There are footstools, and then there are Highland cow footstools. One of them quietly holds your feet up. The other has a shaggy fringe, a pair of horns and a habit of becoming the most talked-about thing in the room.
Highland cow footstools have become one of the UK's favourite pieces of quirky furniture, and at Red Candy they are consistently our best-selling furniture line. In this guide we will explain why people love them, how to choose the right one, and which characters in our herd might be right for your home.
Why Are Highland Cow Footstools So Popular?
Highland cows are a symbol of the Scottish Highlands: hardy, shaggy and impossibly cute. Turn one into a footstool and you get a piece of furniture that is practical, cosy and full of character, all at once. Here is why they keep flying out of the door:
- Instant personality. A neutral living room becomes interesting the moment a fluffy cow moves in.
- Texture. Faux fur adds warmth and softness, which makes a room feel cosier through the colder months.
- Versatility. They work as a footrest, a perch for guests, a children's seat or simply a statement piece.
- They make an unforgettable gift. Nobody forgets the year they were given a cow for Christmas.
We first wrote about why these shaggy beasts are so udderly loved a few years ago, and the obsession has only grown since.
How to Choose a Highland Cow Footstool
1. Pick Your Colour
The classic Highland cow is a warm ginger, but you do not have to stop there. Grey suits cooler, Scandi-style schemes; teal makes a bold statement; and tartan brings a heritage look that feels perfect in winter.
2. Think About Height and Size
As a rule, a footstool used as a footrest should sit at roughly the same height as your sofa seat. Check the dimensions on each product page and measure your sofa before you buy. If you want it to double as extra seating, make sure it is a comfortable height to perch on.
3. Consider Who Will Use It
Got children or pets? A sturdy frame and solid wooden legs matter. Faux fur is also easy to refresh with a gentle brush, which keeps the shaggy coat looking its best.
4. Decide Where It Will Live
In front of the sofa, at the end of a bed, beside a fireplace or in a child's bedroom, each spot suits a slightly different size and colour. For more ideas, read our guide on how to style a footstool.
Meet the Herd: Our Highland Cow Footstools
Hamish the Highland Cow Footstool
Hamish is the classic. Ginger, fuzzy, sturdy and full of charm, he is the footstool most of our customers picture when they think of a Highland cow. If you only buy one, make it Hamish.
Rumi the Highland Cow Faux Fur Footstool
Rumi is extra cosy, with soft faux fur and wooden legs. A great choice for a bedroom or a snug reading corner.
Gilbert the Grey Highland Cow Footstool
Gilbert swaps ginger for a sophisticated grey. He blends beautifully into neutral, grey or Scandi-inspired interiors while still bringing plenty of character.
Tallulah the Teal Highland Cow Footstool
Want a cow that really makes a statement? Tallulah is a bold teal beast designed for anyone bored of beige floors.
Tassie and the Red Tartan Cow
For a heritage feel, Tassie the Tartan Cow and the Red Tartan Cow footstool bring a touch of Scottish lodge style. They look especially at home at Christmas.
The Belted Cow Footstool
Inspired by the Belted Galloway breed, the Belted Cow footstool has a striking black-and-white look that works brilliantly in monochrome rooms.
See every design in our Highland cow footstools collection.
Not a Cow Person? Meet the Rest of the Farmyard
Highland cows might be the stars, but they have plenty of friends. Our animal footstools collection also includes:
- Benton the Bull: a faux leather ottoman with horns and humour, and our single best-selling footstool this season.
- Trotty the Pig: pink, cheerful and impossible not to smile at.
- Sian the Sheep: fluffy, soft and ideal for a cosy bedroom.
- Harold the Hippo: a faux leather ottoman with hidden storage and a big smile.
- Elton the Elephant: complete with ears and a trunk.
Animal lovers will also find hundreds more ideas in our gifts for cow lovers and gifts for animal lovers collections.
A Highland Cow Footstool as a Christmas Gift
Looking for a big "wow" present this Christmas? A Highland cow footstool is the kind of gift people talk about for years. It is personal, practical and properly unusual. It also makes a brilliant housewarming gift for someone who has just moved in and needs a bit of personality in their new place.
Gift tip: footstools are larger items, so order early in the Christmas season to make sure yours arrives in time.
How to Care for a Faux Fur Footstool
- Brush the fur gently with a soft brush to keep it fluffy and untangled.
- Spot clean spills straight away with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid soaking the fabric.
- Keep it out of strong direct sunlight to stop the colour fading.
- Always follow any specific care instructions supplied with your footstool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Highland cow footstools comfortable?
Yes. They have padded tops covered in soft faux fur, making them comfortable both as a footrest and as an occasional seat.
Can adults sit on a Highland cow footstool?
Our footstools are built on sturdy frames with solid legs and are designed to be used as footrests and occasional seats. Check the product page of your chosen design for its dimensions.
What colours do Highland cow footstools come in?
At Red Candy you can choose classic ginger (Hamish and Rumi), grey (Gilbert), teal (Tallulah), tartan (Tassie and the Red Tartan Cow) and black and white (the Belted Cow).
Do Highland cow footstools make good gifts?
They make fantastic gifts for Christmas, birthdays and housewarmings, especially for anyone who loves Scotland, cows or quirky interiors.
Bring a Little Highland Magic Home
Whether you go for classic ginger Hamish, bold teal Tallulah or a festive tartan cow, a Highland cow footstool is the easiest way to add warmth, texture and personality to your home. Meet the whole herd in our Highland cow footstools collection.
