Footstools
Early 20th Century Italian Louis XVI Footstools
Mohair, Wood
1990s European Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Chrome
1970s Unknown Vintage Footstools
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Sheepskin
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Cord, Rope, Wood
1980s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Wood
1780s French Louis XVI Antique Footstools
Giltwood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Organic Modern Footstools
Bouclé, Velvet
Early 1900s Indonesian Dutch Colonial Antique Footstools
Teak
2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Bouclé, Velvet, Wood
2010s Spanish Minimalist Footstools
Brass, Steel
2010s Spanish Modern Footstools
Brass, Steel
Late 20th Century Footstools
Polyester, Wood, Paper
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet, Beech
2010s Spanish Modern Footstools
Steel, Brass
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric
2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Bouclé, Velvet, Wood
20th Century Footstools
Cotton, Bamboo
1950s European Brutalist Vintage Footstools
Wood
2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Bouclé, Velvet, Wood
2010s Italian Modern Footstools
Wood
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Fabric, Plastic, Wood
2010s Spanish Modern Footstools
Steel, Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Louis XVI Footstools
Linen, Wood, Giltwood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Footstools
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet, Wood
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet, Beech
2010s Spanish Modern Footstools
Brass, Steel
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Footstools
Leather, Cotton, Oak
20th Century Italian Footstools
Cotton, Silk, Wood
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Metal, Brass
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet, Beech
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric, Wool, Beech
2010s American Minimalist Footstools
Aluminum
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Upholstery, Wood
2010s Spanish Modern Footstools
Iron
2010s Spanish Minimalist Footstools
Steel, Brass
Early 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Footstools
Mohair, Giltwood
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Beech
Early 2000s Italian Modern Footstools
Plastic
Early 19th Century Unknown Other Antique Footstools
Wood
1980s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather
Late 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Footstools
Oak
20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Cotton, Bamboo, Rattan
2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Bouclé, Velvet, Wood
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Leather, Elm
2010s Italian Footstools
Velvet
2010s Modern Footstools
Steel
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet, Wood
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet, Wood
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet
20th Century American Footstools
Cotton, Wood
20th Century French French Provincial Footstools
Bronze
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Plastic
2010s Spanish Modern Footstools
Steel, Brass
2010s Swedish Footstools
Sheepskin, Beech
2010s Spanish Modern Footstools
Steel, Brass
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.