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Foot rests are designed to keep your feet supported and comfortable. Footrests are used to bring the floor up to those users that need it. With the standard desk height of around 710 mm, this includes many people of medium height, both men and women. If when you sit with your fingertips on the middle row of the keyboard (with your elbows at right angles and your wrists flat) you have noticeable pressure on the underside of the thighs, you need one. Design quality is generally poor for these products, and they often fail to achieve their aims, so choose carefully or make your own.
The first thing to consider when purchasing a foot rest is the style or color. This is particularly true if you are planning to add the foot rest to a room that already has established furniture. Naturally, you will want your foot rest to fit within the décor of your room. If you cannot find a foot rest that exactly matches the other pieces of furniture in your room, consider purchasing one in a neutral color. This way, it will compliment your décor without distracting from it.
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After you have selected several foot rests that fit within the style of your room, it is time to consider the practical use of your ottoman. If you expect to use your foot rest as more than just a decoration, you need to make sure it will be comfortable.
Also, make sure the foot rest is well padded. This is particularly true around the outer edges, where your legs will likely make contact as you place your feet in the middle of the foot rest. If the edges are not properly padded, they can cut into your leg as you rest your feet and can become quite uncomfortable.
Also consider the size of the foot rest. If it will be paired with a chair, it should be fairly small, yet large enough to accommodate one user. If it will be placed in front of a couch, on the other hand, you might want to purchase a larger foot rest that can be used by many people at the same time.
A footrest may not be suitable if you have a painful, stiff or weak knee, as your knee will remain unsupported. This can put strain on the ligaments behind the joint and could lead to discomfort.
Foot rests with legs that are independently height-adjustable or which have an adjustable angle top, will enable the supporting surface to be sloped downwards. This will provide a comfortable support and will distribute the pressure evenly down the leg length. Many are available with T-shaped legs and a slightly concave top.
Fixed height foot rests should be tried out for comfort before purchase as they cannot be adjusted to suit the individual user. Most are available with a choice of vinyl or fabric upholstery and wooden or metal frames.
The weight of the footstool or leg rest needs to be considered as the footstool will need to be moved out of the way when you stand up and put back in place when you are seated.
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Foot Rest
