Footstools
Mid-20th Century Hollywood Regency Footstools
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet
2010s American Minimalist Footstools
Aluminum
Late 19th Century English Regency Revival Antique Footstools
Cane, Mahogany
Late 20th Century Japanese Organic Modern Footstools
Ceramic
1970s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Footstools
Steel
2010s Spanish Modern Footstools
Brass, Steel
2010s Spanish Modern Footstools
Steel, Brass
2010s Spanish Organic Modern Footstools
Steel
2010s Spanish Modern Footstools
Brass, Steel
Late 19th Century English Antique Footstools
Leather
20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Footstools
Nickel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Footstools
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary English Regency Footstools
Gold Leaf
2010s English Regency Footstools
Gold Leaf
1970s Vintage Footstools
Upholstery
1950s American American Classical Vintage Footstools
Leather, Wood
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Brass
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Steel, Chrome
19th Century English Queen Anne Antique Footstools
Walnut
19th Century English Antique Footstools
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Metal
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather, Wood
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Teak, Leather
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.