Footstools
Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Footstools
Rubber, Oak
Mid-18th Century Italian Louis XV Antique Footstools
Giltwood
2010s Spanish Modern Footstools
Brass, Steel
2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric, Jacquard, Beech
Early 1800s English Georgian Antique Footstools
Upholstery, Hardwood
1970s French Vintage Footstools
Textile, Wood
20th Century Argentine Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Leather, Hardwood
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric, Velvet, Beech
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Footstools
Fruitwood
2010s Swedish Footstools
Sheepskin, Beech
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Velvet, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet, Beech
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Footstools
Leather
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Plastic
19th Century English Victorian Antique Footstools
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet, Beech
Mid-19th Century British Chinese Chippendale Antique Footstools
Upholstery, Wood
Early 20th Century Unknown Victorian Footstools
Iron
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet, Beech
19th Century American American Empire Antique Footstools
Upholstery, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools
Rattan, Oak
20th Century English Chesterfield Footstools
Upholstery, Hardwood
1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Metal
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet, Beech
1910s American Arts and Crafts Vintage Footstools
Oak, Cotton
Early 20th Century American Adirondack Footstools
Wood
1930s French Louis XV Vintage Footstools
Walnut
1890s English Chippendale Antique Footstools
Mahogany
Late 19th Century English Aesthetic Movement Antique Footstools
Pine
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Fabric, Teak
20th Century English Chesterfield Footstools
Leather, Hardwood
Mid-19th Century British Antique Footstools
Wool, Oak
19th Century British Victorian Antique Footstools
Elm
Early 20th Century English Art Deco Footstools
Wood
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Footstools
Upholstery, Walnut
1980s German Post-Modern Vintage Footstools
Metal
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools
Alpaca, Beech
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Metal
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather, Hardwood
1970s Modern Vintage Footstools
Chrome
1970s Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather, Rosewood
1930s European Neoclassical Revival Vintage Footstools
Wrought Iron
1970s French Directoire Vintage Footstools
Walnut
Late 20th Century African Footstools
Wood
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Upholstery, Twine, Chestnut
1780s French Louis XVI Antique Footstools
Giltwood
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Steel
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather, Fabric, Foam
Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Footstools
Mahogany
2010s Italian Footstools
Velvet
2010s Brazilian Modern Footstools
Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Fiberglass, Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary South African Campaign Footstools
Zebra Hide
1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Metal
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather, Teak
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet, Beech
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Silk, Velvet
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Wool, Velvet, 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.