Footstools
2010s Australian Hollywood Regency Footstools
Sheepskin
21st Century and Contemporary French Louis XVI Footstools
Upholstery, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Footstools
Bouclé, Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Footstools
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Footstools
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary American Post-Modern Footstools
Bouclé, Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Footstools
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Footstools
Bouclé, Upholstery
20th Century American Modern Footstools
Metal, Chrome
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Leather
2010s Italian Minimalist Footstools
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Footstools
Wool, Bouclé, Oak
1970s American Modern Vintage Footstools
Steel
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric, Faux Leather, Beech
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Footstools
Upholstery
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Footstools
Wood, Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Footstools
Leather
19th Century French Antique Footstools
Linen
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Modern Footstools
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Modern Footstools
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Modern Footstools
Steel
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Modern Footstools
Fabric, Plywood
2010s Spanish Modern Footstools
Brass, Steel
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Chrome
2010s Australian Hollywood Regency Footstools
Sheepskin
2010s South African Footstools
Brass
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Leather, Foam
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Steel, Chrome
19th Century French Antique Footstools
Linen
Early 20th Century Swedish Footstools
Wood, Paint
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Footstools
Wood, Paint
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Footstools
Wood, Paint
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Chrome
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Plastic, Wood
1970s Vintage Footstools
Bouclé
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Teak, Sheepskin
1970s American Modern Vintage Footstools
Brass
1990s North American Post-Modern Footstools
Bouclé, Upholstery
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Fabric
1950s American Louis XVI Vintage Footstools
Walnut
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.