Footstools
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Footstools
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Footstools
Leather
2010s Italian Minimalist Footstools
Iron
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Metal, Brass
2010s Italian Minimalist Footstools
Iron
1930s Art Deco Vintage Footstools
Upholstery, Beech
Early 2000s Italian Footstools
Plastic
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Footstools
Leather
2010s Italian Footstools
Velvet
2010s Italian Modern Footstools
Steel
2010s Italian Footstools
Velvet
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Brass
1950s American Adirondack Vintage Footstools
Sheepskin, Antler
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Footstools
Leather
1980s Hollywood Regency Vintage Footstools
Leather
1950s French Vintage Footstools
Wrought Iron
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Chrome
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Stainless Steel
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Leather, Foam
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather, Wood
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Chrome
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Wood
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Upholstery, Wood
Late 20th Century American William and Mary Footstools
Upholstery, Velvet, Walnut
2010s Italian Modern Footstools
Gold Plate, Brass
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Steel, Chrome
1980s English Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Fabric, Walnut
1750s Italian Rococo Antique Footstools
Walnut
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Brass
19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Footstools
Velvet, Mahogany
2010s South African Footstools
Brass
1980s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Suede, Wood
1970s French Vintage Footstools
Fabric
1960s Central American Vintage Footstools
Chrome
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Fabric
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Metal
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Footstools
Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary Moroccan Tribal Footstools
Leather
1970s Swiss Vintage Footstools
Leather
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.