Footstools
2010s Spanish Minimalist Footstools
Brass, Steel
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Wool, Rosewood
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Chinese Chippendale Footstools
Rosewood
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric, Wood, Beech
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Modern Footstools
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Modern Footstools
Fabric, Plywood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Footstools
Velvet, Ebony, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Footstools
Bouclé, Upholstery
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric, Velvet, Beech
2010s Mexican Bauhaus Footstools
Wood, Hardwood, Oak
Late 20th Century European Footstools
Brass
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet, Wood
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric, Velvet, Beech
2010s French Organic Modern Footstools
Beech
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Leather, Foam
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet, Beech
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Footstools
Brass
19th Century French Aubusson Antique Footstools
Wood, Fabric
2010s South American Minimalist Footstools
Bentwood
2010s Finnish Modern Footstools
Fiberglass
2010s Footstools
Travertine
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Bouclé, Beech
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric
2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Bouclé, Velvet, Wood
2010s Australian Hollywood Regency Footstools
Sheepskin
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric
2010s American Shaker Footstools
Oak, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet, Beech
2010s Brazilian Modern Footstools
Leather, Hardwood, Fiberglass, Upholstery, Textile
21st Century and Contemporary South African Campaign Footstools
Zebra Hide
1960s American Modern Vintage Footstools
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Stainless Steel
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Footstools
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary English Chippendale Footstools
Wood
2010s American Footstools
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary South African Campaign Footstools
Zebra Hide
2010s American Footstools
Oak, Upholstery
1960s Swiss Vintage Footstools
Leather
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Teak, Cane
19th Century Antique Footstools
Mahogany
2010s European Footstools
Fabric
20th Century Footstools
Hardwood
20th Century Footstools
Hardwood
Mid-19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Footstools
Linen, Wood, Paint
1970s Hungarian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Fabric, Plastic
Mid-19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Footstools
Linen, Wood, Paint
20th Century English Kilim Footstools
Upholstery, Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Footstools
Brass
1980s South American Modern Vintage Footstools
Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools
Leather, Wood
20th Century English Chesterfield Footstools
Leather
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet, Beech
1960s French Vintage Footstools
Pine
20th Century English Victorian Footstools
Leather
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Footstools
Wood, Elm
2010s Australian Hollywood Regency Footstools
Sheepskin
Antique and Vintage Footstools
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.