The Gothic Revival movement (also called Victorian Gothic or Neo-Gothic) emerged in Britain in the 1740s, and reached its height in the late-19th century. Gothic Revival furniture's characteristics include such decorative flourishes as pointed arches, floral details, finials, heraldic motifs and linenfold carving.
The movement was rooted in religious and social conservatism. Gothic Revival's proponents, who included Charles Barry and A.W.N. Pugin, the architects of London’s Houses of Parliament (designed in 1840), believed that the art and architecture of the Middle Ages were authentically spiritual and inherently moral.
In the United States, the Gothic Revival movement shaped both public buildings and private houses. Numerous American schools were built in the early-19th century in a style now called Collegiate Gothic. Many builders and craftsmen were inspired by Andrew Jackson Downing’s widely read 1850 book Architecture for Country Houses, which posited that a family’s home should exemplify their values — and that the Gothic Revival style was particularly well-suited to scholars and clergymen. Furniture with detailing that mirrored that of Gothic Revival buildings appeared in the same period. Such pieces typically feature dark, intricately carved wood, and upholstery in velvet or leather.
Much like the castles or cathedrals that inspired them, Gothic Revival chairs, bookcases and beds make a bold design statement. And while you probably don’t have to cross a moat or raise a portcullis to get through your front door, a Gothic Revival piece will declare that your home is indeed your castle.
Flemish Gothic Revival Oak Footstool, Belgium, 19th Century
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Belgium / 19th century / Footstool / oak and fabric / Gothic revival / Flemish A sculptural testament to 19th-century historicism, this Flemish footstool channels the romantic gran...
Fabric, Velvet, Wood
$476Sale Price|20% Off
Gothic Revival Carved Footstool with Grotesque Masks and Ball-and-Claw Feet
Located in Trenton, NJ
This unique footstool showcases the kind of exuberant carving associated with Gothic and Renaissance Revival design. The standout feature is the set of grotesque mask carvings at eac...
Fabric, Wood
$924Sale Price|20% Off
Long Victorian Oak Foot Stool with carved Gothic Tracery
By Pugin
Located in Dereham, GB
Long Victorian Oak Foot Stool with carved Gothic Tracery Angled top with red needle point upholstery, Oak Frame with 8 square block legs Carved Gothic Tracery detail between legs No...
Oak
19th Century James Shoolbred London Victorian Gothic Oak Footrest Stool
Located in Norwich, England
An unusual Victorian gothic oak footrest/stool made by James Shoolbred of London. Circa 1880. Maker's label. The footrest has shaped ends with pierced de...
Oak
$5,900 / set
H 32 in W 28 in D 17.75 in
20th Century Pair of Carved Walnut Spanish Savonarola with Foot Rest
Located in Miami, FL
20th century pair of carved walnut Spanish Savonarola You can use like a armchairs, swivel chairs, settee. It´s a very decorative and functional pi...
Walnut, Paint
Exceptional and Rare 19th Century Irish X Framed Stool
Located in Dublin, IE
An exceptional and rare 19th century Irish oak stool, with beautifully rich patination and grain. The padded brass studded seat is of rectangular form ...
Brass
19th Century Biedermeier Footstool
Located in Darmstadt, DE
We present an authentic small Biedermeier footstool from around 1830. The piece features a solid walnut top resting on oak legs, displaying the w...
Oak, Walnut
$1,699 / set
H 18.31 in W 16.54 in D 16.54 in
Pair of Antique Victorian Hand Carved 19th Century Asethetic Movement Stools
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of Victorian late 19th century hand carved pine stools in the Aesthetic movement taste This stools are very decorative and we...
Pine
$2,039
H 14.34 in W 14.97 in D 13.98 in
Circa 1880-1900, Antique Victorian Ebonised Lion's Hairy Paw Feet Footstool
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely hand made in England, circa 1880-1900 Ebonised footstool with elaborate hand carved Lion’s hairy paw feet...
Oak
$1,926
H 4.93 in W 40.56 in D 8.08 in
Long Antique Carriage Stool, English, Crewelwork, Fireside Foot Rest, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a long antique carriage stool. An English, mahogany and Crewelwork textile fireside foot rest in aesthetic period taste, dating to the mid Victorian period, circa 1880. Rest...
Textile, Mahogany
Mid-19th Century French Gothic Revival Oak Church Bench
Located in Astoria, NY
A substantial mid-19th century French Gothic Revival church bench sourced in the Bordeaux region of France and crafted in solid oak with a beautifully aged warm patina. Originally ma...
Oak
$680Sale Price|20% Off
H 14 in W 18 in D 18 in
DIM/CON Antique Rococo Revival Rosewood Footstool with Floral Needlepoint C1890
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Rococo Revival Rosewood Footstool with Floral Needlepoint C1890 Measures - 14 h x 18 w x 18 w A charming antique Rococo Revival footstool crafted from rosewood, dating to ci...
Rosewood
$1,800
H 52.5 in W 21.5 in D 22.5 in
19th Century French Gothic Revival Oak Ecclesiastical Church Chair
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in France circa 1870, this striking antique oak chair reflects the Gothic Revival style through its architectural silhouette and ecclesiastical purpose. The tall pierced back...
Oak
Antique Hand Carved Needlepoint Textile Upholstered Foot Stool
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Petite Elegant foot stool made hand carved woof wood, upholstered with beautiful floral motif needlepoint textile. Great decorative object of art for any room.
Wool, Wood
Carved and Fluted Empire Style Foot Stool
Located in Bronx, NY
Carved and fluted Empire style foot stool ready for finish and upholstery. Finish an upholstery quotes are available on request.
$796Sale Price|20% Off
H 22 in W 32 in D 16 in
Carved Walnut French Louis XV Oval Foot Stool Circa 1930
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This charming French Louis XV oval foot stool, crafted circa 1930, exudes timeless elegance and refined craftsmanship. Made from rich carved walnut, the stool features graceful cabri...
Walnut
English Gothic Revival Oak and Upholstered Footstool, ca. 1875
Located in Atlanta, GA
having a upholstered top above a frame consisting of a repeating trefoil shaped apron raised on square legs with slightly block feet
Oak
Sold
H 18.51 in W 19.69 in D 11.82 in
19th Century, Gothic Revival Oak Stool with Hand Carved Elements
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
Unique and decorative seat / footstool with quality carvings. This oak stool is surrounded by a number of very well designed and executed gothic el...
Oak
19th Century Gothic Revival Mahogany Stool
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century gothic revival mahogany stool circa 1890. Rosewood and mahogany storage stool in the gothic taste. Fine example of Vict...
Mahogany