Why a footrest
A desk set up properly starts with the chair. The Health and Safety Executive's checklist says to adjust the chair height so your forearms are roughly horizontal at the desk, and then to check your feet. They should rest flat on the floor without too much pressure from the seat on the backs of your legs. If they do not, a footrest may be needed. The HSE's leaflet says a footrest may be helpful particularly for smaller users, and it often matters most once the chair has been raised to bring your arms level with a desk.
What is in this range
- Hard plastic footrests with a textured top and non-slip feet. Some set their height or angle through several levels; one states a fixed height of 12.5cm.
- A rocking footrest with a curved base, so the feet and ankles can move back and forth instead of staying still.
- A footrest with massage rollers along the top.
- Foam footrests shaped like a cloud, a drop or a half-circle, with mesh or washable covers, which are softer and easy to push about with a foot.
- A cartoon dog footrest, large and flexible, for a desk that can carry a bit of fun.
- An inflatable travel footrest with three layers, for long flights, coach and train journeys.
How to choose a footrest
Height. Sit with the chair set for the desk, and measure the gap between your heel and the floor. That is the height you need. An adjustable footrest lets you change it if you change chairs or share the desk.
Firm or soft. A hard footrest holds its height and angle. A foam one is more comfortable to rest on but squashes a little.
Size. Check it fits under the desk and leaves room to move. The HSE asks for enough space under the desk to change position and stretch.
A footrest is one of three pieces the HSE's guidance points towards for a laptop at a desk, with a laptop stand and a separate keyboard and mouse. Setting up a desk at home: the guide to setting up a laptop desk goes through the rest.
Questions people ask about footrests
Do I need a footrest if my feet reach the floor?
No. The HSE's point is that your feet should be supported. If they rest flat on the floor with the chair set for the desk, they are.
Can I use a footrest at a dining table?
Yes. Many people working from home raise a dining chair with a cushion to reach the table, and a footrest then gives the feet somewhere to go.
How long does delivery take?
Delivery is included in every price and tracked to your door. Each product page says when it usually arrives.
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