Footrests: meaning, definitions and examples

Usually used to describe a part of a chair or a recliner where one can rest their feet comfortably. Often found in office chairs or reclining sofas.

• The new office chair has adjustable footrests for added comfort.
• John loves the footrests on his recliner; they make watching TV so much more relaxing.

Commonly used for a small piece of furniture used to elevate the feet while sitting. Typically, it is separate from the main piece of furniture and is often portable.

• She bought a matching footstool for her armchair.
• The living room has a cozy footstool next to the sofa.

Often refers to either an accessory or part of a piece of furniture designed to support and offer comfort to the feet, particularly in ergonomic settings.

• The ergonomic office setup includes a foot support to reduce leg strain.
• Using a foot support while sitting can help improve your posture.

Informal and less common; can describe any object used to prop up the feet, not necessarily designed for that purpose.

• Grab that box as a foot prop while you sit at the desk.
• She used a small stool as a foot prop while working on her laptop on the couch.

Used mainly in furniture such as chairs, sofas, or airplane seats to provide a place to rest your feet. It's a general term that's quite common.

• The reclining chair has built-in footrests for added comfort.
• Please adjust the footrests on your airplane seat.

Often used in medical or ergonomic contexts to describe devices that help keep feet in a comfortable or healthy position. It’s a more formal term.

• An ergonomic foot support can reduce lower back pain.
• The doctor recommended a specialized foot support for her desk.

Used for furniture where legs are elevated, not just feet. Commonly associated with recliners or some types of beds.

• He stretched out on the couch with the leg rest extended.
• The adjustable leg rest on the bed helps with circulation.

Used less commonly and typically refers to an object specifically designed to prop up feet, often detachable or portable. It can sometimes sound technical.

• He used a wooden foot prop to elevate his feet while sitting.
• The foot prop was handy during the long meeting.