Footstools
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Footstools
Mahogany
19th Century Indian Antique Footstools
Wood
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Teak
1970s English Vintage Footstools
Wood, Paint, Leather
2010s European Footstools
Fabric
2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric, Jacquard, Beech
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather, Teak
2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric, Jacquard, Beech
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric
1880s English High Victorian Antique Footstools
Walnut
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Footstools
Tapestry, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric, Plastic
1950s English Bohemian Vintage Footstools
Bamboo
19th Century British Antique Footstools
Faux Bamboo, Wood, Giltwood
19th Century British Victorian Antique Footstools
Elm
2010s Philippine Modern Footstools
Rattan, Maple, Foam
21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric, Wood
1970s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Pine
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet
1980s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Steel
2010s American Footstools
Oak, Upholstery
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Footstools
Steel
20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Raffia, Wood
20th Century Classical Roman Footstools
Upholstery, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Footstools
Leather, Oak
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet, Beech
Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Footstools
Leather, Burlap, Oak
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet
2010s European Footstools
Fabric
Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Footstools
Rubber, Oak
Mid-20th Century American Adirondack Footstools
Wood
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Upholstery
1980s Indian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Wrought Iron
1950s Scandinavian Vintage Footstools
Rattan
Early 1900s English Antique Footstools
Textile, Wood
20th Century American Victorian Footstools
Upholstery, Walnut
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Cotton, Teak
1910s American Arts and Crafts Vintage Footstools
Brass
1930s Czech Art Deco Vintage Footstools
Fabric, Wood
Late 19th Century French French Provincial Antique Footstools
Leather, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Footstools
Leather
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Wicker, Wood
2010s Argentine Modern Footstools
Leather, Wood
Mid-19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Footstools
Linen, Wood, Paint
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Upholstery
20th Century American Footstools
Brass
Early 20th Century American Adirondack Footstools
Wood
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Resin, Velvet
2010s French Footstools
Alabaster, Bronze
2010s Israeli Footstools
Steel
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Bouclé, Wood
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Modern Footstools
Fabric, Plywood, Foam
2010s Australian Hollywood Regency Footstools
Sheepskin
2010s American 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.