Before bean bags and ottomans flooded our living rooms, there was one small but mighty piece of furniture that quietly supported our tired feet, offered a quick seat, or served as a child’s secret hiding spot during games of hide-and-seek: the hassock.
If you’re thinking, “A what now?”—you’re not alone. The word hassock isn’t as common as it once was, but chances are, you or someone you know had one in their home growing up. And depending on where you lived or what your family called it, you might not have called it a hassock at all.
What Is a Hassock, Anyway?
A hassock is a low, padded piece of furniture, often used as a footstool. Traditionally, it didn’t have legs and was completely upholstered. Unlike an ottoman, which often has storage or serves double duty as a coffee table, the hassock was more singular in purpose: rest your feet, maybe sit on it, and sometimes kick it around the room (if your mom wasn’t watching).
In churches, the word “hassock” is also used to describe the kneeling cushions used during prayer. But in most households, especially in mid-20th century America and the UK, the hassock was a staple of the living room.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
Ask around, and you’ll be surprised by how many people remember having “one of those”—even if they didn’t know the proper name. Some called it a footstool, others a pouf, a tuffet, or just “that round thing by the chair.” It was usually vinyl or fabric-covered, sometimes button-tufted, and often sat obediently beside dad’s recliner.
Some were firm, others were squishy. Some even doubled as storage—pop the top, and you might find old knitting supplies, dusty TV remotes, or forgotten photo albums.
“I used to sit on ours and pretend it was a horse,” one woman recalled in an online forum. Another said, “My grandma had a green vinyl one that squeaked every time you moved it—still remember the sound to this day.”
Where Did They Go?
The hassock fell out of favor as home design trends shifted toward minimalism, multi-functional furniture, and open spaces. Ottomans, with their storage options and more modern designs, largely replaced the humble hassock. Still, vintage lovers and mid-century design fans are bringing them back—often scouring thrift stores or online marketplaces for the perfect retro find.
Today, you might spot a hassock rebranded as a floor pouf or boho footstool, dressed in Moroccan leather or chunky knit wool, fitting right in with modern aesthetics.
So—Did You Have One?
Maybe it was vinyl. Maybe it was plaid. Maybe it sat in your grandparents’ house and doubled as a toy, a stool, or a drum. Whatever you called it—hassock, footstool, pouf—it likely holds a nostalgic place in your memory.
So, here’s the real question: Who had one of these, and what did you call it?
We’d love to know. Share your stories—and maybe even a photo—of your favorite hassock memory.
