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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.
- Who are the Martin Brothers?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024The Martin Brothers are a team of brothers known for producing stoneware during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Wallace, Walter, Charles and Edwin Martin established their factory in London in 1873. Their company, Martin Brothers, became famous for their whimsical bird figurines, nicknamed Wally Birds. Explore a selection of Martin Brothers pottery on 1stDibs.
- What is Maison Martin Margiela?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Maison Martin Margiela, now simply called Maison Margiela, is a French fashion house founded in 1988. It was first founded by Belgian designer Martin Margiela and takes inspiration from avant-garde styling. On 1stDibs, find a range of authentic Maison Margiela pieces.
- Why did Agnes Martin paint?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Agnes Martin painted because of religious reasons. She viewed producing art as a form of spiritual meditation, borrowing from concepts of Zen Buddhism and American Transcendentalist philosophers. Shop a collection of Agnes Martin art from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024The story of what happened to Maison Martin Margiela is one of changes in creative direction. In 2009, Martin Margiela left the celebrated fashion house that he founded, and during the subsequent years, the brand lacked a creative director to guide its work. That changed in 2014, when John Galliano took on the role. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of Maison Martin Margiela apparel and accessories.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022John Galliano is currently creative director of the French fashion house Maison Margiela, previously called Maison Martin Margiela. In the past, he has been the creative director for Givenchy and Christian Dior. Browse a range of expertly vetted Maison Margiela pieces from top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The upscale sporty style of Maison Martin Margiela sneakers gives them versatile styling possibilities. While how you wear them is up to personal preference, they can be dressed up with a breezy sundress, paired with classic jeans and a tee, or dressed down with joggers and a tank. Shop a selection of Maison Margiela sneakers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The key to spotting fake Maison Martin Margiela products is quality. The Maison Margiela brand is known for designer-level craftsmanship and materials. An authentic Maison Margiela product should have neat, even stitching, a crisp logo and high level of attention to detail. Shop an array of expertly vetted Maison Margiela pieces from top boutiques on 1stDibs.
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