Egyptian Foot Stool
Vintage 1930s French Egyptian Revival Stools
Bamboo
Mid-20th Century Egyptian Egyptian Revival Stools
Brass
Mid-20th Century Egyptian Revival Stools
Brass
Mid-20th Century Egyptian Footstools
Leather
Mid-20th Century Egyptian Folk Art Ottomans and Poufs
Brass
Mid-20th Century Egyptian Folk Art Ottomans and Poufs
Cowhide, Wood
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Plaster
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Velvet
2010s South African Modern Chairs
Upholstery, Oak
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Stools
Copper, Brass, Steel
Vintage 1970s Italian Animal Sculptures
Travertine
20th Century Moroccan Bohemian Ottomans and Poufs
Leather
Antique 19th Century Congolese Tribal Art
Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Dry Bars
Brass
Antique 1870s English Arts and Crafts Animal Sculptures
Majolica, Pottery
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Brass
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches
Chrome
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wine Coolers
Metal
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Leather, Wood, Walnut
20th Century Indian Anglo Raj Animal Sculptures
Wood
20th Century Pakistani Other Footstools
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Brass
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Early 20th Century Egyptian Folk Art Stools
Brass
Antique 1830s English William IV Stools
Leather, Mahogany
Antique 1830s French Empire Stools
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Egyptian Folk Art Ottomans and Poufs
Cowhide, Wood
Antique Late 19th Century Egyptian Revival Footstools
Mahogany
Vintage 1960s Egyptian Moorish Footstools
Cowhide
Vintage 1980s French Louis XVI Chaise Longues
Damask, Giltwood
Antique 1830s English William IV Dining Room Tables
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century French Chaise Longues
Walnut
Vintage 1960s Egyptian Egyptian Stools
Leather, Resin, Wood
Vintage 1960s Egyptian Egyptian Footstools
Leather
Early 20th Century Moroccan Islamic Stools
Wood, Leather
Mid-20th Century Moroccan Tribal Ottomans and Poufs
Cowhide, Wood
Antique 1830s English William IV Dining Room Sets
Mahogany
Finding the Right Seating for You
With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.
Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.
Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.
The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.
Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.
With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.
Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.
No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.
- What is a foot stool called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021A footstool is called an ottoman, hassock or pouf. The footstool is an umbrella term for furniture pieces used to elevate the foot. On 1stDibs, you can find a wide variety of antique and vintage footstools in different colors, styles and more.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023Yes, an ottoman can be used as a footstool. The ottoman, originally an upholstered seat or small bench without a back or arms, was a family’s main seating furniture, a way to merge floor seating with cushions and mats. It wasn’t until they were brought to Europe from Turkey, during the 18th century, that it became popular to join ottomans with other pieces of furniture, such as at the base of a chair. On 1stDibs, find a collection of ottomans.
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