There is a distinct kind of panic known only to those who own a beautiful, plush velvet sofa when a toddler approaches with a glass of blackcurrant squash. For years, the UK has been swept up in the velvet revolution, and while we love the shimmer of a jewel-toned fabric, the reality of a lived-in family home is often less glamorous. Between muddy paws and Friday night wine spills, the high-maintenance nature of fabric is leading many to a more resilient alternative. Enter the leather footstool, the unsung hero of the modern British lounge.