Footstools
1860s Italian Rococo Revival Antique Footstools
Giltwood
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Metal
1930s Danish Art Deco Vintage Footstools
Beech
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Pine
Early 18th Century French Louis XIV Antique Footstools
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Footstools
Plastic
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Footstools
Upholstery, Walnut
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Metal, Brass
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Beech
19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Footstools
Upholstery, Giltwood, Linen
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Steel
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Footstools
Wood
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Steel
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Footstools
Leather, Upholstery, Oak
2010s Argentine Modern Footstools
Fabric, Wood
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Footstools
Fabric, Wood
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Wicker, Beech
2010s Brazilian Modern Footstools
Leather, Hardwood, Fiberglass, Upholstery, Textile
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Zebra Hide
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather
20th Century American Hollywood Regency Footstools
Upholstery
Late 19th Century American Aesthetic Movement Antique Footstools
Fabric, Wood
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Footstools
Brass
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Teak, Cane
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Leather, Oak
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather, Teak
20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Hide
19th Century Irish Antique Footstools
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Footstools
Steel
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Brass
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Fabric
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Hardwood
20th Century Organic Modern Footstools
Wood
1860s English High Victorian Antique Footstools
Upholstery, Pine
20th Century English Chesterfield Footstools
Velvet
Mid-20th Century Italian Footstools
Wrought Iron
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Upholstery, Wood, Leather
1960s Swiss Vintage Footstools
Leather
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Brass
Mid-18th Century Irish George II Antique Footstools
Mahogany
1950s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather, Wood
20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Footstools
Upholstery, Bouclé
2010s Brazilian Footstools
Imbuia
Mid-20th Century European Dutch Colonial Footstools
1890s English Aesthetic Movement Antique Footstools
Ash, Oak
1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Footstools
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Silk, Velvet
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather, Teak
1960s Unknown Directoire Vintage Footstools
Walnut
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Footstools
Brass
1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Fabric, Wood
20th Century Classical Roman Footstools
Fabric, Wood
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
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.