Footstools
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Leather
20th Century English Chesterfield Footstools
Leather
2010s British Modern Footstools
Nylon
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Metal, Brass
2010s French Modern Footstools
Metal
Mid-20th Century Spanish Footstools
Leather, Wood
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Velvet, Wood
2010s Danish Modern Footstools
Textile, Oak
1970s Vintage Footstools
Leather
2010s Danish Post-Modern Footstools
Steel
2010s Finnish Post-Modern Footstools
Ash
2010s French Modern Footstools
Oak
2010s Philippine Modern Footstools
Rattan, Maple, Foam
2010s Danish Modern Footstools
Textile, Oak
2010s Danish Modern Footstools
Textile, Oak
2010s Philippine Modern Footstools
Steel
2010s Danish Modern Footstools
Textile, Oak
2010s Danish Modern Footstools
Textile, Oak
2010s Danish Modern Footstools
Textile, Oak
2010s Israeli Footstools
Wool, Silk
2010s Philippine Modern Footstools
Steel, Stainless Steel
1880s English Victorian Antique Footstools
Brass
2010s Danish Modern Footstools
Aluminum, Steel
2010s Danish Modern Footstools
Aluminum, Steel
2010s German Modern Footstools
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Footstools
Leather
19th Century Indian Antique Footstools
Teak, Paint
1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Metal, Chrome
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Footstools
Fruitwood
19th Century English Victorian Antique Footstools
Upholstery, Hardwood
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric, Bentwood
Late 20th Century Spanish Footstools
Bamboo, Wicker
Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Footstools
Leather
Mid-19th Century European Antique Footstools
Fabric, Wood
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Metal
1940s English Victorian Vintage Footstools
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Leather, Oak
1830s English William IV Antique Footstools
Brass
1930s British Art Deco Vintage Footstools
Leather
19th Century Unknown Antique Footstools
Leather, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Footstools
Leather
1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Fabric, Wood
2010s Argentine Modern Footstools
Fabric, Wood
2010s Israeli Footstools
Steel
20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Footstools
Wool
Late 20th Century Japanese Organic Modern Footstools
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Footstools
Fabric
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Leather, Foam
Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Footstools
Upholstery, Walnut
Late 20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Faux Leather, Wood, Beech
Late 20th Century Spanish Footstools
Iron
1950s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Pine
2010s Italian Footstools
Bouclé
2010s Argentine Modern Footstools
Fabric, Wood
2010s Argentine Modern Footstools
Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Footstools
Fabric, Wood
19th Century French Antique Footstools
Mahogany
1880s English Victorian Antique Footstools
Upholstery, Oak
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.