Footstools
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Footstools
Fabric, Mahogany
Late 20th Century Indonesian Organic Modern Footstools
Wood, Teak
2010s Italian Footstools
Leather
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Footstools
Wood, Elm
1930s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Footstools
Beech
1980s South American Modern Vintage Footstools
Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Modern Footstools
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Footstools
Velvet, Ebony, Wood
2010s South American Minimalist Footstools
Bentwood
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Bouclé, Beech
2010s American Shaker Footstools
Oak, Walnut
2010s Spanish Modern Footstools
Brass, Steel
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Tapestry, Oak
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Faux Leather, Walnut
1820s French Neoclassical Antique Footstools
Fabric, Beech
Mid-20th Century French Footstools
Iron
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Metal
2010s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Footstools
Hardwood
1880s English Late Victorian Antique Footstools
Upholstery
1950s French Vintage Footstools
Wood
Mid-20th Century Spanish Baroque Revival Footstools
Walnut, Paint
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Footstools
Wood, Elm
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools
Alpaca, Beech
2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Bouclé, Wood, Velvet
1930s Vintage Footstools
Wood
Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Footstools
Leather
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Leather, Foam
2010s European Other Footstools
Wood
19th Century French Antique Footstools
Mahogany
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather, Wood
1960s French Vintage Footstools
Wood
20th Century English Chesterfield Footstools
Leather
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Rosewood
1920s French Vintage Footstools
Cane, Wood
18th Century English Antique Footstools
Wood, Paint
20th Century European Art Deco Footstools
Leather, Wood
20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Chrome
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Wood, Rattan
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Wood
20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Leather
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric, Wood
1860s French Neoclassical Antique Footstools
Velvet, Beech
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Brass
2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Bouclé, Wood, Velvet
2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Wood, Velvet, Bouclé
1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Fabric, Wood
20th Century English Victorian Footstools
Leather
Late 19th Century French Antique Footstools
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Modern Footstools
Fabric, Plywood
2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric, Beech, Jacquard
Late 20th Century Footstools
Polyester, Wood, Paper
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Wood
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Beech
Late 20th Century American William and Mary Footstools
Upholstery, Velvet, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric, Velvet, Beech
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Footstools
Wood
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Footstools
Leather, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Brass
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.