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European Hardwood Footstools

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Art Deco Vintage Beech Pouf or Stool Josef Frank Fabric 1930s Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco vintage pouf or stool or ottoman with three beech wood feet designed and manufactured 1930s Austria. An amazing stool covered with fresh and colorful textile fabric designed...
Category

Vintage 1930s Austrian Art Deco Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Beech

Mid Century Alpaca White Faux Fur Stool, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stool from the turn of the 1960s and 1970s. Beautiful white faux fur white upholstery. The stool consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, char...
Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Velvet, Beech

Mid Century Alpaca White Faux Fur Stool, Europe, 1960s
Mid Century Alpaca White Faux Fur Stool, Europe, 1960s
No Reserve
H 15.75 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Art Deco Vintage Sunny Yellow Beech Pouf Stool Tabouret Austria 1930s
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco vintage pouf or stool or tabouret from beech and upholstery new covered with sunny yellow textile fabric and yellow cords Austria, 1930s. An amazing Art Deco vintage pouf st...
Category

Vintage 1930s Austrian Art Deco Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric, Beech

Pair of Midcentury Leopard Velvet Vintage Stools, Edmund Homa, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stools from the turn of the 1960s. Beautiful leopard high-quality upholstery. The stools consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteristic o...
Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Beech

Light Creme Boucle Vintage Stool, Edmund Homa, 1960s
By Edmund Homa
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stool from the turn of the 1960s. The stool consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteristic of the 1960s style. Stool was designed by ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Bouclé, Beech

20th Century Baby Pink Stool, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stool from the turn of the 1960s and 1970s. Beautiful baby pink upholstery. The stool consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteristic of t...
Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Velvet, Beech

20th Century Baby Pink Stool, 1960s
20th Century Baby Pink Stool, 1960s
H 15.75 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
STUNNiNG & COLLECTABLE VINTAGE GEORGE SMITH CHELSEA KILIM FOOTSTOOL OTTOMAN
By George Smith
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this exquisite and highly collectable Vintage George Smith Kilim Ottoman Please note the delivery fee list...
Category

20th Century English Kilim Footstools

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

William 1Vth English circular Footstool / Sewing Box Inlaid Hardwood, Circa 1830
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a rare example of an English Combination Lidded Foot Stool complete with an integral sewing box, hardwood with inlaid detail and dating to the early 19th century, William 1Vt...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century English William IV Footstools

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood, Walnut

Pair of Antique Stools, Ebonized Beech Wood, Creme Fabric, France circa 1820
Located in Regensburg, DE
A beautiful pair of petite stools from the french restoration / Biedermeier period. Solid beech wood, ebonized and polished. Newly upholstered and covered with cream-white structure...
Category

Antique 1820s French Neoclassical Stools

Materials

Fabric, Beech

Mid century stool, footrest by Krasna Jizba, 1960´s, Czechoslovakia
By Krasna JIzba
Located in Prague 8, CZ
This Vintage stool/footrest was made by Krásná Jizba company in the former Czechoslovakia in the in the 1960´s. They features an unconventional design, irregular shaping. It´s made o...
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Beech

Mid 20th Century, Danish Round Tripod Footstool
Located in Bristol, GB
A charming, round footstool with tapering teak legs and a padded cushion which has been newly upholstered in black faux leather.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Faux Leather, Teak

Pair of Stools in the manner of Ingvar Hildingsson
By Ingvar Hildingsson
Located in New York, NY
Small stools or side tables that are inspired by the Swedish ski chalet stools of Ingvar Hildingsson. Tall stool is 18x11 inches. Also available as 12 inch tall stool. Great for pl...
Category

2010s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Footstools

Materials

Hardwood

Ekornes Stressless Adjustable Sandstone Leather Recliner Ottoman Norway Medium
By Ekornes Stressless
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Scandinavian style recliner and ottoman by Ekornes, their Stressless brand. With teak wood bases and metal frame and genuine leather upholstery, this is a comfortable sandstone col...
Category

Vintage 1980s Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Wool Hand Tufting Vintage Stool, Denmark, 1960
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stool from the turn of the 1960s. The stool consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteristic of the 1960s style. The stool is after full ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Fabric, Wool, Beech

1960's, Refinished Danish Footstool with Leather Upholtery
Located in Knebel, DK
1960's Refinished Danish footstool with leather upholstery. Danish footstool in slimlined minimalistic yet advanced Scandinavian modern design with it's combination of straight simp...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools

Materials

Leather, Beech

Mid Century Bauhaus Chrome teak fabric Dressing table stool footrest , 1960s
By Sven Ivar Dysthe
Located in Leamington Spa, GB
Mid Century Vintage footrest ottoman is made in typical mid-century style. The stool was made most probably in the 1960/70s. Designed in the manner of Sven Ivar Dysthe for Dokka Mo...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Bauhaus Footstools

Materials

Chrome

1960's Restored and Refinished Danish Footstool with Leather Upholtery
Located in Knebel, DK
1960's Restored and Refinished Danish footstool with leather upholstery. Danish footstool in slimlined minimalistic yet advanced Scandinavian modern design with it's combination of...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools

Materials

Leather, Beech

PAIR OF ANTIQUE BROWN LEATHER CHESTERFIELD TUFTED REGENCY FRAMED FOOTSTOOLs
By Chesterfield
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of restored hand dyed brown leather Antique Chesterfield footstools with X-Framed Regency...
Category

Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Footstools

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Bruno Mathsson Ottoman
By Bruno Mathsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ottoman by Bruno Mathsson for DUX, c.1960s, Sweden. The ottoman was originally paired with the Ingrid armchair. This piece features a tufted caramel leather seat on a bent beech wood...
Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather, Beech

Bruno Mathsson Ottoman
Bruno Mathsson Ottoman
H 15.5 in W 27 in D 27 in
Ejner Larsen & Aksel Bender Madsen Stool for Willy Beck
By Willy Beck, Ejner Larsen and Aksel Bender Madsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cane stool by Ejner Larsen & Aksel Bender Madsen for Willy Beck, c.1950s, Denmark. The stool features a woven cane seat and tapered teak dowel legs. Dimensions
 22" width x 16" dept...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Teak, Cane

Fully Restored George III Style Hand Carved Bench Stool with Lion Hairy Paw Feet
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this fully restored absolutely sublime George III style vintage hand carved mahogany bench stool A very well presented hand carved stool, each l...
Category

Antique Late 18th Century English George III Stools

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

Madsen & Schubell Pragh Stool, Denmark, 1950s
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Located in London, GB
A wonderful, original Pragh footstool by Ib Madsen & Acton Schubell, Denmark 1950s. Newly upholstered in a premium bespoke pure Alpaca wool fabric. Fast shipping worldwide.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools

Materials

Alpaca, Beech

Madsen & Schubell Pragh Stool, Denmark, 1950s
Madsen & Schubell Pragh Stool, Denmark, 1950s
H 16.34 in W 23.23 in D 15.75 in
Mid Century Hans Wegner Papa Bear Footstool
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
Attractive ottoman based on Hans Wegner design. Made of beech wood and velour upholstery. In very good original condition.
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Wool, Beech

Mid Century Hans Wegner Papa Bear Footstool
Mid Century Hans Wegner Papa Bear Footstool
H 15.75 in W 20.87 in D 14.97 in
Victorian Aubusson Needlework Footstool Claw & Ball Carved Wood Foot Bench
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
An antique early Victorian footstool with finely detailed hand-carved claw and ball feet made of walnut wood, upholstered with a rich ornated Aubusson tapestry with an heraldic lion ...
Category

Antique 1840s French Aubusson Footstools

Materials

Walnut, Nutwood, Wood, Wool, Tapestry, Fabric

Danish Mid-Century Modern Beech Footstool
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Beech footstool, circa 1960's. Spayed removable legs and original upholstery with minor wear and tear.
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools

Materials

Beech

Danish Mid-Century Teak Footstool
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Teak Danish footstool, circa 1960's. Removeable legs and original button vinyl with minor wear and tear.
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools

Materials

Teak

Danish Mid-Century Teak Footstool
Danish Mid-Century Teak Footstool
H 13 in W 19 in D 14 in
Danish Mid-Century Teak Footstool by Spottrup
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Teak Danish footstool by Spottrup, circa 1960's. Robust construction with cross supports and original upholstery. Spottrup & Danish Furniture Makers' control stamp intact.
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools

Materials

Teak

Danish Mid-Century Teak Footstool
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Teak Danish teak footstool, circa 1960's. Sleek conical legs and original upholstery with minor wear.
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools

Materials

Teak

Danish Mid-Century Teak Footstool
Danish Mid-Century Teak Footstool
H 15.5 in W 18.5 in D 14.5 in
Danish Mid-Century Beech Footstool
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Danish beech footstool, circa 1960's. Sleek tapering legs and original upholstery with wear.
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools

Materials

Beech

Danish Mid-Century Beech Footstool
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Beech Danish footstool, circa 1960's. Original vinyl upholstery with wear.
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools

Materials

Beech

Danish Mid-Century Beech Footstool
Danish Mid-Century Beech Footstool
H 15 in W 19 in D 12.5 in
Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Footstool
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Teak Danish footstool, circa 1960's. Tapering, sleek removable legs and original vinyl upholstery.
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools

Materials

Teak

Danish Mid-Century Beech Footstool
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Beech footstool, circa 1960's. Removable legs and original vinyl with minor wear and tear.
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools

Materials

Beech

Danish Mid-Century Beech Footstool
Danish Mid-Century Beech Footstool
H 15.5 in W 18.5 in D 13 in
Danish Mid-Century Beech Footstool
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Beech footstool, circa 1960's. Unique splayed legs & original upholstery with minor wear.
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools

Materials

Beech

Danish Mid-Century Teak Footstool
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Teak Danish footstool, circa 1960's. Slim curved seat and long tapered legs create an elegant profile. Original upholstery with minor wear.
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools

Materials

Teak

Danish Mid-Century Teak Footstool
Danish Mid-Century Teak Footstool
H 17 in W 21 in D 14 in
Danish Mid-Century Beech Footstool
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Beech Danish footstool, circa 1960's. Slender spayed legs and original upholstery with wear & tear.
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools

Materials

Beech

Danish Mid-Century Beech Footstool
Danish Mid-Century Beech Footstool
H 14 in W 20 in D 14.5 in
Danish Mid-Century Beech Footstool
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Beech footstool, circa 1960's. Removeable legs and original vinyl with minor wear and tear.
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools

Materials

Beech

Danish Mid-Century Beech Footstool
Danish Mid-Century Beech Footstool
H 15.5 in W 18.5 in D 13 in
Danish Mid-Century Teak Footstool
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Teak Danish footstool, circa 1960's. Removeable legs and original upholstery with minor wear and tear.
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools

Materials

Teak

Danish Mid-Century Teak Footstool
Danish Mid-Century Teak Footstool
H 14.5 in W 20 in D 14 in
Danish Mid-Century Beech Footstool
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Danish beech footstool, circa 1960's. Sleek tapering legs and original upholstery with wear.
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools

Materials

Beech

Danish Mid-Century Beech Footstool
Danish Mid-Century Beech Footstool
H 16 in W 19 in D 13.5 in
Danish Mid-Century Beech Footstool
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Beech Danish footstool circa 1960's. Sleek tapered legs and tufted original upholstery with wear.
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools

Materials

Beech

Danish Mid-Century Beech Footstool
Danish Mid-Century Beech Footstool
H 13.5 in W 18.5 in D 14 in
Danish Mid-Century Beech Footstool
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Danish Mid-century beech footstool, circa 1960's. Gently curved seat and splayed legs with original upholstery.
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools

Materials

Beech

Danish Mid-Century Beech Footstool
Danish Mid-Century Beech Footstool
H 14 in W 19 in D 13.5 in
Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Footstool
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Teak Danish footstool, circa 1960's. Elegent, robust design with cross supports. Original black vinyl uphostery.
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools

Materials

Teak

Danish Mid-Century Elm Footstool
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Elm footstool, circa 1950's. Spayed legs and original upholstery with minor wear and tear.
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools

Materials

Elm

Danish Mid-Century Elm Footstool
Danish Mid-Century Elm Footstool
H 16 in W 22 in D 14 in
Danish Mid-Century Modern Beech Footstool
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Beech footstool, circa 1960's. Spayed removeable legs and original upholstery with minor wear and tear.
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools

Materials

Beech

Danish Mid-Century Beech Fliptop Footstool with Storage
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Teak Danish footstool with storage, circa 1960's. Handy flip top divided storage compartment. Tapering, sleek removable legs and original vinyl upholstery.
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools

Materials

Beech

Danish Mid-Century Elm Footstool
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Elm footstool, circa 1950's. Spayed legs and original upholstery with minor wear and tear.
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools

Materials

Elm

Danish Mid-Century Elm Footstool
Danish Mid-Century Elm Footstool
H 16 in W 22 in D 14 in
Danish Mid-Century Elm Footstool
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Elm and leather footstool, circa 1960's. Original red tufted leather with solid tapering legs.
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools

Materials

Leather, Elm

Danish Mid-Century Elm Footstool
Danish Mid-Century Elm Footstool
H 15.5 in W 18.5 in D 18.5 in
Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak & Vinyl Footstool
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Teak Danish footstool, circa 1960's. Sleek conical legs and original vinyl upholstery with minor wear.
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools

Materials

Teak

Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak & Vinyl Footstool
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Teak and vinyl footstool, circa 1960's. Compact design with original jet black upholstery with soft rounded edges. Sleek conical legs with nice patina! Please inquire for remote and...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools

Materials

Teak

Danish Mid-Century Modern Beech and Vinyl Footstool with Storage
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Teak flip top footstool circa 1960's. Tufted top flips open to storage compartment with fitted interior. Some minor marks consistent with age.
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools

Materials

Beech

Agata bar stool with metallic details
Located in Fiscal Amares, PT
Elevate your space aesthetics with the AGATA bar stool – the ideal complement to your counter space! This contemporary masterpiece seamlessly blends elegance and comfort, featuring a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Footstools

Materials

Ash

Agata bar stool with metallic details
Agata bar stool with metallic details
H 40.6 in W 20.9 in D 23.2 in
York bar stool with metallic details
Located in Fiscal Amares, PT
The YORK bar stool is crafted with a design that seamlessly contours to your body, YORK promises unparalleled comfort for those delightful kitchen moments. Its wooden feet, embraced ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Footstools

Materials

Brass, Iron

York bar stool with metallic details
York bar stool with metallic details
H 40.6 in W 22.1 in D 24 in
Ib Kofod-Larsen Ottoman or Stool in Teak and Leather
By OPE Möbler, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ib Kofod-Larsen for OPE 'Siesta' ottoman or footstool, teak, leather, Denmark, 1960s This practical and sophisticated piece of furniture is designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen in the 1960s....
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools

Materials

Leather, Teak

1960´s Fully restored Danish Footstool in Teak Reupholstered in Cream Leather
Located in Knebel, DK
1950´s Reupholstered Danish footstool in teak and cream leather Danish footstool from the 1960´s in solid teak with elegant curved seat making it comfortable to sit on if needed. T...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools

Materials

Leather, Teak

Mini Heart Stool, Green Velvet, Dark Wood, Europe
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Small stool called "Heart" with dark brown walnut stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat in beautiful velvet italian fabric. This stool can be customized to your specificatio...
Category

2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Fabric, Jacquard, Beech

Frantisek Jirák, Midcentury Footstool, Produced by Tatra Nabytok, 1960s
By Tatra Pravenec, Frantisek Jirak
Located in Prague 8, CZ
Midcentury footstool designed by Frantisek Jirak for by Tatra nabytok Pravenec, 1960´s. Made in the former Czechoslovakia. Very stylish and modern design. In very good vintage condit...
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Beech

Mid century stool, footrest, Západoslovenské nábytkárské závody, 1970
By Západoslovenské nábytkárské závody
Located in Prague 8, CZ
This midcentury stool/footrest was made by Západoslovenské nábytkárské Závody in the former Czechoslovakia in the 1970´s. It has leatherette seat and the structure is made of beech ...
Category

Late 20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Beech

PAIR OF RESTORED CHESTERFIELD FOOTSTOOL OTTOMANS IN RiCH HAND DYED BROWN LEATHER
By Chesterfield
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning pair of original circa 1930's Art Deco, super comfortable hand dyed saddle brown le...
Category

Vintage 1930s English Art Deco Footstools

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Hans Wegner AP19 Stool
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Greensboro, NC
Iconic Hans Wegner foot stool produced by A.P. Stolen, Denmark 1959, distributed by Povl Dinesen Denmark Stool is in original condition, with teak frame and woven cotton upholstery ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

Hans Wegner AP19 Stool
Hans Wegner AP19 Stool
H 16 in W 27.5 in D 16 in
1960´s Fully restored Danish Footstool in Teak Reupholstered in Black Leather
Located in Knebel, DK
1950´s Reupholstered Danish footstool in teak and black leather Danish footstool from the 1960´s in solid teak with elegant curved seat making it comfortable to sit on if needed. T...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools

Materials

Leather, Teak

Mini Heart Stool, Gray Velvet, Dark Wood, Europe
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Small stool called "Heart" with dark brown walnut stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat in beautiful velvet italian fabric. This stool can be customized to your specificatio...
Category

2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Fabric, Beech, Jacquard

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European Hardwood Footstools For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are several options of european hardwood footstools available for sale. Find 212 antique and vintage european hardwood footstools at 1stDibs now, or shop our selection of 6 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished furniture. European hardwood footstools have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century. There are many kinds of european hardwood footstools to choose from, but at 1stDibs, Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern and Louis XVI european hardwood footstools are of considerable interest. Many european hardwood footstools are appealing in their simplicity, but Hans J. Wegner, Finn Juhl and France & Søn produced popular european hardwood footstools that are worth a look.

How Much are European Hardwood Footstools?

Prices for european hardwood footstools start at $200 and top out at $19,709 with the average selling for $1,362.

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.