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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.
- What is Chinese black lacquer?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Chinese black lacquer is a resin sourced from the Toxicodendron vernicifluum (formerly Rhus verniciflua) tree that grows throughout East Asia. Artisans produce decorative objects entirely from the substance or use it as a finish for wood and other materials. Find a selection of Chinese black lacquer furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Japanese lacquerware items are finished with a sap that comes from the lacquer tree. This finish is prone to degradation, especially if exposed to sun and water, and age will take its toll as well. To clean lacquerware items, wet a lint-free cloth and wring as much water out as you can, then wipe the item. Finish by drying it with a soft lint-free cloth. Shop a range of antique and vintage Japanese lacquerware on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023To shine lacquer furniture, spray a tiny amount of solvent-based furniture cleaner and then wipe with a soft, dry cloth. Ensure that you choose a product specifically labeled as safe for lacquered finishes. Shop a collection of lacquer furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To fix Japanese black lacquer, take it to a furniture repair shop that has previously worked with the material. Lacquer is very delicate. Attempting to fix a piece on your own could cause further damage. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Japanese black lacquer.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Though you can't exactly refinish black lacquer furniture, you can repaint it. As long as you prep the furniture with a primer, you should easily be able to repaint.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023Whether you can use furniture polish on black lacquer furniture depends on the formulation. Heavier polishes may cause streaks and damage the finish. For best results, read the labels carefully and only choose products intended for lacquer. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of lacquer furniture.
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