Footstools
19th Century Swedish Art Nouveau Antique Footstools
Giltwood
Early 20th Century American Chippendale Footstools
Textile, Cherry
1980s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather
2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Bouclé, Velvet, Wood
2010s Spanish Minimalist Footstools
Brass, Steel
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather, Fabric, Foam
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet, Beech
2010s American Footstools
Oak
19th Century British Victorian Antique Footstools
Elm
1970s Hungarian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Fabric, Plastic
20th Century European Footstools
Walnut
Early 20th Century Unknown Victorian Footstools
Mahogany
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Wood, Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Organic Modern Footstools
Bouclé, Velvet
Late 19th Century British Gothic Revival Antique Footstools
Oak
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric
Mid-19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Footstools
Linen, Wood, Paint, Fabric
20th Century Classical Roman Footstools
Upholstery, Walnut
Late 19th Century English Arts and Crafts Antique Footstools
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Modern Footstools
Steel
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Footstools
Brass
Early 19th Century British Queen Anne Antique Footstools
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet, Wood
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Bouclé, Wood, Foam
1990s Indian Anglo-Indian Footstools
Metal
1960s American Vintage Footstools
Wool
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Upholstery, Bamboo
Mid-20th Century Asian Footstools
Wicker, Rattan
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric, Velvet, Beech
Mid-20th Century Art Deco Footstools
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary English Regency Footstools
Gold Leaf
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Fabric, Wood, Walnut
19th Century English Victorian Antique Footstools
Walnut
Late 19th Century English Aesthetic Movement Antique Footstools
Pine
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet, Beech
2010s Spanish Minimalist Footstools
Brass, Steel
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Footstools
Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Cord, Rope, Wood
Early 1800s English Georgian Antique Footstools
Upholstery, Hardwood
1980s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather
1960s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Brass
1880s English High Victorian Antique Footstools
Walnut
1890s French Renaissance Antique Footstools
Oak
19th Century Biedermeier Antique Footstools
Oak, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Brass
Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Footstools
Tapestry, Walnut
Late 20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Beech
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Footstools
Brass
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Footstools
Steel
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Plastic
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet, Beech
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Footstools
Wood
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric
1920s French Vintage Footstools
Cane, Wood
2010s Italian Modern Footstools
Steel
Late 20th Century American Moorish Footstools
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Hickory, Oak
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet, Beech
2010s Brazilian Modern Footstools
Leather, Hardwood, Fiberglass, Upholstery, Textile
1910s American Arts and Crafts Vintage Footstools
Leather, Cotton, 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.








