White Metal Footstools
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Stools
Iron
20th Century American Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Metal, Chrome
Recent Sales
2010s Italian Minimalist Side Tables
Iron
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Chrome
Vintage 1970s American Modern Stools
Steel
Vintage 1970s American Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Brass
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Metal, Brass
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Brass
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Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Benches
Bronze, Wrought Iron
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Aluminum, Steel, Brass
2010s American Table Lamps
Brass
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Tables
Mohair, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary European Neoclassical Benches
Iron
Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Stools
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
2010s American Modern Stools
Wood, Oak
Mid-20th Century British Chandeliers and Pendants
Glass
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Oak, Mohair, Velvet
2010s Belgian Modern Club Chairs
Linen
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Stools
Iron
Vintage 1960s Doors and Gates
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Side Tables
Cherry
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Iron
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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