Striped Footstools
21st Century and Contemporary English Victorian Footstools
Wool
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Upholstery
Recent Sales
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Brass
Antique 19th Century French Footstools
Walnut
Antique 19th Century Neoclassical Footstools
Upholstery, Fruitwood
Late 20th Century Italian Chippendale Footstools
Cowhide, Wood
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Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Rattan, Wood
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Wood, Ash, Burl
Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Country Desks and Writing Tables
Pine
Vintage 1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Fabric, Wood, Pine
Vintage 1980s North American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
Burl
Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps
Ceramic, Stoneware
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs
Brocade, Walnut
Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs
Bouclé
Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Console Tables
Pine
Antique 1890s Chinese Chinoiserie Dinner Plates
Porcelain
21st Century and Contemporary Bergere Chairs
Linen
Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Pine
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Wall Mirrors
Glass, Wood
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
Burl
Striped Footstools For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Striped Footstools?
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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