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Mid-Century Modern Footstools

MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.

Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively. 

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.

The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
"Thebes" X Base Stool / Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Original Fabric
Located in Kansas City, MO
Thebes stool / bench / footrest / footstool designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s. This example retains the original yellow and orange geometric design fabric. The finish on t...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Set of Two Faux Leather Brown Vintage Stools, Edmund Homa, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stools from the turn of the 1960s. Beautiful brown high quality faux leather. The stools consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteristic o...
Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Fabric

Pair of Danish Modern Ottomans by Spottrup
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of beautiful ottomans produced by Spottrup Mobler, Denmark, circa 1960s. Teak wood, reupholstered in silk/linen.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Teak

Mid Century Modern Footstool in Teak Veneered Plywood and Ecru Bouclè Cushion
Located in Roma, IT
I am offering for sale a vintage footstool made in Italy during the mid-20th century and recently restored both in terms of the wooden part and the upholstery by us. The structure is...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Bouclé, Wood, Plywood

Set of Three "Contempo" Ottomans, Benches, Footrests, Poufs
Located in New York, NY
Three ottomans selling either as a lot, or individually, priced individually. These will need to be reupholstered as the foam cushions have become hardened. Square chrome legs, uphol...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Chrome

Pair of New Red Upholstery Square Brass Frames Benches Stools by Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Mid-Century Modern brass benches by Paul McCobb.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Brass

French Neo-Classical Black Iron X-Stool
Located in CA, CA
Elegant French 1950s Neo-Classical enameled iron x-stool with nickel accents.
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Orange Velvet Vintage Stool, Edmund Homa, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stool from the turn of the 1960s. The stool consist of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteristic of the 1960s style. Stool was designed by Ed...
Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Fabric, Velvet, Beech

Rikke Frost 'RF1903F Sideways Footstool' in Oiled Walnut for Carl Hansen & Son
Located in Glendale, CA
Rikke Frost 'RF1903F Sideways Footstool' in Oiled Walnut for Carl Hansen & Son The story of Danish Modern begins in 1908 when Carl Hansen opened his first workshop. His firm commitm...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Wood, Walnut, Fabric

1970s Modern Italian Brass Ottomans
Located in New York, NY
1970s modern Italian brass ottomans. Newly upholstered.
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Brass

Burgundy Vintage Stool, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stool from the turn of the 1960s and 1970s. Beautiful soft velvet burgundy upholstery. The stool consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characte...
Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Set of Two Blue and Red Velvet 20th Century Stools, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stools from the turn of the 1960s and 1970s. Beautiful velour upholstery in 2 different colors. The stools consists of an upholstered part, a sea...
Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Velvet, Wood

De Sede Blood Red Leather Patchwork Ottoman, 1960s Switzerland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous blood red leather pouf/ottoman by Swiss designer De Sede with square patchwork. Handmade with wonderful faded patina or varying hues of reds....
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Leather

Pair of 20th Century Baby Pink Stools, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stools from the turn of the 1960s and 1970s. Beautiful velvet baby pink upholstery. The stools consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteri...
Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Velvet, Beech

Mid-Century Modern Swedish Minimalism Pine Stool, 1960s, Sweden
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
A beautiful, minimalist stool handmade in 1960s, Sweden. The laminated pinewood stool has nice crafted details. The stool shows an beautiful patina. In good original condition.  
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Pine

Hobbit Poodle Footstool in Red Oak
Located in Goshen, IN
Use a foot-stool in the kitchen to reach that top shelf, by the fireplace to peek inside the Christmas stocking, or at the back door to sit on when you change your shoes. The Poodle ...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Hardwood, Oak

Pair of Midcentury Footstools, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia Made of fabric, wood The fabric shows signs of use Good original condition.
Category

1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Alex Outdoor Ottoman Stainless Steel Powder Coated Upholstered Sunbrella
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Inspired by the simplicity of midcentury design, the Alex Ottoman is created using a stainless steel powder coated frame and specialized outdoor foam. The design is minimal and light...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Stainless Steel

Italian Faux Twisted Rope Gold Gilt Metal Bench
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Decorative Mid-Century Modern "twisted" rope window bench with green upholstery.
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Metal

Midcentury French Artisanal Oak Stool, 1950s, France
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
A beautifully French oak stool handmade in 1950s. The stool have nice crafted details such as the organic shaped seating. The solid oak shows an incredible patina in good original condition. We found this unique object at an antique fair...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Oak

Tito Agnoli Styled Spiral Rattan Modern Stool, Pair
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Mid-century Rattan stool in the style of Tito Agnoli made in Italy circa 1960, featuring a spiral rattan top that waterfalls off to the side. This exquisite pair of midcentury stools...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Rattan

DOOQ Organic Modern Beige Pouf Malibu in Rich Cotton Velvet
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
Like a warm embrace, Malibu Lounge Armchair welcomes you to stay within and relax. An elevated homage to the golden age of midcentury design and organic architecture, it radiates thr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Silk, Velvet

Lucite and Mongolian fur Bench
Located in Ballard, CA
An eye catching bench made with an upholstered seat floating on a Lucite base, affixed with custom engineered hardware. Custom sizes and finishes available.
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Metal

Pair of Tony Paul Gray Leather Upholstered Wooden Cube Stool with Slide Tray
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American mid-century stools with wooden cube frames concealing slide out trays beneath gray leather upholstered seats. (TONY PAUL)(PRICED AS PAIR)
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Leather

Italian Set of Side Chairs with Footstool in Wood and Bouclé, 1950
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Gorgeous and very rare set of three pieces composed of two low slipper chairs and one stool or footstool. Made in Italy in the 1950s, original pieces. The peculiarity of this set i...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Metal

Soriana pouf designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina 1969
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Soriana footrest designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina 1969, Polyuretane structure, original mohair velvet fabric, steel, excellent condition. A true icon of style, Sorian...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Metal

Set of Two Orange Seats Bar Stools, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage bar stools. Durable design of a heavy black metal base and chrome footrest. Orange micro-suede top.
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Iron

DOOQ Organic Modern Red Pouf Malibu in Rich Cotton Velvet
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
Like a warm embrace, Malibu Lounge Armchair welcomes you to stay within and relax. An elevated homage to the golden age of midcentury design and organic architecture, it radiates thr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Silk, Velvet

Mid-Century Modern Bronze Velvet Ottoman with Conical Ebonized Walnut Legs
Located in New York, NY
This elegant and sophisticated Mid-Century Modern ottoman was realized in the United States, circa 1960. It ottoman offers a rectangular form with piping detailing on the perimeter o...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Ejner Larsen & Aksel Bender Madsen Stool for Willy Beck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cane stool by Ejner Larsen & Aksel Bender Madsen for Willy Beck, c.1950s, Denmark. The stool features a woven cane seat and tapered teak dowel legs. Dimensions
 22" width x 16" dept...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Teak, Cane

Boucle Bench Stool Footstool, 1960s
Located in Wien, AT
This midcentury stool footstool was made in the 1960s in former Czechoslovakia. The upholstery consists of a coconut fiber core, covered with a wonderfully soft English boucle cover ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Wool, Walnut

Tony Paul Attributed Low Stools, Woven Wicker, Solid Beech, United States, 1950s
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
Set of three low stools or footstools with a handwoven wicker top and solid beech legs attributed to the famous American designer Tony Paul. Produced in the late 1950s these stool...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Wicker, Beech

Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Light Gray Upholstered Walnut Floating Bench
Located in Queens, NY
Danish Mid-Century floating bench with a walnut stretcher base supporting a rectangular seat cushion upholstered in light gray woven fabric with button tufted detail. (JENS RISOM).  
Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Walnut, Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

Two Pairs of Solid Mahogany Stools by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Dallas, TX
We are offering two pairs of Dunbar stools with vinyl tops and mahogany bases. They would work well as footstools for your sofa or favorite chair. There is a rectangular Dunbar label...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Footstools

DOOQ Mid-Century Modern Pouf Ottoman with Wine Velvet, Silk Fringes La Folie
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
With voluptuous curves and perfect poise, the Mid-Century Modern inspired La Folie Pouf Ottoman exalts passion and fantasy as if you were in a burlesque show at Moulin Rouge. Let you...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Silk, Velvet

Mid-Century Modern Black Striped Parsons Stools in the Style of Milo Baughman
Located in Boynton Beach, FL
Pair of vintage Parsons style stools. Upholstery and structure remain in great condition. Upholstery is a striking mix of black and grey stripes. O...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Upholstery

Mid 20th Century Vintage Woven Leather Stool
Located in Duxbury, MA
Vintage Woven Leather Stool. Some water marks on leather.
Category

1950s Unknown Vintage Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Leather, Wood

Kristian Vedel 'Modus' Ottoman Stool
Located in London, GB
Designed by the renowned Danish designer Kristian Vedel for Søren Willadsen, this 'Modus' ottoman stool, crafted from luxurious hardwood, the stool features a rich, deep grain that a...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Leather, Wood

1960s Swedish Lamino Footstool Ottoman In Sheepskin By Yngve Ekstrom For Swedese
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
A vintage 1960s "Lamino" sheepskin footstool ottoman by Swedish designer Yngve Ekstrom. Both ‘’Lamino’’ armchair and stool were listed among the greatest designs of the Scandinavian...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Sheepskin

Pair of International Style Black Tufted Leather and Chrome Benches
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American mid-century International Style (circa 1950) 'Barcelona' ottomans / benches with square tufted black leather tops supported by poli...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Mid century stool, footrest by Krasna Jizba, 1960´s, Czechoslovakia
Located in Prague 8, CZ
This Vintage stool/footrest was made by Krásná Jizba company in the former Czechoslovakia in the in the 1960´s. They features an unconventional design, irregular shaping. It´s made o...
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Beech

Oversized De Sede Black Leather Patchwork Ottoman, 1960s Switzerland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sophisticated black leather pouf/ottoman by Swiss designer De Sede with triangular patchwork and a final octagonal leather patch at the top. This pouf is in a slightly larger size. H...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Leather

De Sede Light Tan Leather Patchwork Ottoman, 1960s Switzerland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant light-coloured tan leather pouf/ottoman by Swiss designer De Sede with square patchwork. Handmade with wonderful faded patina or varying hues of tan. Gorgeous accent piece. G...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Leather

Pair of Mid-Century Beech Stools, Czechoslovakia, Around 1950s
Located in Praha, CZ
- Around 1950s, Czechoslovakia - Good original condition with minor signs of use, patina - Stable. - jr
Category

1950s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Beech

Pair of Italian footstools in velvet & brass, 1950s
Located in Sittard, LI
A pair of Italian footstools from the 1950s, beautifully reupholstered in an ultra-soft velvet fabric by Antoine d’Albiousse. Featuring sleek lacquered metal legs with elegant brass ...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Metal, Brass

De Sede Deep Tan Leather Patchwork Ottoman, 1970s Switzerland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous deep tan-colored leather pouf/ottoman by Swiss designer De Sede with square patchwork. Handmade with wonderful faded patina. Gorgeous accent piece. Good vintage condition. W...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Leather

Beige Suede Leather Lounge Chair with Matching Ottoman
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice Mid-Century Modern swivel lounge chair with matching foot stool. 25 x 20 x 38 - ottoman.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Leather, Suede

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection Chair and Footstool, C. 1950s
Located in Westport, CT
Historic set of lounge chair and ottoman designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950-1959. Completely restored, reupholstered in embossed velvet by Holly Hunt. Walnut refinishe...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

PK91 Footstool by Poul Kjaerholm
Located in Los Angeles, CA
PK91 folding footstool. Chromed metal and sienna brown leather. Stamped for Poul Kjaerholm.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Chrome

De Sede Emerald Green Leather Patchwork Ottoman, 1970s Switzerland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning emerald green leather pouf/ottoman by Swiss designer De Sede with square patchwork. Handmade with wonderful light patina. Gorgeous accent piece. Good vintage condition with ...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Leather

60’s Poul Hundevad ‘’Guldhøj’’ Folding Stool
Located in Madrid, ES
This piece is a replica of bronze age stool found in a grave outside Vamdrup in Jutland dated 1300 B.C. and thus the oldest preserved piece of furniture in ...
Category

1960s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Leather, Teak

Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Black Tufted Vinyl and Wood Floating Bench
Located in Queens, NY
Danish Mid-Century floating bench with a black vinyl button tufted seat resting on a wooden floating frame base. (JENS RISOM).  
Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Midcentury Stool, Czechoslovakia, 1970s
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia Made of Wood, leatherette Good Original condition.
Category

1970s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Wood

Jens Risom Danish Gray Velvet Upholstered Walnut Floating Bench
Located in Queens, NY
Danish Mid-Century floating bench with a walnut stretcher base supporting a rectangular seat cushion upholstered in gray velvet with button tufted detail. (JENS RISOM).  
Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet, Walnut, Wood

Danish Mid-Century Modern, Shearling Stool, Beige Sheepskin, Denmark, 1970s
Located in Manhasset, NY
Danish Mid-Century Modern, Shearling Footstool, Ottoman, Beige Sheepskin, Teak, Denmark, 1970s Danish modern footstool or ottoman designed and pro...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Sheepskin, Teak

1960s Stool /Tabouret, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition.  
Category

1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Modern X-Base Upholstered Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stylish modern upholstered bench. Sturdy X-frame chrome base. The padded seat is covered in a black tufted faux-leather upholstery. A nice piece that is sure to compliment any modern...
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Chrome

Poul Hundevad Oak Guldhøj Folding Stool Model PH-41 1960s
Located in Handewitt, DE
Guldhøj folding stool by Poul Hundevad. Model PH-41. Made in oak. Later new brown vintage leather cover. Produced by Poul Hundevad Vamdrup Denmark 1960s.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Leather, Oak

Mid-century Modern footstools for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern footstools for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage footstools created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, decorative objects, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern footstools made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original footstools, popular names associated with this style include De Sede, Dimitri Omersa, Jens Risom, and Abercrombie & Fitch. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for footstools differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $132 and tops out at $32,000 while the average work can sell for $1,435.

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