Animal Print Footstool
Antique 1880s English Footstools
Brass
Antique Early 1900s Asian Other Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Cotton
Late 20th Century Hollywood Regency Stools
Metal
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Early 20th Century French Floor Mirrors and Full-Length Mirrors
Nickel
Early 20th Century British Classical Roman Chairs
Brass, Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art North and South American Rugs
Wool, Cotton, Yarn
2010s American Ottomans and Poufs
Wool, Jute
Vintage 1920s Other Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Wool
Antique 1890s French Louis XV Footstools
Walnut
Antique 1840s French Aubusson Footstools
Walnut, Nutwood, Wood, Wool, Tapestry, Fabric
Late 20th Century Hollywood Regency Chairs
Brass
Mid-20th Century American American Classical North and South American Rugs
Wool, Yarn
20th Century French Louis XV Stools
Velvet, Wood, Giltwood, Trimming
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Stools
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Classical Roman Canapes
Iron
Antique 19th Century European Renaissance Revival Side Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut, Burl
Vintage 1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
Antique 1880s French Aubusson Wallpaper
Wool, Silk
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Armchairs
Brass, Steel
Recent Sales
Vintage 1950s Italian Footstools
Wood, Animal Skin
20th Century American Footstools
20th Century American Footstools
Lucite
20th Century Footstools
Vintage 1940s French Footstools
Silk, Velvet, Wood
Antique Late 19th Century Regency Footstools
Mahogany
Vintage 1940s American Footstools
Wood, Fabric
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.
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