Footstools
1930s Czech Art Deco Vintage Footstools
Fabric, Wood
2010s Argentine Modern Footstools
Leather, Wood
1910s American Arts and Crafts Vintage Footstools
Brass
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Upholstery
Mid-19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Footstools
Linen, Wood, Paint
1960s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Brass
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Leather
2010s Israeli Footstools
Steel
2010s Australian Hollywood Regency Footstools
Sheepskin
2010s American Footstools
Upholstery, Oak
20th Century American Footstools
Cotton, Silk, Wood
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools
Rattan, Oak
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet, Beech
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Silk, Velvet
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather, Oak
20th Century American Queen Anne Footstools
Leather
1960s American Vintage Footstools
Cotton, Silk, Wood
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Concrete
Late 19th Century English Aesthetic Movement Antique Footstools
Pine
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric, Wood, Beech
Late 19th Century English Arts and Crafts Antique Footstools
Walnut
20th Century Indian Footstools
Cotton, Silk, Wood
Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Antique Footstools
Ceramic, Tapestry, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric
19th Century American American Empire Antique Footstools
Upholstery, Mahogany
1970s American Organic Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather, Walnut
1980s American Vintage Footstools
Plastic
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet
1960s American Vintage Footstools
Wool
1960s Chinese Vintage Footstools
Pottery
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Wicker, Beech
Early 20th Century English Art Deco Footstools
Wood
20th Century French Art Deco Footstools
Fabric, Wood
Early 20th Century English Egyptian Revival Footstools
Maple
1890s French Louis XV Antique Footstools
Walnut
1930s European Art Deco Vintage Footstools
Leather
1980s Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century French Footstools
Mahogany
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Hardwood
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Upholstery, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric
20th Century Organic Modern Footstools
Wood
Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Footstools
Mahogany
Early 20th Century British Egyptian Revival Footstools
Bamboo
Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Antique Footstools
Ceramic, Tapestry, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Indian Moorish Footstools
Shell, Teak
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Hardwood, Oak
Late 19th Century French Antique Footstools
Wood, Walnut
2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Bouclé, Velvet, Wood
1880s Swedish Neoclassical Antique Footstools
Ash
1970s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather
Mid-19th Century British Queen Anne Antique Footstools
Upholstery, Mahogany
2010s Mexican Modern Footstools
Walnut, Hardwood
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Bouclé, Wood, Plywood
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Metal, Iron
1840s French Aubusson Antique Footstools
Fabric, Tapestry, Wool, Wood, Nutwood, Walnut
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Hickory, Oak
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Upholstery, 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.