Skip to main content

British Hardwood Footstools

106
3
to
32
89
19
109
109
109
26
16
9
5
5
4
3
1
3
45
57
3
14
24
2
2
1
4
2
1
1
12
1
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
62
15
1
4
1
3
1
3
1
3
1
3
16
7
5
3
3
Sort By
William 1Vth English circular Footstool / Sewing Box Inlaid Hardwood, Circa 1830
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a rare example of an English Combination Lidded Foot Stool complete with an integral sewing box, hardwood with inlaid detail and dating to the early 19th century, William 1Vt...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century English William IV Footstools

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood, Walnut

STUNNiNG & COLLECTABLE VINTAGE GEORGE SMITH CHELSEA KILIM FOOTSTOOL OTTOMAN
By George Smith
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this exquisite and highly collectable Vintage George Smith Kilim Ottoman Please note the delivery fee list...
Category

20th Century English Kilim Footstools

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

PAIR OF ANTIQUE BROWN LEATHER CHESTERFIELD TUFTED REGENCY FRAMED FOOTSTOOLs
By Chesterfield
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of restored hand dyed brown leather Antique Chesterfield footstools with X-Framed Regency...
Category

Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Footstools

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

PAIR OF RESTORED CHESTERFIELD FOOTSTOOL OTTOMANS IN RiCH HAND DYED BROWN LEATHER
By Chesterfield
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning pair of original circa 1930's Art Deco, super comfortable hand dyed saddle brown le...
Category

Vintage 1930s English Art Deco Footstools

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Danish Modern G Plan Saddleback Teak Ottoman
By G-Plan
Located in Charleston, SC
Vintage mid century G plan Saddleback Footstool on castors. Original upholstery in black vinyl with float buttons. Versatile, stunning shape and fits two pairs of feet or useful as ...
Category

Vintage 1960s English Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Metal

Lovely Hardwood and Embroidered Floral Vintage Footstool Stool
Located in GB
Here we have for sale this lovely mahogany and embroidered floral vintage footstool stool. This footstool is the perfect size for sliding under a wingback armchair. As you can see fr...
Category

20th Century English Victorian Footstools

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

1 OF 2 GEORGE SMITH EXTRA LARGE CHESTERFiELD BLACK LEATHER TUFTED FOOTSTOOLS
By George Smith
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer 1 of 2 lightly restored very large Black leather Chesterfield buttoned George Smith hearth footstools Please note t...
Category

20th Century English Chesterfield Footstools

Materials

Beech, Leather

PAIR OF ANTIQUE REGENCY BROWN LEATHER CHESTERFIELD BARON X FRAMED FOOTSTOOLs
By Chesterfield
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of fully restored hand dyed brown leather Antique Chesterfield footstools with X-Framed B...
Category

Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Footstools

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

SMALL ANTIQUE GEORGIAN STYLE ENGLiSH COUNTRY HOUSE FOOTSTOOL EMBROIDERED TOP
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely small English Country House circa 1920's Embroidered footstool designed to go with a wingback ar...
Category

Vintage 1920s English Georgian Footstools

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

RARE ANTIQUE GEORGIAN 1760 CHESTERFIELD LEATHER FOOTSTOOL WiTH SLIP SERVING TRAY
By Chesterfield
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this super rare, hand made in England circa 1780 Georgian footstool with unique Butlers slip serving tray wh...
Category

Antique 1760s English Georgian Footstools

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Scottish Wool Upholstered Stools
Located in Greenwich, CT
Two early 20th century aesthetic movement stools in ebonized beech with new lettuce green 100% scottish wool upholstered tops with brass stud detailing, both with box spindle stretch...
Category

Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Footstools

Materials

Beech

Scottish Wool Upholstered Stools
Scottish Wool Upholstered Stools
H 21.5 in W 17 in D 14 in
SMALL ANTiQUE GEORGIAN ENGLISH COUNTRY HOUSE FOOTSTOOL EMBROIDERED TOP BUN FEET
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely small English Country House circa 1800's Embroidered footstool designed to go with a wingback ar...
Category

Antique Early 1800s English Georgian Footstools

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

FINE ANTIQUE ViCTORIAN CLAW & BALL BROWN LEATHER RESTORED CHESTERFIELD FOOTSTOOL
By Chesterfield
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning fully restored hand dyed cigar brown leather Victorian Chesterfield footstool with ...
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Footstools

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Late 20th Century English Ebonized & Upholstered Footstool with NailHead Trims
Located in Germantown, MD
Late 20th Century Ebonized and Upholstered Footstool with NailHead Trims in great vintage condition. Measures 14" in width, 14" in depth and stands 4.5" high.
Category

Late 20th Century English Modern Footstools

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

SUBLIME PAiR OF ANTIQUE VICTORIAN CLAW & BALL HARDWOOD FRAMED SMALL FOOTSTOOLS
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this exquisite pair of Victorian hand carved Mahogany, Claw & Ball feet, small footstools with floral uphols...
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Footstools

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

Fully Restored George III Style Hand Carved Bench Stool with Lion Hairy Paw Feet
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this fully restored absolutely sublime George III style vintage hand carved mahogany bench stool A very well presented hand carved stool, each l...
Category

Antique Late 18th Century English George III Stools

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

Victorian Antique William & Mary Style Hardwood Embroidered Footstool Ottoman
Located in GB
We are is delighted to offer for sale this lovely hand Embroidered mahogany framed William & Mary style Victorian footstool or ottoman which is part of a suite This stool is part ...
Category

Antique 19th Century English William and Mary Footstools

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

Stunning Victorian Antique William & Mary Style Hardwood Embroidered Footstool
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely hand Embroidered mahogany framed William & Mary style Victorian footstool which is part of a suite A very good looking well made and...
Category

Antique 19th Century English William and Mary Footstools

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

Antique Regency circa 1815 Brown Leather Hardwood Lion's Hairy Paw Footstool
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning, totally original circa 1810-1820 Regency brown leather with Rosewood frame footstool finished with Lion's hairy paw feet Please n...
Category

Antique 1810s English Regency Footstools

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Very Fine Pair of Early 19th Century Stools
Located in Dublin, IE
A very fine pair of early 19th century fruitwood stools, finely hand carved with gorgeously rich patination and grain. The padded, deep buttoned seat is of square form and upholstere...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Footstools

Materials

Brass

Very Fine Pair of Early 19th Century Stools
Very Fine Pair of Early 19th Century Stools
H 18.5 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
1970s English G-plan Teak based leather/cloth footstool designed by Kofod larsen
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in London, GB
Individual 1970s leather/textile covered teak based footstools, designed by Danish designer Kofod larsen for British furniture company G-plan. These exquisite footstools can be upho...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Teak

Fine Victorian Flower Upholstery Claw and Ball Carved Foot Stool
Located in Pulborough, GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this Lovely Victorian flowery upholstery claw and ball carved footstool. Raised on very detailed claw and ball feet, the upholstery has lovely f...
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Stools

Materials

Hardwood

English 19th Century Upholstered Stool
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A darling English Regency style stool circa 1880. The solid walnut frame showcases swirling and folate carved designs on the legs and finishes with spoon feet. Upholstered in worn ch...
Category

Antique 19th Century English Other Stools

Materials

Walnut, Hardwood, Wood, Textile, Fabric

English 19th Century Upholstered Stool
English 19th Century Upholstered Stool
H 18.5 in W 19.25 in D 14.5 in
Retro Armchair and Footstool
Located in Tarleton, GB
Retro Lounge Armchair & Footstool  So comfortable, stylish and in excellent original condition.  In the same family from new and hardy used! This is a lovely high quality sofa from...
Category

1990s British Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Retro Armchair and Footstool
Retro Armchair and Footstool
Free Shipping
H 38.19 in W 42.13 in D 37.8 in
Antique Early Victorian circa 1840 Hardwood Footstool Use with Wingback Armchair
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this very nice early Victorian circa 1840 footstool with nice hand carved Georgian style legs A good looking and well made piece. These types o...
Category

Antique 1840s English Early Victorian Footstools

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

Mid 19th Century Country Candle Stool in Elm, English, circa 1840
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This candle stool is a very good example of English Country furniture with a lovely polished elm top. The thick rectangular top is made of solid elm and has a lower chamfered edg...
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Footstools

Materials

Elm

Regency Antique Simulated Rosewood Gilt Lined X Frame Stool
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
A beautifully drawn Regency simulated rosewood, decorated and gilt lined x-frame stool in the manner of Gillows of Lancaster and London, upholstered in beige horsehair fabric.
Category

Antique 19th Century English Regency Stools

Materials

Beech

Antique Early Victorian Hardwood Footstool Gillows Turned Legs Wingback Armchair
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer this very nice early Victorian footstool with Gillows of Lancaster & London style turned mahogany legs A good looking and well made piece. These types of...
Category

Antique 1840s English Early Victorian Footstools

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

Pair of Antique Hardwood Lion Hairy Paw Feet Footstools for Wingback Armchairs
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this exquisite pair of Victorian mahogany small footstools with Lion’s hairy paw feet What a find, this are stunning, they were originally desig...
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Footstools

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

Sublime Pair of circa 1860 Antique Victorian Footstools Stools Carved Hardwood
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of early Victorian hand carved in solid mahogany footstool stools These are a very high end luxurious pair of stools, they ha...
Category

Antique 1860s English Early Victorian Footstools

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

Sublime Antique Victorian Hardwood Heavily Carved Piano Stool Porcelain Castors
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this rare original early Victorian circa 1840 hardwood piano stool with internal storage A very good looking collectable and rare stool. As you...
Category

Antique 1840s English Early Victorian Stools

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

Set of Four Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs, English, Beech, Danish Taste
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a set of four Mid-Century Modern dining chairs. English beech, Windsor chairs in the Danish taste dating to circa 1960. Delightful pale colour to the beech Classic Danish...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Beech

Very Small Georgian circa 1800 Footstool Round Hardwood Frame Original Fabric
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely very small Georgian footstool with original upholstery A good looking period original stool, very small by modern standards, its tot...
Category

Antique Early 1800s English Georgian Footstools

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

Early-20th Century English Chinoiserie Hand-Painted and Cabriole Leg Stool
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A beautiful hand painted stool from 1900s, England. The antique is upholstered in a creamy gold silk fabric that is affixed to the frame using the same creamy gold-colored gimp tape....
Category

Early 20th Century English Stools

Materials

Silk, Hardwood

Vintage British Mid-Century Modern Teak Ottoman by Kofod Larsen for G Plan
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in San Marcos, CA
Here is a beautiful British modern footstool in teak wood designed by Kofod Larsen for the Danish design collection of G Plan manufactured in England in the 1960s. This lovely ottom...
Category

Vintage 1960s English Scandinavian Modern Footstools

Materials

Teak

Vintage G Plan Teak Stool, Ottoman, 1960S Astro Danish Midcentury
By G Plan Furniture
Located in Lábatlan, HU
A stunning 1960s G Plan teak stool design by Danish designer Kofod Larsen for G Plan. G Plan Fresco midcentury teak dressing table foot stool vintage retro. Purple color leather.  
Category

Vintage 1960s English Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

Vintage G Plan Teak Stool, Ottoman, 1960S Astro Danish Midcentury
By G Plan Furniture
Located in Lábatlan, HU
A stunning 1960s G Plan teak stool design by Danish designer Kofod Larsen for G Plan. The teak base is in excellent condition. The upholstery is the new pink fabric. Measures app...
Category

Vintage 1960s English Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

Vintage G Plan Teak Stool, Ottoman, 1960S Astro Danish Midcentury
By G Plan Furniture
Located in Lábatlan, HU
A stunning 1960s G Plan teak stool design by Danish designer Kofod Larsen for G Plan. G plan Fresco midcentury teak dressing table foot stool vintage retro. Cream / off white col...
Category

Vintage 1960s English Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

Vintage G Plan Teak Stool, Ottoman, 1960s Astro Danish Midcentury
By G Plan Furniture
Located in Lábatlan, HU
A stunning 1960s G Plan teak stool design by Danish designer Kofod Larsen for G Plan. The teak base is in excellent condition. Faux leather upholstery, vintage condition.
Category

Vintage 1960s English Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

1890s Liberty's Mashrabiya Stool
By Liberty & Co.
Located in Bodicote, Oxfordshire
A lovely late 19th century Liberty's Mashrabiya stool with original ebonized finish and original fabric. The designer of this stool is unknown but it was retailed by Liberty's in Lon...
Category

Antique 1890s English Moorish Footstools

Materials

Beech

1890s Liberty's Mashrabiya Stool
1890s Liberty's Mashrabiya Stool
H 16.15 in W 16.15 in D 16.15 in
RESTORED GEORGE SMITH EXTRA LARGE CHESTERFiELD BROWN LEATHER TUFTED FOOTSTOOL
By George Smith
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale a fully restored very large hand dyed brown leather Chesterfield buttoned George Smith hearth footstool Ple...
Category

20th Century English Chesterfield Footstools

Materials

Leather, Beech

Tabouret/ Repose-pieds scandinave teck G-Plan 1960
By Victor Wilkins
Located in NANTES, FR
Tabouret/Repose-pieds scandinave vintage signé Victor Wilkins pour G-Plan des années 60 en très bon état, coussins refait à neuf (mousse et tissu) par un tapissier Dimensions : hau...
Category

Vintage 1960s British Scandinavian Modern Footstools

Materials

Teak

Tabouret/repose-pieds scandinave vintage teck G-Plan Wilkins 1960
By Victor Wilkins
Located in NANTES, FR
Tabouret/Repose-pieds scandinave vintage signé Victor Wilkins pour G-Plan des années 60 en très bon état, coussins refait à neuf (mousse et tissu) par un tapissier Dimensions : hau...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Scandinavian Modern Footstools

Materials

Teak

FiNE FULLY RESTORED LIONS HAIR PAW & MAIN CARVED ANTIQUE BENCH OTTOMAN FOOTSTOOL
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this sublime, ornately hand carved circa 1860 Lions Hairy Paw feet and main, footstool or ottoman with new b...
Category

Antique 1860s English High Victorian Footstools

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Art Deco Birds Eye Maple and Leather Stool
Located in London, GB
A stylish really well made Art Deco birds eye maple and leather stool. This was made in England, it dates from the 1920-30’s. It is a useful and beautiful item, the frame has gorgeo...
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Footstools

Materials

Leather, Birdseye Maple

Art Deco Birds Eye Maple and Leather Stool
Art Deco Birds Eye Maple and Leather Stool
H 19.69 in W 23.63 in D 14.18 in
STUNNING AND COLLECTABLE ViNTAGE GEORGE SMITH CHELSEA KILIM FOOTSTOOL OTTOMAN
By George Smith
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this exquisite and highly collectable Vintage George Smith Kilim Ottoman Please note the delivery fee list...
Category

20th Century English Kilim Footstools

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

STUNNING ANTIQUE RESTORED HAND DYED CiGAR BROWN LEATHER CHESTERFIELD FOOTSTOOL
By Chesterfield
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning fully restored hand dyed cigar brown leather Victorian Chesterfield footstool Ple...
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Footstools

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

FINE ANTIQUE ViCTORIAN HARDWOOD SHOW FRAME CHESTERFIELD BROWN LEATHER FOOTSTOOL
By Chesterfield
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning fully restored hand dyed cigar brown leather Victorian Chesterfield footstool with ...
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Footstools

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

FiNE SMALL FULLY RESTORED CHESTERFIELD HAND DYED BROWN LEATHER TUFTED FOOTSTOOl
By Chesterfield
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning fully restored hand dyed brown leather vintage Chesterfield footstool Please note the delive...
Category

20th Century English Chesterfield Footstools

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Vintage British Mid-Century Modern Teak "Astro" Stool by G Plan
By G Plan Furniture
Located in San Marcos, CA
Here is from the iconic "Astro" collection of Victor Wilkins, a beautiful ottoman in afromasia teak manufactured by G Plan in UK in the 1960s. This lovely stool, recently imported f...
Category

Vintage 1960s English Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Teak

ANTIQUE ORIGINAL ViCTORIAN LEATHER CHESTERFIELD OTTOMAN FOOTSTOOL CARVED FRAME
By Chesterfield
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this exquisite original Victorian hand dyed Chesterfield brown leather footstool with ornately hand carved M...
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Footstools

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Mid-Century Miss Muffet Footstool Vintage Sherborne Style 50s 60s
Located in Leamington Spa, GB
Miss Muffet foot stool in original red vinyl, on wooden legs. Vintage Footstool, 1950's Original Upholstery, Mid-Century Modern stool. This is an original vintage (mid 20th century...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Faux Leather, Beech

Bespoke Footstool / Ottoman with Antique Cast Iron Legs and Vintage Crewel Work
Located in Tetbury, GB
Beautiful bespoke made footstool / ottoman. A unique piece based around 4 cast iron legs, a modern handmade frame and then traditionally upholstered using a vintage crewel work. ...
Category

2010s British Victorian Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Iron

RESTORED WILLIAM IV CIRCA 1830 CHESTERFiELD BROWN LEATHER OTTOMAN FOOTSTOOL
By Chesterfield
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very well made, one of a kind, fully restored Antique Circa 1830 William IV Chesterfield ottoman with i...
Category

Antique 1830s English William IV Benches

Materials

Hardwood, Leather

Monumental George Smith Brown Leather Footstool Bench Seat
By George Smith
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely massive, fully restored, George Smith Chelsea, hand dyed brown leather footstool ottoman This is without a doubt the largest otto...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Art Deco Footstools

Materials

Leather, Beech, Oak

ANTiQUE FULLY RESTORED CHESTERFIELD HAND DYED BROWN LEATHER TUFTED FOOTSTOOL
By Chesterfield
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning, fully restored hand dyed cigar brown leather Chesterfield footstool. Please note the deliver...
Category

20th Century English Chesterfield Footstools

Materials

Hardwood, Leather

Pair of White Upholstered Trapezium Chair Stools
Located in Greenwich, CT
A pair of chair stools with upholstered white cotton tops over carved and turned stained beech legs joined by an H-stretcher. Adapted from a pair of early 20th century side chairs, w...
Category

Vintage 1910s English Footstools

Materials

Beech

Antique William IV circa 1830 Hardwood & Brown Leather Chesterfield Bench Stool
By Chesterfield
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original William IV circa 1830 solid Rosewood hand dyed brown leather bench stool. An absolutely stunning find, much larger than i...
Category

Antique 1830s English William IV Footstools

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Vintage Hardwood Berger Rattan Footstool with Lovely Curved Top Nice Decorative
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage hardwood footstool with berger rattan top A good looking and well made plastination footstool, it has a wonderful timber pat...
Category

20th Century English Victorian Footstools

Materials

Rattan, Hardwood

19th Century Bentwood Thebes Stool with Larkin Company Label
By Larkin & Co.
Located in Stamford, CT
Thebes stool, styled after the stools of ancient Egyptian royalty, made in and exported from England and retailed by Larkin & Company, Buffalo, NY. The laminated bentwood seat is mor...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Egyptian Revival Stools

Materials

Beech, Bentwood

  • 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "British Hardwood Footstools", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

British Hardwood Footstools For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a range of british hardwood footstools for sale on 1stDibs. British hardwood footstools have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 19th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. There are many kinds of british hardwood footstools to choose from, but at 1stDibs, Victorian, Mid-Century Modern and Art Deco british hardwood footstools are of considerable interest. There have been many well-made british hardwood footstools over the years, but those made by Chesterfield, Eric Phamphilon and George Fejer are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much are British Hardwood Footstools?

Prices for british hardwood footstools can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, british hardwood footstools begin at $200 and can go as high as $4,955, while the average can fetch as much as $1,345.

Finding the Right Footstools for You

Antique and vintage footstools might add a dose of fun to your living room, but they’re also hard workers.

Even as they’ve morphed into objects with plenty of functions over time, the footstool has a royal past. In Ancient Egypt, a footstool was used to climb onto an elevated chair or placed under someone’s feet as he or she was seated in a temple or private residence. Footstools were also in use during the Ottoman Empire. In fact, the ottoman, an upholstered seat or small bench that initially had no back or arms, was the main seating furniture in a home. Ottomans were a way to merge floor seating with cushions and mats.

Poufs, which originated in France, are also thought of as convenient seating furniture as well as occasionally serving as a side table, if needed. (Although, a pouf is typically not as firm as an ottoman.)

Over the years, footstools have taken on varying purposes. They have been used as small portable chairs, for example.

During the 18th century, a footstool might have been long with a low profile, which rendered it perfect for fireside seating. Victorian footstools were small but not unassuming, as furniture makers of the era would upholster the pieces so that they paired with the nearby sofa or wingback chairs. Footstools have even become a storage solution at home, with designers outfitting them with compartments. Today, a footstool might be used to organize quilts and blankets or other textiles, especially if you’re trying to keep things uncluttered in a small apartment.

Footstools are now available in all sorts of provocative colors, upholstery and more. No one is going to put a velvet footstool out on the curb, right? When shopping for your own footstool, try to find one that meets the height of your sofa or other seating (or is a tad lower). It should also be sturdy but not a heavy, clunky piece that’s a chore to move around.

The footstool is both decorative and functional. Not unlike a good throw pillow, interior designers have found numerous uses for this versatile, vibrant furnishing. Find yours in the growing collection of antique and vintage footstools today on 1stDibs.