How to make a midcentury footstool you’ll love

It’s easier than you might think to create your own footstool. It can be a great way to make a homemade, completely personalised piece of furniture for your home. Or it can make a lasting gift (it’s wedding season, after all!).

We’ve gathered some of our favourite examples below. You never know – they might inspire you to create something you’ll feel smug about every time you put your feet up.  

Customised upholstered footstools

Hairpin legs: 2-rod, 10", Copper

Not sure where to start? If you’d like a step-by-step guide on how to make your own, @FinishingRoom run a Mid-Century Footstool Workshop. It covers everything you need to know – from how to safely operate an electric staple gun, to making upholstered buttons.

And if DIY isn’t your thing, check out these bad boys by @Loose_Button. They have ready-made footstools in a rainbow of colours, styles, and shapes.

Hairpin legs: 2-rod, 14", Yellow and 2-rod, 8", Black

DIY Ottoman with hairpin legs

Hairpin legs: 2-rod, 12", Clear coat steel

Already versed in the magic of an electric stapler? You’re going to love making your own midcentury Ottoman.

This beauty, by @MisterDomestic, is embellished with a La Passacaglica Rosetta on top.

If you think this would sit well in your home, his simple video guide shows you how he did it.

Sheepskin footrests

Hairpin legs: 2-rod, 16", Black and 2-rod, 12", Copper

Nothing says ‘creature comforts’ like these sheepskin footstools, by @K.H.Interiors and @AddictedtoHouse.

These woolly wonders can be made using the same techniques in the how-to tutorials above.

Pair them with metallic hairpin legs – like copper or chrome – for a chic, glamorous look.

Need a hand with your legs?

To customise your footstool even more, our hairpin legs come in 13 different finishes– from trendy metallics, to vibrant colours.

If you’ve got a stool in mind, but you’re not sure which legs would match best, we’re always more than happy to help you decide.

Feel free to comment, send us a message, or give us a call.

And when you’ve made it, we'd love to share it. If you’ve got a hairpin leg project you’d like our followers to see, tag us on Instagram #thehairpinlegco and we'll do our best to feature it on our feed. 

Can’t wait to see your hairpin footstool creations!