Skip to main content

Gray Animal Skin Footstools

1
60
25
16
to
4
60
38
101
80
90
32
28
6
3
3
2
1
1
2
58
41
4
26
24
1
1
1
2
13
15
6
1
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
65
29
20
22
18
21
18
21
18
21
18
21
75
20
10
10
9
20
8
6
5
3
Sort By
Footstool Silver Steel and Black Saddle Leather, Modern Style, Hug Collection
By Jover + Valls
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary footstool and ottoman is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation of the steel rod of 12 mm is complemented by the flexibility of th...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Footstools

Materials

Brass, Steel

Round Fur Ottoman, Mongolian Sheepskin Pouf
By Emily Barbara
Located in Dural, AU
This round fur ottoman will be the wow factor that your decor needs. The snow white Mongolian fur ottoman will look and feel super lush in any interior setting. It features the most ...
Category

2010s Australian Hollywood Regency Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Sheepskin

Round Fur Ottoman, Mongolian Sheepskin Pouf
Round Fur Ottoman, Mongolian Sheepskin Pouf
H 18.12 in W 33.47 in D 33.47 in
Rex Leather Footstool by FSM
By De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Footstool for Rex Posture support leather armchair by FSM.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Footstools

Materials

Leather

RH-301 Bauhaus Leather Tufted Footstool by Robert Haussmann for De Sede
By De Sede, Robert Haussmann
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Footstool RH-301/05 by De Sede. The appeal of tubular stainless steel furniture is timeless. Created in 1954 as a tribute to Mies van der Rohe, Robert Haussmann’s famous chrome-plate...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Footstools

Materials

Leather

Symphony Stool, Fur and Rustic Brass, InsidherLand by Joana Santos Barbosa
By Joana Santos Barbosa, InsidherLand
Located in Maia, Porto
Ludwig Van Beethoven is recognized as one of the most exceptional composers of all time. As an ode to the genius behind the music, the symphony stool captures the tumultuous essence ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

Rex Leather Footstool by FSM
By De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Footstool for Rex Posture support leather armchair by FSM.       
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Footstools

Materials

Leather

Vintage Moroccan Grey Leather Pouf Hand-Tooled in Fez Morocco
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Moroccan grey leather round pouf hand tooled in Fez Morocco. Foot stool, ottoman handcrafted by Moroccan artisans. Size is 19 in diameter x 12.5 in height. Vintage Bohem...
Category

Mid-20th Century Moroccan Moorish Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-80 Taupe Patchwork Leather Pouf, Ottoman, DeSede Switzerland
By De Sede
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Unique and decorative handmade De Sede DS-80 pouf. The pouf is in very good condition with lovely patina, high seating comfort.   
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Leather

Sling Ottoman in Solid Walnut, Satin Nickel and Leather Designed by Craig Bassam
By BassamFellows
Located in Ridgefield, CT
A club chair anchors a living space and gives it personality. Seen from across a room, it invites relaxation, contemplation, and introspection while setting the mood. The Sling chair...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Steel

PK91 Footstool by Poul Kjaerholm
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Los Angeles, CA
PK91 folding footstool. Chromed metal and sienna brown leather. Stamped for Poul Kjaerholm.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Chrome

PK91 Footstool by Poul Kjaerholm
PK91 Footstool by Poul Kjaerholm
H 14.325 in W 23.75 in D 17.75 in
Vintage Moroccan Round Leather Pouf Hand-Tooled in Fez Morocco
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Moroccan grey leather round pouf hand tooled in Fez Morocco. Foot stool, ottoman handcrafted by Moroccan artisans. Size is 19 in diameter x 12.5 in height. Vintage Bohem...
Category

Mid-20th Century Moroccan Moorish Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather

French Leather Upholstered Long Foot Stool
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
French leather upholstered long foot stool A Lovely piece standing on fluted shaped legs and the 5” deep seat is upholstered in beautifully soft “Mercedes Blue/Grey” leather with...
Category

Early 20th Century French Provincial Footstools

Materials

Leather

De Sede Gris Grey Patchwork Leather Storage Pouf, Ottoman, DeSede Switzerland
By De Sede
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Unique and decorative handmade De Sede storage pouf. The pouf is in very good condition with lovely patina, high seating comfort. Detailed condition: Very good, this vintage item ...
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-80 Blue Patchwork Leather Pouf, Ottoman, DeSede Switzerland
By De Sede
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Unique and decorative handmade De Sede DS-80 pouf. The pouf is in very good condition with lovely patina, high seating comfort.
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Leather

Grey Fur Ottoman, Mongolian Sheepskin Pouffe
By Emily Barbara
Located in Dural, AU
Whether styling a living room for seating or foot comfort or adding a little glam to a bedroom, this light grey Mongolian fur pouffe will look and feel super lush in any interior set...
Category

2010s Australian Hollywood Regency Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Sheepskin

Grey Fur Ottoman, Mongolian Sheepskin Pouffe
Grey Fur Ottoman, Mongolian Sheepskin Pouffe
H 17.72 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
Lucite and Mongolian fur Bench
Located in Ballard, CA
An eye catching bench made with an upholstered seat floating on a Lucite base, affixed with custom engineered hardware. Custom sizes and finishes available.
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Lucite and Mongolian fur Bench
Lucite and Mongolian fur Bench
H 18 in W 30 in D 16 in
Large Deeply Buttoned Chesterfield Leather Library Stool
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Large Deeply Buttoned Chesterfield leather Library Stool This is a good Sturdy Library Stool it has turned and fluted mahogany legs with brass casters The stool is newly uphols...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Footstools

Materials

Leather

Erik Jørgensen Bench, Model EJ 141, Designed by Jensen & Ernst
By Erik Ole Jørgensen
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Elegant stool/bench, model EJ 141 designed by Morten Ernst & Anne Mette Jensen for Erik Jørgensen, Denmark. It's a bench with legs made of chrome-plated and upholstered seat in black...
Category

Early 2000s Danish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Snow White Fur Ottoman, Mongolian Sheepskin Pouf
By Emily Barbara
Located in Dural, AU
Imagine relaxing with this real fur ottoman! Whether styling a living room for seating or foot comfort or adding a little glam to a bedroom, this snow white Mongolian fur pouf will l...
Category

2010s Australian Hollywood Regency Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Sheepskin

Snow White Fur Ottoman, Mongolian Sheepskin Pouf
Snow White Fur Ottoman, Mongolian Sheepskin Pouf
H 18.51 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
Modern Grey Leather De Sede Footstool or Stool 1980s Switzerland
By De Sede
Located in Vienna, AT
De Sede vintage footstool or stool from grey leather and steel 1980s Switzerland. Through the pleasant light grey color tone the footstool or stool works with each color tone in you...
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Footstools

Materials

Steel

Stella Stool
By Mambo Unlimited Ideas
Located in Lisbon, PT
This elegant stool named Stella is unique in its conception. Format enhanced by the piping details, where different textures are coordinated. The top offers a perfect surface for cre...
Category

2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Footstools

Materials

Leather, Fabric

Stella Stool
Stella Stool
H 18.12 in Dm 20.08 in
Footstool Old Silver Steel & Dark Brown Saddle Leather, Contemporary Style
By Jover + Valls
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Wanderlust contemporary ottoman and footstool belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Footstools

Materials

Steel, Brass

Set of 2 Footstool Old Silver Steel & Black Leather, Contemporary Style
By Jover + Valls
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Wanderlust contemporary ottoman and footstool belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Footstools

Materials

Brass, Steel

Footstool Old Silver Steel & Navy Blue Saddle Leather, Contemporary Style
By Jover + Valls
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Wanderlust contemporary ottoman and footstool belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Footstools

Materials

Steel, Brass

Footstool Old Silver Steel & Black Saddle Leather, Contemporary Style
By Jover + Valls
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Wanderlust contemporary ottoman and footstool belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Footstools

Materials

Steel, Brass

Set of 2 Footstool Old Silver Steel & Navy Blue Leather Contemporary Style
By Jover + Valls
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Wanderlust contemporary ottoman and footstool belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Footstools

Materials

Brass, Steel

Set of 2 Footstool Old Silver Steel & Dark Brown Leather Contemporary Style
By Jover + Valls
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Wanderlust contemporary ottoman and footstool belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Footstools

Materials

Brass, Steel

Stressless Paradise Leather Stool Gray
Located in Cologne, DE
We present to you a Stressless Paradise leather stool gray. Product measurements in centimeters: depth: 48 width: 55 height: 42.  
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Norwegian Modern Footstools

Materials

Leather

Stressless Paradise Leather Stool Gray
Stressless Paradise Leather Stool Gray
H 16.54 in W 21.66 in D 18.9 in
RH-301 Bauhaus Leather Tufted Footstool by Robert Haussmann for De Sede
By Robert Haussmann, De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Footstool RH-301/05 by De Sede. The appeal of tubular stainless steel furniture is timeless. Created in 1954 as a tribute to Mies van der Rohe, Robert Haussmann’s famous chrome-plate...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Footstools

Materials

Leather

Shoe Stool with a Seat, and a Mirror Stand Set, Vienna, circa 1920s
Located in Wien, AT
Shoe stool with a seat, and a mirror stand set, Vienna, circa 1920s. Only the mirror glass and the leather on the seat are replaced ( new ) ( The footrest is original ) Everything ...
Category

Vintage 1920s Austrian Art Deco Footstools

Materials

Nickel

Footstool, Brass Steel and Blue Saddle Leather, Hug Collection
By Jover + Valls
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary footstool and ottoman is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation of the steel rod of 12 mm is complemented by the flexibility of th...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Footstools

Materials

Brass, Steel

Contemporary Truffle Ottoman or Footstool in Grey Sheepskin Upholstery
By Elnaz Namaki Studio
Located in London, GB
Elnaz Namaki Studio have created the Luuna collection to bring warmth, comfort and soul to every home. The spirit of Luuna is to bring unique and unexpected objects into our lives. L...
Category

2010s British Modern Footstools

Materials

Sheepskin

Arteriors Woven Suede and Brass Stool
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Made in India. A square brass footed frame with gray suede webbing overall. Good condition, just some expected tarnish to the brass but a nice patina.
Category

20th Century Indian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass

Arteriors Woven Suede and Brass Stool
Arteriors Woven Suede and Brass Stool
H 19.25 in W 18 in D 18 in
Handmade Moroccan Camel Seat, Bright White Cushion
Located in Orlando, FL
This is a great alternative to poufs and ottomans. Handmade Moroccan camel saddle with genuine leather cushion and carved cedar wood base, measuring approximately 25 inches long, 13...
Category

2010s Moroccan Benches

Materials

Leather

Bench of Suede Leather with Industrial Forged Iron Base, Early 20th Century
Located in Madison, WI
Early 20th century suede leather bench with rock solid, Industrial, forged iron base. Rock solid construction with highly-textured hand of leather. An early weight/barbell bench. Com...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Benches

Materials

Iron

Brass and Leather Ottoman by Steve Chase
By Steve Chase
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A glamorous large ottoman by Steve Chase. It had a string of lights around the base that were taken off. But can be easily replaced. This was a very common thing with Steve Chase. Ne...
Category

Vintage 1980s American Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass

Bohemian Handmade Footstool in Draped White Leather by Busnelli
By Busnelli
Located in New York, NY
Bohemien, modern reinterpretation of an antique charme in which the cover, softly falls across the external frame of the structure, combining the experimentation of the design of the...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Footstools

Materials

Leather

De Sede Footstools Cubes Leather Stool Ottoman Switzerland, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Frankfurt / Dreieich, DE
Set of three cube stools by De Sede in black leather. Very good condition.
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Leather

Italian Vintage Footstool Leather and Aluminium by Ettore Sottsass for Formanova
By Ettore Sottsass, Formanova
Located in Belgium, Brussels
Vintage footstool with seat in original leather and aluminium structure, prototype, signed at the base, design by Ettore Sottsass manufactured by Formanova, Italy, circa 1973 Measur...
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Metal

Maison Jansen Stool
By Maison Jansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maison Jansen steel and brass campaign stool with original leather. Literature: Jansen Deocation, Leveque ppg 132-133. Les Decorateurs des Annees 1960-1970, Favardin and Bloch-Chamfo...
Category

Vintage 1970s French Footstools

Materials

Brass, Steel

Maison Jansen Stool
Maison Jansen Stool
H 18 in W 24 in D 17 in
Pair Contemporary Sheepskin Stools / Ottomans, Swedish Modern Style, Shearling
By Philip Arctander
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair Contemporary Sheepskin Stools / Ottomans, Swedish Modern Style, Shearling Contemporary organic form tri-pod footstools or ottomans. New comfortable foam cushioning and 17 mm h...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Sheepskin

De Sede Patchwork Grey Leather Pouf, 1960s Switzerland
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous grey colored leather pouf by Swiss designer De Sede with square patchwork. Perfect accent piece. Good vintage condition with new rubberized bottom.
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather

Vintage Leather Hippo by Dmitri Omersa for Abercrombie & Fitch
By Dimitri Omersa
Located in Downingtown, PA
Vintage Leather Hippo, Dmitri Omersa for Abercrombie & Fitch, The 1970s The leather footstool is designed in the shape of a hippo in beautiful dark leather. Dimensions: 18 in...
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Leather

De Sede Patchwork Leather Storage Ottoman, 1960s Switzerland
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous storage ottoman with triangular patchwork leather by De Sede. Comfortable seat and perfect storage option. Beautiful grey leather with light patina. The ottoman has a larger...
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather

Marco Zanuso Brown Ottoman Model Regent for Arflex Italy 1960
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Miami, FL
Exceptional ottoman designed by Marco Zanuso made by Arflex, Italy. Original brown leather ottoman on casters. Ottoman: 22 inches x 22 inches x 14.5 inches Height
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Leather

Vintage Leather Stool, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage leather stool is an original design item realized in the 1970s. Black and leather stool with red rubber seal on legs. Fair conditions.
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Stools

Materials

Plastic, Leather

Vintage Leather Stool, 1970s
Vintage Leather Stool, 1970s
H 15.75 in W 11.82 in D 11.82 in
Yngve Ekström for Swedese Lamino Grey Sheepskin Easy Armchair & Footstool, 2020
By Swedese, Yngve Ekström
Located in London, GB
Originally designed by Yngve Ekström in 1956, the Lamino easy chair and footstool has since become a design icon. The chair was named piece of the century by readers of the Swedis...
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Sheepskin

De Sede DS-80 Creme Patchwork Leather Pouf, Ottoman, Switzerland DeSede
By De Sede
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Unique and decorative handmade De Sede DS-80 pouf. The pouf is in very good condition with lovely patina, high seating comfort. Detailed condition: Very good, this vintage item ha...
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Leather

Vintage Grey Leather Pouf /Ottoman
Located in Den Haag, NL
Large tufted grey leather pouf / ottoman. Great looking pouf. Black round metal feet, 1970s.  
Category

Vintage 1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather

Vintage Grey Leather Pouf /Ottoman
Vintage Grey Leather Pouf /Ottoman
H 15.75 in W 40.95 in D 48.82 in
De Sede Green Patchwork Leather Pouf
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous green leather pouf by Swiss designer De Sede. Triangular patchwork design. Great vintage condition. Perfect accent piece.
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather

De Sede Green Patchwork Leather Pouf
De Sede Green Patchwork Leather Pouf
H 11 in W 20.5 in D 20.5 in
De Sede Patchwork Grey Leather Pouf
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous grey colored leather pouf by Swiss designer De Sede with triangular patchwork. Perfect accent piece. Good vintage condition.
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather

De Sede Patchwork Leather Pouf
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous black leather pouf by Swiss designer De Sede. Triangular patchwork design. Great vintage condition. Perfect accent piece. Three matching available. Priced individually.
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather

De Sede Patchwork Leather Pouf
De Sede Patchwork Leather Pouf
H 11 in W 20.5 in D 20.5 in
Brühl & Sippold Roro Leather Stool Brown Metal
By Brühl & Sippold
Located in Cologne, DE
We present to you a Brühl & Sippold Roro leather stool brown metal.   Product measurements in centimeters: depth: 77 width: 77 height: 41.  
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Footstools

Materials

Leather

Brühl & Sippold Roro Leather Stool Brown Metal
Brühl & Sippold Roro Leather Stool Brown Metal
H 16.15 in W 30.32 in D 30.32 in
Vintage Moroccan Round Pouf Hand-Tooled in Fez Morocco
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Moroccan brown leather round pouf hand tooled in Fez Morocco. Foot stool, ottoman handcrafted by Moroccan artisans. Size is 19 in diameter x 12.5 in height. Vintage Bohe...
Category

20th Century Moroccan Moorish Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather

Stressless E300 Leather Stool Gray
By Kein Designer
Located in Cologne, DE
We present to you a Stressless E300 leather stool gray. Product measurements in centimeters: Depth 40 Width 52 Height 45.                
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Norwegian Modern Footstools

Materials

Leather

Stressless E300 Leather Stool Gray
Stressless E300 Leather Stool Gray
H 17.72 in W 20.48 in D 15.75 in
Rare Antique circa 1900 Liberty's of London Omersa Leather Elephant Footstool
By Liberty of London, Omersa
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely sublime Liberty’s of London Omersa leather hand dyed Elephant footstool for good luck! These come in varying sizes there is a qu...
Category

Antique Early 1900s English Late Victorian Footstools

Materials

Leather

Mid-Century Modern Lucite Stool, Vanity Stool White Vinyl Seat on Chrome Casters
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern Lucite stool with white vinyl seat on chrome casters. This stool can be used as a footstool, vanity stool or a place to put your magazine. The stool is firm and ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Chrome

De Sede Patchwork Gray Leather Pouf
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous bluish-gray leather pouf by Swiss designer De Sede with small triangular patchwork. Perfect accent piece. Good vintage condition. Super unique color.  
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather

Sealuxe Vanity Stool with Leather Seat
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Sealuxe vanity stool by Universal Products from their Miracles of Metals collection Dallas Texas, circa 1940s. The petite chair or stool features a matte finish aluminum sheet m...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Sealuxe Vanity Stool with Leather Seat
Sealuxe Vanity Stool with Leather Seat
H 20.5 in W 21.75 in D 21 in
Vintage Grey Leather Pouf /Ottoman
Located in Den Haag, NL
Large tufted grey leather pouf / ottoman. Great looking pouf. Black round metal feet, 1970s.   
Category

Vintage 1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather

Vintage Grey Leather Pouf /Ottoman
Vintage Grey Leather Pouf /Ottoman
H 15.75 in W 40.95 in D 48.82 in
  • 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Gray Animal Skin Footstools", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Gray Animal Skin Footstools For Sale on 1stDibs

Find a variety of gray animal skin footstools available on 1stDibs. We have 34 antique and vintage gray animal skin footstools in-stock, while there are 17 modern editions to choose from as well. There are all kinds of gray animal skin footstools available, from those produced as long ago as the 19th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. Gray animal skin footstools are generally popular furniture pieces, but Mid-Century Modern, Modern and Scandinavian Modern styles are often sought at 1stDibs. There have been many well-made gray animal skin footstools over the years, but those made by De Sede, Dimitri Omersa and Emily Barbara are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much are Gray Animal Skin Footstools?

Prices for gray animal skin footstools can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, gray animal skin footstools begin at $247 and can go as high as $18,792, while the average can fetch as much as $1,381.

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.