What types of footrests are available?

Do you want a footrest but don't know which one to choose? Check out this post, where we will tell you about types of footrests available, their advantages, and their most common uses.

Do you work in an office, a study, or at home? If the answer is yes, you are the lucky one who can do daily tasks sitting in front of a computer, with a coffee in hand and without having to move much from the spot for several hours.

In reality, although it is a privilege, working while sitting has many drawbacks. One of the most serious is the propensity to a sedentary lifestyle, aside from the countless back pains that can arise if you don't get up every 30 minutes. That is why it is important to have suitable equipment in your work area if you don't want to pay a very high price in the long run. What equipment are we referring to? The most basic: an ergonomic chair or gaming (we have previously talked about their differences and similarities), a desk with the appropriate height, lighting, and various office accessories (planners, clips, sticky notes, etc.)

However, there is a key accessory for those who work sitting down. Unfortunately, it often goes unnoticed, but its benefits are numerous: it improves blood circulation, posture, prevents lower back pain, and promotes rest. Yes, we are talking about the footrest.

We have already mentioned on other occasions what a footrest is for and when it is advisable to buy one. If you have already decided that you want this accessory in your office, keep reading, as we are going to tell you about the types of office footrests you can find, the advantages and disadvantages of each. Let’s go!

What types of footrests are there?

A footrest, as you know well by now, is the accessory that you place on the floor, under your feet, and that serves to support your soles. You will avoid crossing your legs all the time, your lower back will hurt less, and you will be able to sit for longer without harming your circulation. You can find a thousand different models of footrests, so to organise all that offer a bit, we are going to classify them in three categories: by their mobility, by their use, and by their texture.

Types of footrests by mobility

By their mobility, footrests are divided into two main types:

Static footrests

What are they like? -They have a rigid immovable base; -they are perfect for specific places where you know exactly the measurements of the area where you are going to place it; -you do not need to move them to adjust them to get a comfortable position. On the other hand, this is also a disadvantage if you want to have a footrest for several areas, because this will require you to vary the height, and this type of footrest does not give you this option. We mainly recommend this type if you are going to place it in your home in a single area.

Mobile footrests

What are they like? -These do have adjustable height and can adapt to different environments; -in many models, you can also adjust the degree of inclination. If you tend to move it around, this is your type. On the other hand, if you are always going to have it in the same place, a static one is more economical.

Types of footrests by use

Footrests, according to their use, are also divided into two main types:

Office and home footrests

What are they like? -They are the most used, especially in remote work, studies, and offices; -they are also known as "ergonomic" and coincide with the movable type; -they are usually adjustable in height and inclination, but they are not precisely aesthetic. What they aim to be is useful, which is why their colours are not very striking; -they are designed for frequent and prolonged use. We mainly recommend them for working, whether at home or in other places. They are the most resistant and versatile.

Decorative footrests

What are they like? -Have you heard of the famous puffs? Well, that is the idea. They are very eye-catching, with attractive shapes and bright colors. -they are perfect for decorating a living room, as an extra support for other elements at home and, of course, for occasionally resting your feet. -there are also those shaped like a stool or small bench. They are especially recommended if you need a sense of aesthetics and taste, and they can also serve as extra storage. However, we do not recommend them if you are looking for ergonomics: they are not adaptable or adjustable in height and inclination.

Types of footrests by texture

Finally, footrests can also be divided by their texture into three types:

Foam footrests

What are they like? -They are footrests shaped like a half-cylinder and made with what is called "memory foam". That is, once you have used the footrest for the first time, it takes the perfect shape for you; -they are not adjustable in inclination, which is unnecessary given their cylindrical shape, although they are adjustable in height; -you can also use them to place between your knees thanks to their cushion-like structure. They are perfect if you are looking for something multi-purpose and want something soft and adaptable.

Thermal footrests

What are they like? -you will love them if you tend to have cold feet, they have a thermal regulator inside to adjust the temperature to your liking. -they are the most expensive models, but their comfort compensates for their price; -they come with an ergonomic design with adjustable height and inclination. They are perfect if you work in your own office, home, or study.

Non-slip footrests

What are they like? -they have a rough surface and serve two functions: to prevent slipping and to provide a massage while you work or study. -they are designed to be used barefoot and slide your feet up and down. We do not recommend them in an office environment. However, they are ideal for working or studying from home. Have you already decided which type of footrest is ideal for you? At Officechair365 we have all types of footrests perfect for every situation, you can combine them with ergonomic chairs, gaming chairs and desks to have a comfortable and complete work area. Visit us at our Officechair365 website and see for yourself everything we have. We are waiting for you!