Footstools
1980s Bohemian Vintage Footstools
Upholstery, Rattan
20th Century American Art Deco Footstools
Leather, Hardwood
Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Antique Footstools
Walnut
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Steel
1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Faux Leather
Early 19th Century American Edwardian Antique Footstools
Hardwood
20th Century Asian Rustic Footstools
Belgian Black Marble
1880s American Aesthetic Movement Antique Footstools
Oak
1860s English High Victorian Antique Footstools
Leather, Oak
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Leather, Oak
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather
Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Footstools
Wood
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather
1960s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather
2010s Italian Organic Modern Footstools
Plywood
19th Century Indian Antique Footstools
Teak, Paint
2010s South African Footstools
Brass
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric, Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Footstools
Aluminum
Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Footstools
Rubber, Oak
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Footstools
Iron
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric, Plastic
2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet, Wood, Bouclé
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Walnut
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather
1920s French Vintage Footstools
Cane, Wood
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather
1980s Vintage Footstools
Leather, Sheepskin
20th Century English Country Footstools
Leather
Late 19th Century British High Victorian Antique Footstools
Calico, Upholstery, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Rosewood
20th Century English Country Footstools
Leather
20th Century Belgian Louis XVI Footstools
Brass
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Teak, Leather
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather, Teak
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather
Early 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Footstools
Mohair, Giltwood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Footstools
Suede, Wood
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather
1950s English Bohemian Vintage Footstools
Bamboo
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Leather, Foam
20th Century English Chesterfield Footstools
Leather
1970s Hungarian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Fabric, Plastic
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Velvet, Wood
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather
1930s Czech Art Deco Vintage Footstools
Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Footstools
Cane
19th Century Indian Antique Footstools
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Faux Fur, Wood
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.