Footstools
1920s American Adirondack Vintage Footstools
Leather, Wood
Early 20th Century American Queen Anne Footstools
Upholstery, Mahogany
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet, Walnut
1980s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Hickory, Oak
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Footstools
Steel
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric
1970s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Pine
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather, Teak
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Leather
Late 20th Century British Campaign Footstools
Leather, Wood
1910s English Arts and Crafts Vintage Footstools
Brass
Late 20th Century Italian Rococo Footstools
Wicker, Cane, Wood, Walnut
1950s English Bohemian Vintage Footstools
Bamboo
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Teak
1970s Modern Vintage Footstools
Chrome
1960s American Vintage Footstools
Cotton, Silk, Wood
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Leather
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather, Oak
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Fabric, Wood
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Rush, Beech
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric, Wood, Beech
Late 20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Beech
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Concrete
1950s French Vintage Footstools
Wood
20th Century American Victorian Footstools
Upholstery, Walnut
Late 20th Century American Other Footstools
Upholstery, Walnut
1980s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet
Early 20th Century American Footstools
Upholstery, Mahogany
20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Upholstery, Velvet, Walnut, Wood
1960s French Vintage Footstools
Wood
Early 20th Century American Victorian Footstools
Tapestry, Velvet, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric
Mid-20th Century Art Deco Footstools
Steel
1920s American Vintage Footstools
Cotton, Silk, Wood
1980s Hollywood Regency Vintage Footstools
Cotton
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Brass
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric, Wood, Beech
1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Naugahyde, Oak
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Bouclé, Wood
20th Century English Kilim Footstools
Upholstery, Hardwood
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather, Fabric
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Metal
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Chrome
Early 20th Century French Footstools
Mahogany
1960s Vintage Footstools
Leather
Early 20th Century American Adirondack Footstools
Wood
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric, Velvet, Beech
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric
1980s English Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Fabric, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric
Mid-20th Century Footstools
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Teak
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Upholstery
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.