Ah, the struggle of finding the perfect spot for everything – and everyone – in a home, especially when space is tight. I remember looking for a solution to prop up my tired feet after a long day or needing an extra perch when guests arrived unexpectedly. Failing to address this often leads to slouching uncomfortably or resorting to makeshift, unstable options that are less than ideal and could even be a tripping hazard. That’s where a good, small stool or footrest becomes essential.
Considering Your Needs Before Selecting a Small Stool
Before you jump into buying just any small chair or footrest, it’s worth thinking about what you really need it for. Are you someone who spends hours at a desk and needs a place to elevate your legs for better circulation? Or perhaps you’re setting up a cozy reading nook and need a comfortable spot for your feet? Maybe you need a handy seat for tying shoes by the door, a makeup vanity chair, or just an extra spot for unexpected visitors in the living room. These pieces solve the problem of providing flexible seating or ergonomic support without taking up a ton of real estate.
The ideal customer for this type of small chair under desk or ottoman is someone who values versatility and needs a solution for specific tasks or comfort needs in a limited area. They might live in an apartment, have a compact office setup, or just need a functional addition to a room without clutter. However, if you need something that doubles as storage, or a primary seating option for extended periods, or perhaps a piece for a very heavy individual (exceeding the typical weight limit), then a small stool like this might not be the best fit. In those cases, you might look at storage ottomans, full-sized accent chairs, or heavy-duty benches. When making your choice, consider the dimensions carefully to ensure it fits your intended space and under your desk or vanity, think about the height, the material’s durability and ease of cleaning, the required assembly, and, of course, your budget.
Introducing the Memobarco Saddle Seat Stool
This brings me to the subject of this review: the Memobarco Ottoman Foot Rest, 18 inch Leather Vanity Stool Chair. This piece promises to be a versatile, sturdy, and comfortable solution for various needs around the house. It’s essentially a compact stool featuring a thick, saddle-shaped seat cushion perched on a metal X-leg base. When you purchase it, you receive the necessary parts for assembly and clear instructions. Compared to basic, flat-top stools, the unique saddle seat is designed for enhanced comfort, specifically for propping up feet or sitting for short periods. It’s designed for anyone who needs a multi-purpose, space-saving seat or footrest – perfect for vanities, desks, living rooms, or entryways. It’s probably not the best choice if you’re looking for a plush lounge ottoman or something with a very large surface area.
Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons I’ve experienced:
Pros:
* Ergonomic saddle-shaped seat is surprisingly comfortable.
* Sturdy metal X-leg base feels very stable.
* Quality faux leather is easy to clean.
* Versatile height and function for multiple uses.
* Simple and quick assembly process.
* Adjustable feet help stability on uneven floors.
Cons:
* Faux leather look/feel might not satisfy those expecting genuine leather.
* Can slide on smooth floors like wood or tile.
* Potential for minor assembly hiccups with screw alignment (though the stool remains sturdy).
* No storage capacity.
Features & How They Perform in Daily Use
Comfort-Focused Saddle Seat Design
The first thing you notice about this ottoman foot rest is its distinctive saddle shape. It’s not just for looks; this design contours to your body, making it genuinely comfortable whether you’re using it as a footrest or sitting on it. The seat cushion is quite thick, boasting 4 inches of high-density sponge padding. This provides a firm yet comfortable surface that doesn’t flatten out immediately. The covering is a sturdy faux leather, which feels durable and looks pretty sleek.
Using it as a footrest under my desk, the saddle shape cradles my calves and feet, allowing them to relax more naturally than just propping them on a flat surface. This is a significant benefit if you spend hours sitting; it promotes better posture and circulation, alleviating pressure points that can develop when your feet are flat on the floor or propped up awkwardly. For me, this feature alone is a game-changer for desk comfort. When used as a seat, it feels supportive and comfortable for tasks like putting on shoes or doing makeup, though I wouldn’t choose it for lounging. The faux leather is also surprisingly soft to the touch.
Robust Construction and Material Quality
The Memobarco stool feels solid, thanks to its X-shaped metal leg structure. The legs are substantial, measuring an inch thick, and the design distributes weight effectively. The stated weight capacity is 300 lbs, which feels accurate based on my use and how sturdy it is when someone sits on it. This robust build is crucial; you don’t want a wobbly footrest or a chair that feels like it might collapse. The metal legs are powder-coated, which adds to their durability and gives them a clean, modern look that complements the white seat.
The seat’s covering is quality bonded leather, specified at a 3 mm thickness. While one user mentioned it didn’t feel exactly like real leather, which is a valid observation as it *is* faux/bonded leather, it doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy. It has a consistent texture and appears well-stitched. A major benefit of this material is how easy it is to clean – spills wipe right off with a damp cloth, which is essential for a piece that might see use near food, drinks, or makeup. This material choice balances aesthetics, durability, and practicality. The adjustable feet on the bottom of the legs are a small but vital detail. They allow you to level the stool on uneven floors, preventing that annoying wobble that can make any piece of furniture feel unstable and poorly made.
Remarkable Multi-Functionality
The true value of this small ottoman lies in its versatility. At 18 inches tall, it hits a sweet spot for various uses. As a footrest, it’s the right height for most standard couches and chairs to provide comfortable leg elevation. Under a desk or vanity, it tucks away neatly when not in use, hence the “small chair under desk” application in the product name.
Beyond foot resting, I’ve used it extensively as a vanity stool. The height is perfect for sitting at a typical makeup desk or counter. It’s also become the go-to seat by the front door for putting on shoes – much more convenient than balancing or leaning against a wall. In the living room, it serves as instant extra seating for kids or even adults during gatherings. Its compact size means you can easily move it from room to room wherever an extra seat or footrest is needed. This adaptability is a significant advantage, making it far more useful than a single-purpose piece of furniture. Its modest dimensions (12.4″D x 16.34″W x 17.72″H) mean it really doesn’t demand much space, making it suitable even for tight corners.
Hassle-Free Assembly Experience
Putting furniture together can often be a frustrating chore, but assembling this Memobarco foot rest was surprisingly easy. The instructions provided are straightforward, and all the necessary hardware is included. It took me less than 15 minutes, working by myself. It mainly involves attaching the legs to the seat using a few screws. While one user reported a minor issue with a single screw not threading perfectly, leaving it slightly out (though it didn’t affect stability or appearance), my experience was smooth, with all screws fitting snugly. This quick setup means you can start using the stool almost immediately after unboxing, which is always a plus.
Minor Disadvantages
While overwhelmingly positive, there are a couple of minor points to consider. As mentioned, the seat material is faux leather, which is excellent for durability and cleaning, but if you’re specifically hoping for the look, feel, or smell of genuine leather, you might be slightly disappointed. It’s a bonded/faux material, which is clearly stated in the product details, but worth noting depending on your preference.
Another small issue, also noted by a user, is that the stool can tend to slide on smooth, hard surfaces like polished wood or tile floors. The adjustable feet are plastic and don’t have much grip. This isn’t a major problem if you’re mindful or place it on a rug, but if you need it to stay firmly put on a slick floor, you might want to add adhesive felt pads or rubber grippers to the feet.
What Others Are Saying
After spending time with this Memobarco ottoman, I took a peek online to see if others shared my positive experience. It turns out many users are quite happy with their purchase. People consistently praise how easy the stool is to put together, often noting it takes under 15 minutes. Many find the size and height to be perfect for their specific needs, whether it’s for a vanity, under a desk, or at the end of a bed. The comfort of the cushion and the sturdiness of the metal base are frequently highlighted as key benefits, with users feeling they got good value for their money. It seems my positive impressions regarding assembly, size, comfort, and sturdiness are widely shared among other buyers.
Concluding Thoughts on the Memobarco Stool
If you’re dealing with the problem of needing extra seating, a comfortable footrest, or a specific-height stool in a small space, not addressing it can lead to persistent discomfort or clutter. The Memobarco Ottoman Foot Rest, 18 inch Leather Vanity Stool Chair offers a compelling solution. Its clever saddle design prioritizes comfort, the sturdy metal construction ensures durability and safety, and its 18-inch height makes it incredibly versatile for numerous tasks around the home. For anyone seeking a functional, stylish, and space-saving piece that serves multiple purposes without breaking the bank, this versatile ottoman is definitely worth considering. To learn more or purchase, Click here.