Footstools
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Footstools
Brass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Wood, Fabric
Early 2000s Italian Footstools
Aluminum
1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Fabric, Wood
Late 20th Century American Chippendale Footstools
Fabric, Mahogany
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Wicker
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools
Wool, Oak
1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather, Beech
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Plastic
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Teak
Early 20th Century American Queen Anne Footstools
Upholstery, Mahogany
20th Century Modern Footstools
Fabric
Late 19th Century French Antique Footstools
Walnut, Upholstery
Early 1900s Arts and Crafts Antique Footstools
Oak
Late 19th Century Arts and Crafts Antique Footstools
Leather, Oak
1980s North American Modern Vintage Footstools
Fabric, Wood
2010s Israeli Footstools
Steel
2010s Israeli Footstools
Steel
2010s Israeli Footstools
Steel
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Steel, Nickel
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Steel, Nickel
Late 19th Century British Egyptian Revival Antique Footstools
Leather, Wood
1960s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather, Straw
1980s North American Modern Vintage Footstools
Velvet, Fabric, Wood
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Bouclé, Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric, Wood
Mid-20th Century Islamic Footstools
Wood
2010s Footstools
Leather
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Footstools
Velvet, Fabric, Wood
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Wicker
Early 1900s Dutch Arts and Crafts Antique Footstools
Oak
1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather, Mahogany
1960s English Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather
20th Century English Chesterfield Footstools
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Modern Footstools
Fabric, Plywood
2010s Danish Post-Modern Footstools
Steel
2010s Danish Post-Modern Footstools
Steel
2010s Danish Post-Modern Footstools
Steel
2010s Danish Post-Modern Footstools
Steel
2010s Danish Post-Modern Footstools
Steel
2010s Danish Post-Modern Footstools
Steel
2010s Danish Post-Modern Footstools
Steel
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Faux Leather, Walnut
1850s European Early Victorian Antique Footstools
Leather, Oak
1980s Hong Kong Vintage Footstools
Rattan, Wood
1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Metal
19th Century English Victorian Antique Footstools
Leather, Hardwood
20th Century American Organic Modern Footstools
Leather, Rattan, Fabric
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools
Fabric, Oak
2010s Danish Post-Modern Footstools
Steel
2010s Danish Post-Modern Footstools
Steel
2010s Danish Post-Modern Footstools
Steel
1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Wood
2010s Footstools
Velvet
20th Century British Footstools
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Footstools
Fabric, Teak
2010s South African Footstools
Zebra Hide
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.