Footstools
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet, Beech
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Footstools
Leather
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Footstools
Leather
20th Century American Modern Footstools
Metal, Chrome
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Fabric, Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Footstools
Upholstery
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet, Beech
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Upholstery, Wood, Leather
21st Century and Contemporary American Hollywood Regency Footstools
Silver, Silver Leaf
1960s Swiss Vintage Footstools
Leather
Mid-20th Century French Footstools
Iron
2010s Italian Modern Footstools
Gold Plate, Brass
Late 20th Century European Footstools
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Footstools
Brass
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Aluminum
2010s Italian Footstools
Leather
1980s American Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Footstools
Wood
1960s French Brutalist Vintage Footstools
Wood
1970s North American American Empire Vintage Footstools
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Moroccan Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Leather
Late 20th Century Moorish Footstools
Leather
Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Metal
19th Century English Early Victorian Antique Footstools
Upholstery, Hardwood
20th Century Footstools
Upholstery
20th Century American Modern Footstools
Cotton, Wood
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Metal
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Brass
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Chrome
Mid-20th Century Moroccan Tribal Footstools
Wool
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
2010s Modern Footstools
Brass
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage 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.