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Desk accessories / Buying guide

Compact footrests for narrow desks

Compare two foam footrests by floor footprint and unloaded height. Check both feet, chair castors and knee clearance before choosing.

Both feet on a compact footrest beneath a narrow desk, clear of chair castors
Workspace illustration

The short answer

Measure the floor space and your knees together

Tape the footrest’s full footprint between the desk supports. Try both feet on it at your normal seat height, then check knee space and the chair’s turning path.

The fit comparison

Compare the published fit limits

Footprints are overall dimensions. Heights are unloaded and foam will compress in use.

Scroll across the table for every fit check.

Published fit limits
Model Overall footprintListed heightFit check
Leitz Ergo Cosy footrest, warm yellow Smaller foam footprint 40.5 × 26 cm overall14 cm unloadedTry support and compression with both feet.
Duronic FT06 cushion footrest A cushion that packs away 44 × 30 cm combined footprint17 cm stacked, unloadedCheck the lower arrangement and knee room.

Measure the clear floor area

Measure between the desk legs and braces at floor level, including any cabinet or tray support that narrows the space. Place the chair at typing distance and mark where the front castors turn. The useful space for a footrest can be smaller than the opening measured at the front of the desk.

Set your chair for comfortable keyboard height and supported thighs. Try a temporary stable support near the required height before choosing a footrest. Check the clearance above your knees with both feet supported. A taller rest can raise the knees towards a drawer or front rail, even while it helps the feet reach a surface.

Leitz Ergo Cosy for a 40.5 × 26 cm footprint

The warm-yellow Leitz Ergo Cosy 53710019 has an overall footprint of 40.5 × 26 cm and a listed 14 cm unloaded height. It has a foam core and a removable fabric cover. Check the orientation that supports both feet and allow for compression under normal use.

Smaller foam footprint

Leitz Ergo Cosy footrest, warm yellow

A foam footrest with a 40.5 × 26 cm footprint and a stated 14 cm unloaded height.

Check before you buy

Check the orientation for both feet, compression under use and clearance from chair castors.

  • 40.5 × 26 cm footprint
  • 14 cm unloaded height
  • Removable hand-washable cover
See on Amazon UK

The maker describes turning it over for a rocking action. Check the moving envelope as well as the flat footprint if you intend to use it that way. Try it in socks, bare feet or the footwear you normally use, following the product guidance.

Duronic FT06 for a choice of cushion arrangement

The FT06 uses a curved cushion and a separate flat cushion. Its combined footprint is 44 × 30 cm, with a listed 17 cm unloaded height when stacked. Compare the lower arrangement as well as the stacked one. Measure the resulting knee position at your normal seat setting.

A cushion that packs away

Duronic FT06 cushion footrest

The FT06 uses a curved top cushion and a removable flat base. The combined footprint is 44 × 30 cm, and the cushion can move with a temporary work setup.

Check before you buy

The combined 17 cm height is an unloaded outer measurement. Check the height under your feet and whether the base grips your actual floor.

  • 44 × 30 cm footprint
  • 17 cm unloaded when stacked
  • Two cushion pieces
See on Amazon UK

The extra width and depth may help the feet stay supported, but check the side clearance for the desk legs and chair. A foam rest can change shape under load, so judge support and stability in use rather than comparing unloaded heights alone.

Try the chair movement with the rest in place

Tape each outline on the floor before ordering. A clear gap of 46 cm gives only 1 cm on each side of a centred 44 cm rest before allowing for movement or angled placement. Turn the chair, roll back and stand, checking where the castors pass. Leave access for both feet without twisting around the base.

If the rest moves during use, check the floor, base grip and the maker’s instructions. Recheck after changing the chair height or moving to carpet. Keep the chair and footrest collision guide with your under-desk measurements.

Common questions

How narrow should a footrest be?

Compare its complete footprint with the clear floor space and the chair’s castor sweep. Try both feet in their normal position.

Should I choose by the listed height alone?

Check knee clearance, foam compression and the support you feel at your normal seat height.

Can I turn a rectangular footrest sideways?

Check whether that orientation supports both feet and matches the product’s intended use.

What changes if I use the rocking side?

Allow for its movement as well as the static footprint, and keep it clear of castors and desk supports.

What if a footrest brings my knees into the drawer?

Recheck the seat, keyboard and lowest desk obstruction together. Try a lower approved arrangement or a different desk clearance.

Sources and selection

Sources and Amazon UK listings checked in November 2026. This guide uses published specifications, manufacturer instructions and measurements to take in your own setup.