Footstools
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Chrome
2010s Footstools
Leather
2010s North American Post-Modern Footstools
Brass
2010s Footstools
Wool
1980s Danish Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather, Maple
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Footstools
Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Footstools
Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Footstools
Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Footstools
Upholstery
2010s American Modern Footstools
Acrylic
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Leather, Foam
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Footstools
Fabric
1860s German Victorian Antique Footstools
Upholstery, Walnut
1830s French Charles X Antique Footstools
Walnut
1790s Italian Antique Footstools
Velvet, Walnut
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Metal
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Chrome
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Metal
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Chrome
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Metal, Gold Plate
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Chrome
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Metal, Gold Plate
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Metal
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Metal, Gold Plate
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Metal, Gold Plate
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Chrome
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Metal, Gold Plate
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Metal, Gold Plate
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Metal, Gold Plate
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Metal, Gold Plate
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Metal
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Metal
1960s Vintage Footstools
Brass
1960s Vintage Footstools
Brass
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Metal
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Metal, Gold Plate
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Metal, Gold Plate
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Metal, Gold Plate
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Metal, Gold Plate
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Chrome
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Chrome
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Chrome
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Chrome
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Chrome
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Metal
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Metal
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Metal
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools
Fabric, Foam, Walnut
2010s Italian Post-Modern Footstools
Other
2010s Italian Post-Modern Footstools
Other
2010s Italian Post-Modern Footstools
Other
2010s Italian Post-Modern Footstools
Other
2010s Italian Post-Modern Footstools
Other
2010s Italian Post-Modern Footstools
Other
2010s Italian Post-Modern Footstools
Other
2010s Italian Post-Modern Footstools
Other
1780s European George III Antique Footstools
Mahogany
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.