Footstools
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Rattan
1970s Unknown Directoire Vintage Footstools
Metal
Late 19th Century Swedish Rococo Revival Antique Footstools
Pine
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Elm
1940s French Vintage Footstools
Wood, Leather
2010s Italian Modern Footstools
Steel
Mid-20th Century Egyptian Footstools
Leather
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools
Mohair, Oak
1870s French Louis XV Antique Footstools
Gold Leaf
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Plastic, Teak
1970s French Brutalist Vintage Footstools
Wood, Leather
1970s American Vintage Footstools
Upholstery, Bamboo
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Footstools
Upholstery
Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Lucite
21st Century and Contemporary Lithuanian Scandinavian Modern Footstools
Oak, Sheepskin
Mid-20th Century English Footstools
Leather
Mid-20th Century American Regency Footstools
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
1990s Unknown Hollywood Regency Footstools
Fabric
1930s North American Art Deco Vintage Footstools
Leather
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Footstools
Leather, Cotton, Oak
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Beech
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Footstools
Velvet, Fabric, Wood
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Rattan
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Bohemian Footstools
Wool, Wood
2010s Mexican Modern Footstools
Katalox, Hardwood
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Footstools
Upholstery, Wood
1960s English Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Metal
Early 20th Century English Footstools
Oak
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Footstools
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
18th Century Antique Footstools
Mahogany
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Beech
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Brass
Early 2000s Italian Modern Footstools
Plastic
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Footstools
Brass
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Footstools
Leather, Upholstery, Oak
Early 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Footstools
Leather, Wood
Early 20th Century North American American Classical Footstools
Hardwood
2010s Spanish Modern Footstools
Iron
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Metal, Brass
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Wool, Rosewood
Mid-20th Century Unknown Arts and Crafts Footstools
Leather, Oak
2010s Italian Footstools
Leather
Early 20th Century Footstools
Leather
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Elm
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Footstools
Upholstery, Walnut
2010s English Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Leather
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Footstools
Leather, Oak
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Footstools
Upholstery
Late 19th Century American Antique Footstools
Giltwood
20th Century Classical Roman Footstools
Cowhide, Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Organic Modern Footstools
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Organic Modern Footstools
Metal
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Beech
1870s French Victorian Antique Footstools
Linen, Walnut
1950s American Adirondack Vintage Footstools
Sheepskin, Antler
20th Century Footstools
Leather
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Beech
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.