Footstools
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Elm
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Teak
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Teak
2010s North American Modern Footstools
Wood, Leather
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Stainless Steel
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Beech
2010s Italian Modern Footstools
Gold Plate, Brass
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools
Leather, Wood
19th Century British Antique Footstools
Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary English Chippendale Footstools
Wood
1980s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Footstools
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Trimming
2010s Philippine Footstools
Wood, Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Footstools
Brass, Iron
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Footstools
Ash
1840s French Aubusson Antique Footstools
Walnut, Nutwood, Wood, Wool, Tapestry, Fabric
Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Antique Footstools
Upholstery, Wood
2010s Philippine Footstools
Wood, Hardwood
1960s French Campaign Vintage Footstools
Oak
Late 19th Century American American Empire Antique Footstools
Linen, Wood
Mid-19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Footstools
Linen, Wood, Paint
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Footstools
Upholstery, Oak
Mid-20th Century American Footstools
Brass
20th Century British Victorian Footstools
Leather
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Upholstery
1940s Vintage Footstools
Naugahyde, Rattan
1940s Czech Art Deco Vintage Footstools
Fabric, Wood
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Footstools
Fabric, Wood
19th Century British Gothic Revival Antique Footstools
Oak
Late 20th Century Hollywood Regency Footstools
Upholstery, Wood
2010s Philippine Footstools
Wood, Hardwood
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather, Teak
19th Century American American Empire Antique Footstools
Mahogany
2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric, Jacquard, Beech
19th Century French Louis XIII Antique Footstools
Oak
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric, Wood, Beech
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric, Wood
Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Footstools
Linen, Wood, Paint
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Footstools
Fabric
Late 20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric, Wood, Beech
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Footstools
Fabric
Mid-20th Century Victorian Footstools
Wicker
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Footstools
Leather
Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Footstools
Oak
1930s Czech Art Deco Vintage Footstools
Fabric, Wood
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather, Teak
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Teak, Leather
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Steel, Nickel
Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Antique Footstools
Walnut
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Steel
20th Century American Art Deco Footstools
Leather, Hardwood
1980s Bohemian Vintage Footstools
Upholstery, Rattan
Mid-19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Footstools
Linen, Wood, Paint
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Steel
1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Faux Leather
Early 19th Century American Edwardian Antique Footstools
Hardwood
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather
Antique and Vintage Footstools
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.