Curule Foot Stool
Antique 1830s American American Empire Footstools
Mahogany
20th Century French Stools
Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Stools
Wrought Iron
Vintage 1940s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Stools
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century Italian Stools
Upholstery, Wood
Antique 19th Century English Regency Benches
Wrought Iron
Antique 1830s American Neoclassical Benches
Mahogany
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Hardwood, Mohair
People Also Browsed
Vintage 1950s Italian Hollywood Regency Benches
Metal
2010s French Modern Chairs
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary European Neoclassical Benches
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary British Organic Modern Wall Lights and Sco...
Plaster
Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Taxidermy
Other
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Stainless Steel
2010s French Modern Chairs
Fabric, Satin, Oak
2010s Austrian Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
2010s Italian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Murano Glass
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants
Silk
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
Mid-20th Century Neoclassical Beds and Bed Frames
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Travertine
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Hide, Maple
Recent Sales
20th Century Classical Greek Stools
Fruitwood
Vintage 1950s French Louis XVI Stools
Beech
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Stools
Wrought Iron
20th Century Indonesian Regency Benches
Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1960s Mexican Spanish Colonial Footstools
Leather, Wood
Mid-20th Century English Footstools
Leather
20th Century American Hollywood Regency Benches
Giltwood, Lacquer
Antique 19th Century American American Classical Stools
Mahogany, Upholstery
Antique 19th Century American American Classical Stools
Boston.
Antique 19th Century American Footstools
Mahogany, Pine, Ash
Finding the Right Seating for You
With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.
Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.
Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.
The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.
Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.
With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.
Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.
No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.
- What is a foot stool called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021A footstool is called an ottoman, hassock or pouf. The footstool is an umbrella term for furniture pieces used to elevate the foot. On 1stDibs, you can find a wide variety of antique and vintage footstools in different colors, styles and more.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023Yes, an ottoman can be used as a footstool. The ottoman, originally an upholstered seat or small bench without a back or arms, was a family’s main seating furniture, a way to merge floor seating with cushions and mats. It wasn’t until they were brought to Europe from Turkey, during the 18th century, that it became popular to join ottomans with other pieces of furniture, such as at the base of a chair. On 1stDibs, find a collection of ottomans.
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