Footstools
19th Century French Louis XIII Antique Footstools
Oak
18th Century and Earlier Italian Louis XIII Antique Footstools
Wood
2010s American Footstools
Oak
19th Century French Antique Footstools
Mahogany
1980s Unknown Vintage Footstools
Fabric, Wood
1980s English Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Fabric, Walnut
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Footstools
Burlap, Wood, Walnut
19th Century Swedish Rustic Antique Footstools
Leather, Wood
19th Century Antique Footstools
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Footstools
Steel
2010s American Footstools
Oak, Upholstery
Late 20th Century American William and Mary Footstools
Upholstery, Velvet, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Upholstery, Wood
Late 19th Century English Chippendale Antique Footstools
Mahogany
Early 20th Century French Louis XIII Footstools
Brass
Early 20th Century French Louis XIII Footstools
Walnut
Mid-19th Century French Louis XIII Antique Footstools
Velvet, Walnut
Early 18th Century Italian Louis XIII Antique Footstools
Walnut
19th Century French Louis XIII Antique Footstools
Brass
Mid-19th Century French Louis XIII Antique Footstools
Tapestry, Walnut
20th Century Italian Louis XIII Footstools
Linen, Oak
Early 20th Century French Louis XIII Footstools
Velvet, Beech
20th Century Italian Louis XIII Footstools
Linen, Walnut
Late 19th Century French Louis XIII Antique Footstools
Tapestry, Walnut
Late 19th Century French Louis XIII Antique Footstools
Cane, Walnut
Early 18th Century Spanish Louis XIII Antique Footstools
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.