What Can I Use As A Footrest: Best Options And DIY Tips

A footrest can be a dedicated product or a simple everyday object. The key is that it lets your feet land, keeps your legs relaxed, and helps your body sit in a natural, easy way. If it is stable, the right height, and comfortable for your feet, it can work as a footrest right now.

Sitting at a desk feels better when your feet have support. When your feet dangle or search for a place to rest, your legs tense up. Your hips tilt, your back works harder, and your focus slips. A small change under your desk can steady your body and ease strain fast. Think of it like giving your legs a firm ground. Once your feet settle, the rest of your posture lines up with less effort. That is why a footrest—simple or fancy—can be a big win for comfort at work or at home.

Why foot support matters at your desk

Your feet are the base of your sitting posture. When they land well, your thighs relax, your hips sit level, and your back settles into a steady curve. Without that support, your body tries to hold you up in small, tense ways. Over time, that can feel like restless legs, a stiff lower back, or cold toes you keep tucking under your chair.

• Foot support helps your body stack in a calm line. Feet, knees, hips, and back all share the load.
• It takes pressure off the back of your thighs. This helps you sit still without fidgeting.
• It can help your legs feel less “heavy” after long work sessions.
• It makes it easier to keep your chair at a good height for typing. You won’t need to drop the chair just to reach the floor.

A quick desk posture check

Before you choose a footrest, do a simple check. Sit in your normal chair and place your hands on your thighs. Feel where the weight sits. If your feet do not land flat, or if your knees feel higher than your hips, a footrest can help. You want both feet to rest with ease and your knees to bend at a soft right angle.

Try this:

• Adjust your chair so your elbows are near desk height when you type.
• See where your feet end up. If they float, you need support under them.
• Aim for your thighs to feel level and light. No sharp pressure near the seat edge.
• Keep your lower back soft against the chair. No slouch, no arch you must hold.

What can I use as a footrest at home?

You do not need to buy anything to get started. Many common items can work well. The goal is simple: steady, safe, and the right height. If the item does not slide, holds your weight, and feels good under your feet, it is a win.

Good choices at home:

• A strong shipping box with a firm lid
• A stack of thick hardcover books bound together
• A low wooden stool or step stool
• A plastic storage bin flipped upside down
• A yoga block or two stacked side by side
• A rolled yoga mat or a dense foam roller (with care)
• A shoebox packed tight and taped (only for light use)
• A small crate lined with a towel
• A wedge made from folded towels inside a pillowcase

When they work:

• They are stable and do not crush or bend.
• They keep your feet flat or at a slight tilt.
• They have some grip, so your shoes do not slide.

When they do not work:

• The height is off. Too high or too low ruins the effect.
• The top is soft or bouncy. Your ankles work too hard to stay in place.
• The item rolls or tips. That forces you to tense your legs.

How to use common items as a safe footrest

A simple object needs small tweaks to feel solid. Focus on height, surface grip, and angle. A little setup goes a long way. You can tune any household stand-in with tape, cloth, or a mat.

Try these DIY tips:

• Books: Stack large hardcovers. Wrap a belt around them. Pull the belt snug to lock the stack. Add a mouse pad on top for grip.
• Box: Fill the box with old magazines or folded towels. Tape it in an “H” pattern around and under the box for strength.
• Stool: Check the feet. Add felt pads or a thin rug to stop sliding. If the top is slick, add a strip of shelf liner.
• Storage bin: Flip it so the flat side faces up. Place it lengthwise under both feet. Line the top with an old yoga mat.
• Yoga block: Use two side by side. Wrap them in a non-slip drawer liner if they slide.
• Foam roller: Only use a very dense roller. Place it in a cradle made from two doorstops or sand-filled bags. This stops rolling.
• Pillow or cushion: Use only very firm foam. Place a hard book under it to stop sink-in.
• Crate: Cover sharp edges with tape. Add a towel for comfort. Make sure it does not wobble.
• Door wedge: Two wedges facing each other can mimic a tilt. Put a flat board over them for a stable top.

When a purpose-built footrest helps

A dedicated footrest adds easy adjust and long-term comfort. It is great if you work at the same desk for many hours each day. Most models let you set height and tilt in seconds. Many have a textured top that grips your shoes, and some even rock gently to keep your legs moving. This can be a good upgrade once you know what height and feel you like.

Choose a purpose-built option if:

• You share the desk with others and need quick changes.
• Your floor is slick, and you want firm grip on both sides.
• You like a gentle tilt or a rocking motion during calls.
• You want a clean look with less trial and error.

Types of purpose-built footrests

There are many designs on the market. Each one solves a small comfort need in a different way. Think about how you like to sit and move. Then match the style to your habits.

Common types:

• Fixed wedge: A simple angled block. It is stable and low profile. Good if you like a small tilt all day.
• Height-adjustable platform: A flat or gently curved surface with set heights. Great for shared desks.
• Tilt-only footrest: The surface tilts forward and back. Good if your ideal height is fixed but you like ankle motion.
• Rocker footrest: A base that rocks side to side or front to back. Nice for people who fidget or tap.
• Under-desk foot bar: A metal or wood bar that mounts or sits near the base of the desk. Lets you shift leg angle fast.
• Inflatable cushion: Light and portable. You can set the firmness. Works well for travel setups.
• Standing desk rail: A raised bar for resting one foot when standing. Helps you swap feet and ease pressure.

Features to look for in a footrest

You do not need every feature. Pick the few that match your space and habits. Focus on height range first. Then look at top surface, tilt, and size. Last, think about noise and how easy it is to move.

Helpful features:

• Height range: Make sure it covers your sweet spot. Many people land in the 2–6 inch range.
• Tilt range: A 0–15 degree tilt fits most. More tilt is fine, but test it first.
• Surface grip: Look for tread, rubber dots, or a textured top.
• Size: A larger surface helps you shift stance. It also feels steady.
• Materials: Metal frames are strong. Wood looks warm. Plastic is light.
• Weight capacity: Check it if you tend to press hard with your legs.
• Movement: Decide if you want a fixed top or a rocking base.
• Portability: A handle or light weight helps if you store it each day.
• Noise: Test if it creaks or taps when you move your feet.

What to avoid using as a footrest

Not all items are safe or comfortable under your desk. Some choices lead to slips, hot feet, or sore ankles. Others change shape over time, so your setup feels different each day. A few are just too risky.

Skip these:

• Rolling office chairs or stools. They move, and your feet will chase them.
• Unstable boxes. If the top caves in, you can twist an ankle.
• Slippery tops like glossy plastic with no texture. Your feet will slide.
• Very soft pillows or bean bags. Your ankles sink and strain.
• Objects with sharp corners or thin edges. Pressure points build fast.
• Items that are too tall. They push your knees up and tilt your hips back.
• Things tied to your chair legs. They shift each time you roll.

How to choose the right height

The “right” height is the one that makes you forget about your feet. Your legs feel light. Your knees bend at a relaxed angle. Your hips do not tilt back or tip forward. You do not have to hold your posture. It just falls into place.

Here is a fast method:

• Step 1: Set your chair so your forearms rest near desk height while you type.
• Step 2: Place books or a box under your feet. Add or remove layers until your knees bend near a soft right angle.
• Step 3: Check that your thighs feel level and light. No pinch at the seat edge.
• Step 4: Note the height. Measure from the floor to the top of the stack. That is your starting footrest height.

Handy notes:

• Many people like 2–4 inches if they are average height.
• Shorter users may need 4–6 inches or a bit more.
• Very tall users may choose a low lift, like 1–2 inches, just to change leg angle.
• Tiny tweaks matter. A half inch can feel very different.

Position and angle tips

Place your footrest so you can land both feet without reaching. Your shins should not press hard into the edge. Start flat or with a small tilt. Use the tilt to match your ankle’s natural rest angle. A little goes a long way here.

Try this:

• Distance: Put the top edge 2–4 inches in front of your chair wheels.
• Width: Center it with your body, not the desk edge.
• Angle: Start at 0–10 degrees. Only raise more if your ankles like it.
• Feet: Rest the balls of your feet or your full foot. Pick what feels calm for your calves.
• Knees: Keep a small gap under the desk so they do not bump when you lean in.

Setup tips for different desks

Desks vary. So should your setup plan. A deep desk gives you more space to move. A narrow desk with a center drawer may limit height. A sit-stand desk changes how your feet and legs feel during the day.

Match your setup:

• Standard desk: A simple, low platform works. Keep it close so your thighs relax.
• Deep desk: Pick a wider footrest. You will shift feet more, so give yourself room.
• Sit-stand desk: Use a foot bar for standing and a light rocker for sitting. Swap often.
• Desk with center drawer: Measure the knee space. You may need a shorter footrest.
• Corner desk: Angle the footrest toward your keyboard and chair. Keep your legs in line with your body.

Small spaces and shared desks

In tight areas, a foldable or light footrest is handy. You can move it when not in use. In a shared office, quick adjust is key. A simple strap or bucket storage keeps things neat and easy.

Practical moves:

• Choose a fold-flat wedge or a light plastic unit with a handle.
• Mark your ideal spot on the floor with low-profile tape.
• Keep a mouse pad or drawer liner handy to add grip on smooth floors.
• For hot desks, set your height with books first. Then pick a footrest with that same range.

DIY footrest ideas you can build fast

You can build a safe, strong footrest with simple tools. The goal is a wide, steady top and either a flat or a mild tilt. A few low-cost parts can make a pro-grade stand.

Easy builds:

• Belted book block: Stack 3–5 large hardcovers. Wrap with a wide belt in both directions. Pull tight. Top with a rubber mat.
• Wedge board: Cut a 12 x 18 inch board. Lift the front with a 1–2 inch strip of wood. Screw them together. Sand edges. Add grip tape.
• PVC rocker: Cut two 2–3 inch PVC pipes the same length. Place them under a board, parallel, like rails. Add a thin yoga mat on top. Use with care.
• Crate riser: Fill a wooden crate to add weight. Flip it. Screw a thin plywood sheet on top for a flat surface. Add felt feet.
• Foam block: Wrap a dense foam block with a yoga mat. Tape under the block with double-sided carpet tape.

Movement breaks and micro-moves for your feet and legs

A footrest should not lock you in place. Small moves keep you fresh. You can do them while reading or on a call. Think of them as tiny resets for your legs and ankles.

Try these:

• Toe taps: Tap your toes up and down on the footrest. Slow and light.
• Heel rocks: Rock from heel to ball of foot. Switch sides often.
• Ankle circles: Trace small circles with your toes. 10 each way.
• Calf squeezes: Press the balls of your feet down for two seconds. Relax. Repeat five times.
• Leg shifts: Move your feet wide, then narrow. Let your hips follow.

Tips for shorter users

If your feet do not reach the floor, a footrest is a must-have. Raise your chair so your arms match desk height first. Then lift your feet to meet your body. This takes the load off your thighs and lets your back rest.

Helpful ideas:

• Choose a footrest with extra height or stackable parts.
• Use a wide platform so you can place both feet flat.
• Start with a higher setting than you think. Then lower it a little at a time.
• If your desk is tall and fixed, a taller footrest plus a keyboard tray can help.
• Keep the top grippy. Your feet should not chase the surface.

Tips for taller users

Tall people often think they do not need a footrest. But a small lift can make sitting feel better. It changes the hip angle and eases static load. It also gives your legs a break from a single posture.

Suggestions:

• Use a low, wide footrest. Even 1–2 inches can help.
• Pick a rocker if you like to shift weight a lot.
• Watch knee space under the desk. Pick a shallow tilt.
• If your chair is as low as it can go, a slim foot bar can help you vary leg angles.

For people who like to fidget

If you tap your feet or move a lot, you are not alone. A moving footrest can channel that energy in a calm way. It keeps you focused and less tense. The goal is gentle motion, not a workout.

Options:

• A rocker footrest with a smooth arc.
• A tilt footrest that resets when you lift your toes.
• An under-desk bar with a soft cover so you can roll your feet.
• A textured top that lets you shift grip points without sliding.

Care and maintenance for long life

A footrest is a simple tool. With a bit of care, it will last years. Clean it now and then. Check grip pads and screws. Keep it dry and free of grit.

Care tips:

• Wipe with a damp cloth weekly. Dry with a towel.
• Re-stick or replace grip pads if they peel.
• Tighten loose bolts if you hear creaks.
• Keep rugs flat to avoid wobble.
• If the top gets slick, add a strip of grip tape.

Troubleshooting common issues

Small tweaks solve most footrest problems. Listen to what your legs tell you. If something feels off, change one thing at a time. Height, distance, and angle are the big three.

Fixes:

• Feet slide forward: Add a mouse pad or grip tape. Lower the tilt a bit.
• Ankles feel sore: Reduce tilt. Try a softer top or lower the height.
• Knees bump the desk: Move the footrest closer and lower the height.
• Calves feel tight: Place your feet a little wider and lower. Do light ankle circles.
• Chair feels too high: Lower the chair a notch. Raise the footrest a little to match.
• Noise when rocking: Add felt pads to the base. Tighten bolts. Place it on a rug.

Quick setup checklist

Use this list to dial in your setup in minutes. Keep it nearby while you test. A few small steps make a big change.

Checklist:

• Chair height: Set so your elbows line up with your desk.
• Footrest height: Adjust until your knees bend near a right angle.
• Thigh feel: No hard edge pressure. Light and level.
• Angle: Start near flat. Add a small tilt if it feels good.
• Distance: Place the front edge 2–4 inches from your chair.
• Grip: Make sure the top and bottom do not slide.
• Motion: If you like to move, pick a rocker or tilt base.
• Test: Sit for 20 minutes and note how you feel. Tweak as needed.

Budget-friendly ways to get started

You can get big comfort gains with little or no cost. Start with what you have. Use your test run to learn what you like. Then decide if you want a long-term tool.

Ideas:

• Try a book stack for a week. Take notes on height and tilt.
• Borrow a step stool from the kitchen. Add a towel for grip.
• Use a yoga block pair. Wrap with drawer liner if needed.
• Ask a friend if you can test their footrest for a day.
• If you upgrade, pick a model that matches your test notes.

Footrest placement with different chairs

Chairs vary in seat slope and cushion feel. Your footrest should work with the chair, not against it. Pay attention to how the front edge of the chair meets your thighs.

Tips by chair type:

• Waterfall seat front: A mild tilt footrest pairs well. It follows the curve.
• Flat seat: Keep the footrest low at first. Add tilt slowly.
• Firm seat: Use a softer footrest top or a rug layer.
• Soft seat: Use a steady, wide footrest so you don’t sink and tip.

Under-desk cable and clutter management

Cords and footrests do not mix well. Clear the floor area so you can move your feet without snags. A tidy space also cuts noise and wobble.

Do this:

• Route cords along the desk legs with clips or ties.
• Park surge strips on the side wall, not on the floor in front.
• Use a cable tray under the desk to lift the mess.
• Leave a 20–24 inch wide zone for your footrest and feet.

Seasonal comfort: cold floors, hot days

Your feet feel the season first. Cold floors can make you tense. Hot days can make your feet stick. Small tweaks keep things pleasant year-round.

Seasonal shifts:

• Cold floors: Add a thin rug or felt pads under the footrest. Wear socks with grip.
• Hot days: Use a mesh-topped rest or a breathable mat. Avoid sticky rubber tops.
• Rainy days: Dry your shoes before you sit. Wet soles will slip.
• Winter boots: Lower your footrest a little. Boots add height.

Gentle habits that make sitting easier

A footrest is one part of the setup. Small habits keep your body feeling good. None of these are strict rules. They are light nudges toward ease.

Helpful habits:

• Change your foot position every 15–20 minutes.
• Stand up for a minute each hour if you can.
• Breathe deep and slow when you feel tense.
• Keep a bottle of water nearby. Short sips lead to natural breaks.
• Stretch your ankles while you read or wait on a call.

Buying checklist if you decide to upgrade

If you move from a DIY option to a product, shop with purpose. Your earlier tests tell you what to get. Match the features to your notes. Skip extras you will not use.

Buying notes:

• Height range covers your ideal plus minus one inch.
• Surface is grippy but easy to clean.
• Base is stable on your floor type.
• Noise is low during tilt or rock.
• Size fits your desk space and your stance.
• Return policy allows a test run at home.

Common myths about footrests

There are a few ideas that can cause confusion. Here are simple, clear takes to guide your choices. Keep the focus on comfort and natural posture.

Myths, busted:

• “Only short people need a footrest.” Not true. Many tall folks enjoy a small lift to shift weight and relax.
• “More tilt is always better.” Not true. Too much tilt can tire your ankles.
• “Soft is always comfy.” Not true. Too soft makes your feet work to stay stable.
• “Any box will do.” Not true. It must be strong and safe.
• “A footrest locks you in one posture.” Not true. Many help you move more.

FAQ

Q: What can I use as a footrest right now?
A: Try a strong box, a stack of hardcover books wrapped with a belt, a small stool, or a yoga block pair. Add a mouse pad on top for grip.

Q: How high should my footrest be?
A: Set your chair for typing first. Then raise your feet until your knees bend near a right angle and your thighs feel light. Many people land in the 2–6 inch range.

Q: Do I need tilt?
A: Not always. Flat works well for many. A small tilt can feel nice for your ankles. Start near flat and add tilt only if it helps.

Q: Is a rocker footrest better?
A: It is different, not better for all. A rocker helps people who like to fidget. If you want steady support, a fixed top may suit you more.

Q: Can a pillow work as a footrest?
A: Only if it is very firm. Soft pillows sink and make your ankles work hard. Place a book under it if you must use one.

Q: Will a footrest fix my back pain?
A: A footrest can help your posture feel easier. But many factors affect back comfort. Use it as one part of a calm, well-fitted desk setup.

Q: What should I avoid?
A: Avoid rolling items, weak boxes, slippery tops, sharp edges, and anything too tall. Safety and stability come first.

Q: Do I need a wide footrest?
A: Wider is often more comfy. It lets you shift your stance. If your space is tight, pick a smaller one but keep some room to move.

Q: How do I keep it from sliding?
A: Add felt pads, rubber feet, or a thin rug. Drawer liner or a mouse pad also helps with grip.

Q: Can kids use a footrest for homework?
A: Yes, with care. Pick a stable, low-height rest. Check that their feet land flat and that their knees bend with ease.

Conclusion

The best footrest is the one that helps your body relax into a natural, easy sit. It can be a strong box, a stack of books, a simple wedge, or a purpose-built tool. Focus on the right height, steady grip, and a spot that lets both feet land without effort. Small tweaks lead to a big lift in comfort. Start with what you have, learn what feels right, and then refine. At ErgonomicZone.com, we believe the simplest setup that keeps you steady is the one you will use every day.