stool. The main reason is that they help make your position more comfortable, with less chance of causing pain over a long period of time. Sitting uncomfortably can cause pain and other health conditions, but more on that later. 

1. They provide increased support for your back and your upper body. By using a foot rest, you can decrease any pain you might experience, not just in your legs but throughout your entire body. Keeping your legs well ground encourages better support in your shoulders, back, and hips. If your feet aren’t well grounded, you may not be as relaxed, causing your work performance to suffer. 
   
   
2. Your foot rest will help you become more relaxed. It will also allow you to easily stretch out your body, which means that buying one is a great choice for overall health. As we sit down longer today than any other period of time, having the ability to relax and stretch is vital for a productive workday. 
   
   An adjustable foot rest will allow you to easily move your position throughout the day, helping you stretch your body out when necessary. It could easily lead to you have a better experience in the workplace. 
   
   
3. A foot rest can also help with blood circulation. Because they help to angle the foot naturally, you would experience as much swelling in the ankles and legs. If your legs are flat or too steep, you can experience more swelling because less oxygen can travel to your feet. 
   
   
4. On top of all that, you’ll also benefit more from your other ergonomic office furniture, like seat cushions and back cushions. Starting from the bottom up is incredibly helpful in fixing your posture, so by using a foot rest, you’re much more likely to sit up straight and reap all the benefits of your comfort items. 
   
   
5. You can also personalize them to your needs as well as your aesthetic, making them match the general vibe of your office if you so choose. As there are many types of foot rests, you’ll be able to choose the one that works best for you and your body. 

Add a Foot Stool to Your Set Up

If you’re hoping to make your desk set up as comfortable as possible (whether you’re working at home or from an office), you should always make sure to include an under-desk foot rest. Not only will they add to the overall comfort of your setup, but they’ll also help to prevent poor circulation, pain, and discomfort. They are also one of many recommendations to help to improve your posture overall, so you aren’t at risk for any health conditions or chronic pain because of your poor posture. You could even add a footstool to your list of unique gift ideas for the next occasion you have coming up and give someone else the gift of improved posture.

Here at Everlasting Comfort, we care about your body, and we want you to be as comfortable as possible throughout your workday. To ensure that you’re receiving maximum comfort, you should think about using a seat cushion, a lumbar back support cushion, and a foot rest. No matter what you choose to use for your office, we hope that you are at your most comfortable. 

Sources:

Office ergonomics: Your how-to guide | Mayo Clinic

Tailbone pain: How can I relieve it? | Mayo Clinic

Americans Sit More Than Anytime In History And It's Literally Killing Us | Forbes