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European Cane Footstools

Ejner Larsen & Aksel Bender Madsen Stool for Willy Beck
By Willy Beck, Ejner Larsen and Aksel Bender Madsen
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

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Teak, Cane

A footstool from the early 20th century - turned wood and caning - France.
By Thonet, Atelier Hofmann
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A footrest from the early 20th century, made of solid turned wood and caning. In excellent condition with a beautiful patina.
Category

Vintage 1920s French Footstools

Materials

Cane, Wood

Nest Pouf upholstered with cane details
Located in Fiscal Amares, PT
Introducing Nest Stool, a captivating addition to the NEST series—a furniture collection seamlessly blending contemporary flair with timeless design. Crafted with a harmonious fusio...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Footstools

Materials

Cane

Nest Pouf upholstered with cane details
Nest Pouf upholstered with cane details
H 15.7 in W 27.5 in D 26.3 in
French Louis XVI Style Carved Walnut Petite Window Bench with Silk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
For customers that require professional insured delivery we are proud to have teamed up with a nationwide professional delivery company that will assist with coordinating your delive...
Category

Vintage 1930s French Louis XVI Footstools

Materials

Silk, Cane, Walnut

Italian Wicker Cane Top Walnut Wood Footstool
Located in New York, NY
An Italian cane top wood stool / footstool with carving detail and cabriole leg in the Rococo style, circa mid to late-20th century, Italy. Piece was made for Neiman Marcus as per la...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Rococo Footstools

Materials

Cane, Wood, Wicker, Walnut

Italian Wicker Cane Top Walnut Wood Footstool
Italian Wicker Cane Top Walnut Wood Footstool
H 8.94 in W 14.13 in D 9.75 in
Wilhelm Schmidt Made by Prag-Rudniker, a Vienna Secession Oak Piano Stool
By Prag-Rudniker Korbwaren-Fabrication, Wilhelm Schmidt
Located in London, GB
Wilhelm Schmidt and made by Prag-Rudniker, in Vienna. Two Vienna Secessionist Arts and Crafts oak piano stools, priced separately. Tulip-style cut-outs to the topsides and curved sea...
Category

Antique Early 1900s Austrian Vienna Secession Stools

Materials

Fabric, Cane, Oak

English Labeled Late 19th c. Metamorphic Mahogany Foot Stool
By J. Sinclair, Liverpool 1
Located in Hudson, NY
This piece, a labeled example of fine British furniture made circa 1880, is crafted from mahogany and cane. Designed to change its profile from a low gout stool with a foot rest to a...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Regency Revival Footstools

Materials

Cane, Mahogany

People Also Browsed

French Louis XVI Style Carved and Bleached Benches
Located in Dallas, TX
Stylish French Louis XVI style carved and bleached benches. Upholstered in a creme colored linen like fabric. A great choice for a variety of decors! Note: Price listed is per item.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Louis XVI Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Josef Hoffmann and the Wiener Werkstaette Fabric Department Pendant, Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
A simple but sensational fixture, designed by Josef Hoffmann, for the fabric department of the Wiener Werkstaette on Kaerntnerstrasse in Vienna. Style and color of the fabric custom-...
Category

2010s Austrian Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Silk

French Louis XVI Style Bergère Armchair Upholstered Green Velvet, 19th Century
Located in Montreal, Quebec
French Louis XVI style bergère armchair upholstered in sage green velvet, 19th century Deep and comfortable, Classic French chic Dimensions: 38" H x 29" W x 28" D Seat height 18...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Bergere Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood

French Louis XVI Style 19th Century Giltwood Upholstered Canapé en Corbeille
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Louis XVI style giltwood canapé en corbeille from the 19th century, with carved flowers and new upholstery. Created in France during the 19th century, this gilded canapé fea...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Canapes

Materials

Upholstery, Giltwood

Antique Carved French Walnut Bench, Rush Seat
Located in Port Chester, NY
A fancifully carved walnut bench from 19th century France. Graceful curved arms with inset detail and subtle cabriole legs. Marvelous color and good natural patina complete the look....
Category

Antique 19th Century French Benches

Materials

Rush, Walnut

Quality Maitland Smith Varigated Marble Top Gilded Directoire Console Table
By Maitland Smith
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous console table with a fantastic gilded and carved frame and even better marble top. The table is in excellent condition and so is the top. The table is 62 wide x 36...
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Directoire Console Tables

Materials

Breccia Marble

Antique French Louis XVI Mahogany Needlepoint Bench, 20th Century
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique French Louis XVI stool offers floral needlepoint seat over mahogany frame having carved rosettes and raised on turned and tapered legs, 20th century Measures: 19" H x 15....
Category

20th Century French Louis XVI Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Antique French Louis XVI Carved Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Antique French Louis XVI Carved Bench Country: France Materials: Carved Wood, Linen Condition: Newly Reupholstered Style: French Louis XVI Year: 1920’s $1,895 Dimensions: 30”H ...
Category

Vintage 1920s French Louis XVI Benches

Materials

Linen, Wood

Antique French Louis XVI  Carved Bench
Antique French Louis XVI  Carved Bench
H 30 in W 27.5 in D 17 in
Pair of Empire Style Mahogany Benches
Located in Essex, MA
Rectangular upholstered seats with klismos form bases with turned stretchers, bronze mounts and paw feet.
Category

Antique 1820s French Empire Benches

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Empire Style Mahogany Benches
Pair of Empire Style Mahogany Benches
H 21 in W 23.5 in D 16 in
Antique French Carved Walnut & Needlepoint Bench, circa 1920
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique French vanity bench offers needlepoint upholstered seat with floral reserve over walnut base with carved floral elements and raised on cabriole legs, circa 1920 Measure...
Category

Early 20th Century French Benches

Materials

Walnut

Antique French Louis XVI Style Gilt And Painted Bench
Located in Montreal, QC
This elegant bench would be ideal as a window seat, at the foot of a bed or at a dressing table or even a piano. The ends are double-caned with the caning in original condition and a...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Benches

Materials

Wood

French Louis XVI Style Walnut Bench with Cane Seat
Located in New York, NY
French Louis XVI style (19th Century) walnut oval shaped bench with double stretcher and inset cane seat.
Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Benches

Materials

Cane, Walnut

Vintage French Baroque Carved Wood Bench
Located in Houston, TX
This updated vintage French bench is a stunning example of timeless elegance and meticulous craftsmanship. Crafted from solid carved hardwood, its intricate baroque details add an ex...
Category

Early 20th Century French French Provincial Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood

19th Century French Antique Hand Carved and Painted Cane Bench, Louis XVI Style
Located in Sofia, BG
French antique hand carved and painted cane bench in Louis XVI style. There is a pair of side chairs that matches perfectly the bench. France, 19th century.      
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Benches

Materials

Wood

19th Century French Regence Carved Oak Bench
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant 19th century French Regence carved oak bench. Upholstered in a gold fabric. Very nice!!
Category

Antique 19th Century French Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

Antique French Louis XVI Gilt Wood and Marble Top Console, Circa 1880
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Louis XVI gilt wood and white & grey marble-top console, Circa 1880. This console is typical of the fetching lines of the Louis XVI style and has a nicely mottled mar...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Console Tables

Materials

Marble

Recent Sales

Danish Teak and Cane Stool from Ølholm Møbelfabrik, 1950s
By Sigfred Omann, Ølholm Møbelfabrik
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish teak and cane stool from Ølholm Møbelfabrik, 1950s Designed by Sigfred Omann for Ølholm Møbelfabrik, Denmark in the 1950s. Stylish and elegant Mid-Century Modern footstool i...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Cane, Teak

19th Century English Oak Stool with Caned Top
Located in High Point, NC
19th century oak stool from England with a played top which has hand carved sides and pierced decoration for added design interest. The seat retains its original caning. The seat is ...
Category

Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Stools

Materials

Cane, Oak

19th Century English Oak Stool with Caned Top
19th Century English Oak Stool with Caned Top
H 17.25 in W 21.5 in D 13.5 in
Antique Egyptian Revival Thebes Stool by Liberty & Co., ca. 1890
By Liberty & Co.
Located in West Reading, PA
Wonderful Classic Thebes stool. Hand-tooled legs.
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Egyptian Revival Footstools

Materials

Cane, Wood

Iconic Franco Albini Split Reed Bamboo Pouf Ottoman Foot Rest
By Franco Albini
Located in Ferndale, MI
Classic Franco Albini foot rest. Split reed and cane.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Cane, Reed

Pr. Bentwood Thonet Ottoman Stools
By Thonet
Located in New York, NY
Pair of iconic Thonet bentwood and caned stools, by Thonet. Unusual to find these as in pairs, both are in good original condition showing only light cosmetic wear normal and consist...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Vienna Secession Footstools

Materials

Cane, Bentwood

Bernt Petersen Stool for Wörts
By Bernt Petersen, Worts Mobler
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Bernt Petersen stool in cherry wood. Executed by Wörts, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Cane, Elm

Bernt Petersen Stool for Wörts
Bernt Petersen Stool for Wörts
H 16.15 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
Scandinavian Modern Teak and Cane Stool by Olholm Mobelfabrik, Denmark, 1950s
By Olholm Mobelfabrik
Located in Vienna, AT
This stunning midcentury stool with teak legs and new woven cane seat has been produced by Olholm Mobelfabrik Denmark in the 1950s. It´s floating seat has been fully restored with sl...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Teak, Cane

Danish Midcentury Oak and Cane Stool by Sigfred Omann for Ølholm Møbelfabrik
By Sigfred Omann, Olholm Mobelfabrik
Located in London, GB
A stylish midcentury stool by Sigred Omann, designed for Ølholm Møbelfabrik. Denmark, circa 1950s. Cane top, the base is either oak or a light teak. Amazing stance and form....
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Cane, Oak

Antique English Jacobean Barley Twist Small Oak Footstool Ottoman Cane Seat
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique English Jacobean Carved barley twist small footstool ottoman with cane seat. Item features a cane seat, remarkable patina, barley twist carved legs and stretcher, solid wood ...
Category

Early 20th Century English Jacobean Footstools

Materials

Cane, Oak

Bernt Petersen Stool of Teak for Wörts
By Bernt Petersen, Worts Mobler
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Bernt Petersen stool of teak. Executed by Wörts, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Cane, Teak

Bernt Petersen Stool of Teak for Wörts
Bernt Petersen Stool of Teak for Wörts
H 16.15 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
Danish Teak and Cane Stool from Ølholm Møbelfabrik, 1950s
By Ølholm Møbelfabrik, Sigfred Omann
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish teak and cane stool from Ølholm Møbelfabrik, 1950s Stylish and elegant Mid-Century Modern footstool in solid teak with cane seat. Round tapered legs and curved seat. The rece...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Cane, Teak

Pair of Fritz Hansen Stools with Curved Cane Seats, 1950s
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
FRITZ HANSEN - SCANDINAVIAN MODERN A pair of elegant Fritz Hansen stools with curved mahogany frame and cane weave seats, Denmark 1950s. The stools are labeled and imprinted FH an...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Cane, Mahogany

Danish Cane and Teak Stool or Ottoman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Woven cane and teak stool or ottoman made in Denmark, circa 1950s. The piece features an oiled teak frame and turned legs with curved cane seat. Marked with model number and importer...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Cane, Teak

Mid-Century Modern Stool, Teak and Cane by Olholm Mobelfabrik, Denmark, 1950
By Olholm Mobelfabrik
Located in London Road, Baldock, Hertfordshire
A woven cane and teak stool, by Olholm Denmark dating from the 1950s. With tapered legs and having a curved woven seat it gives the stool a floating appearance and overall has a v...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Cane, Teak

Mid-Century Modern Stool, Teak and Cane by Olholm Mobelfabrik, Denmark, 1950
By Olholm Mobelfabrik
Located in London Road, Baldock, Hertfordshire
A woven cane and teak stool, by Olholm Denmark dating from the 1950s. With tapered legs and having a curved woven seat it gives the stool a floating appearance and overall has a v...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Cane, Teak

Bernt Petersen Stool for Worts Mobelsnedkeri, Denmark, 1959
By Bernt Petersen, Worts Mobler
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
The design of this chair was created while Petersen was studying at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and was submitted as his graduation project. The seat was woven of belting i...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Cane, Wood

Børge Mogensen BM-2254 Reclining Armchair and Footstool, Denmark, 1950s
By Fredericia, Børge Mogensen
Located in Berkhamsted, GB
An early BM-2254 ‘Slædestolen’ or Sled chair with foot stool designed by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Stolefabrik, Denmark, 1950s. Fully restored with new cane seat & back and new u...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wool, Cane, Oak

Early Thonet Bentwood Cane Stool by Michael Thonet
By Michael Thonet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Early stool by Michael Thonet for Thonet- Austria- dark walnut stain. Light cane top in very good condition.  
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Cane, Bentwood

Midcentury Danish stools, Finn Juhl.
By Finn Juhl, Niels Vodder
Located in London, GB
Incredibly elegant oak and cane Midcentury Danish stools by renowned designer Finn Juhl for Niels Vodder. Wonderful pieces. Produced in the late 1950s-1960s. The cane weave can be ch...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools

Materials

Cane, Oak

Midcentury Danish stools, Finn Juhl.
Midcentury Danish stools, Finn Juhl.
H 15.75 in W 21.66 in D 14.18 in
Hans J Wegner JH 539 Stool in Teak and Cane, Johannes Hansen, Signed, 1950s
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A handled stool, model JH 539, in solid teak with caned seat by Hans Wegner and built by cabinetmaker Johannes Hansen. In lovely, all original condition, this example retains its ori...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Cane, Teak

Hugh Birkett, Master Craftsman, an Arts & Crafts Handmade Yew Wood Thebes Stool
By Liberty & Co., Hugh Birkett
Located in London, GB
Hugh Birkett. A large handmade sculptural Yew wood Thebes stool with double wedge through tenon joints to the top on opposing sides to the cane seat. In the style of Liberty & Co. ...
Category

Vintage 1960s English Arts and Crafts Stools

Materials

Cane, Yew

Occasional Stool Model 967 by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn ONE SOLD
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Hudson, NY
Solid mahogany stool with wonderfully sculpted legs and new cane seating. Sold individually. ONE SOLD
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Footstools

Materials

Cane, Mahogany

Hans Wegner Teak and Cane Stool for Johannes Hansen
By Hans J. Wegner, Johannes Hansen
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Hans Wegner teak and cane stool for Johannes Hansen. This piece retains the original plaque to the bottom.  
Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Cane, Teak

Arts & Crafts Foot Stool, England, circa 1900
Located in San Francisco, CA
A handsome and rustic oak Arts & Crafts caned long foot stool, England, circa 1900.
Category

Antique Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Footstools

Materials

Cane, Oak

19th Century French Louis XVI Beechwood Diminutive Footstool
Located in Shippensburg, PA
A very nice diminutive footstool imported by the firm of John Miller & Co. of New York, an active manufacturer and importer during the first half of the 20th century, this finely car...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Footstools

Materials

Cane, Beech

19th Century French Louis XIII Walnut Turned Legs Footstool with Cane Top
Located in Dallas, TX
Rest your feet on this elegant, rectangular footstool from France. Carved circa 1880, the antique, fruitwood stool features four turned legs with a bottom stretcher for stability. Th...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XIII Footstools

Materials

Cane, Walnut

Three Stools by Axel Thygesen for Interna
By Interna, Illums Bolighus, Axel Thygesen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Three low, square stools designed by Axel Thygesen and produced by Interna of Denmark. The frame is constructed of a patinated oakwood and the seat is made of woven cane. The square ...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Cane, Oak

Three Stools by Axel Thygesen for Interna
Three Stools by Axel Thygesen for Interna
H 12 in W 16.75 in D 16.75 in
Hans J. Wegner, JH 539 Oak and Woven Cane Stool
By Hans J. Wegner, Johannes Hansen
Located in Berlin, DE
Hans J. Wegner. JH 539. A patinated oak stool, seat with woven cane. Designed in 1954, This is an early stool manufactured in the 1950s in original perfect vintage condit...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Cane, Oak

Hans J. Wegner, JH 539 Oak and Woven Cane Stool
Hans J. Wegner, JH 539 Oak and Woven Cane Stool
H 17.72 in W 25.99 in D 15.36 in
Josef Frank Pair of Stools
By Josef Frank
Located in Houston, TX
Josef Frank, pair of mahogany and cane stools, model 967. Sweden, circa 1940s. Early edition from late 1940s by Firma Svenskt Tenn, Sweden.
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Cane, Mahogany

Josef Frank Pair of Stools
Josef Frank Pair of Stools
H 16.35 in W 17.32 in D 11.02 in
Louis XV Style Walnut Stool with Cane Seat
Located in Hixson, TN
A very nice Louis XV French walnut stool with cane seat. Classic cabriole legs and ending with scroll feet. There is a scalloped apron with floral carvings centered into the apron. T...
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XV Stools

Materials

Cane, Walnut

Louis XV Style Walnut Stool with Cane Seat
Louis XV Style Walnut Stool with Cane Seat
H 20.63 in W 18.25 in D 13.88 in
Peter Hvidt Convertible Sofa Daybed in Stunning Original Condition
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Atlanta, GA
1960s model 453 daybed/sofa beautifully crafted of solid teak with modern cane arm detail by Peter Hvidt, Denmark. Using solid brass hardware, the arms fold down extending the sofa ...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Cane, Teak, Wool

Rosewood Stool
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An English x-frame stool in rosewood with cane top.
Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Footstools

Materials

Cane, Rosewood

Rosewood Stool
H 17 in W 20.5 in D 15 in
Scandinavian Ottoman
Located in Oakland, CA
Danish ottoman with teak legs and woven cane seat.
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Stools

Materials

Teak, Cane

Scandinavian Ottoman
Scandinavian Ottoman
H 15.75 in W 26.5 in D 15 in
Michael Thonet Stool
By Thonet
Located in Den Haag, NL
Thonet stool
Category

Vintage 1940s Austrian Stools

Materials

Wood, Rattan, Cane

Michael Thonet Stool
Michael Thonet Stool
H 15.75 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Danish Foot Stool / Ottoman in Rattan + Oak
Located in Washington, DC
Solid oak and cane foot stool from Denmark with classic Danish Modern styling; floating seat a la Finn Juhl, woven surface hinting to Hans Wegner, tight construction. c 1965.
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Stools

Materials

Oak, Cane

Pair of Louis XV Style Boudoir Stools
Located in Montreal, QC
Pair of Louis XV style painted in antiqued cream finish beech wood boudoir stools with caned seats and upholstered toile de jouy loose cushions attached with tasseled rope.
Category

20th Century French Footstools

Materials

Beech, Paint, Cane

Pair of Danish Caned Benches
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Danish woven cane seat benches, with squared teak frame with dovetail joints. Attributed to Borge Mogensen, circa 1960's.
Category

20th Century Danish Benches

Materials

Sycamore, Teak, Cane

Pair of Danish Caned Benches
Pair of Danish Caned Benches
H 20 in W 20 in D 15 in
An Oak and Cane Bench by Hans Wegner
By Johannes Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A handmade oak stool/footstool/bench with integral carrying handles, through-tenon tapered dowel legs, and the original bamboo caned seat.
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Benches

Materials

Oak, Bamboo, Cane

Curule Stool
Located in New Orleans, LA
Very appealing light fruitwood stool with caned seat.
Category

Antique 19th Century French Footstools

Materials

Wood, Cane

Curule Stool
Curule Stool
H 15.5 in W 17.75 in D 14.75 in
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European Cane Footstools For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of european cane footstools is available at 1stDibs. There are all kinds of european cane footstools available, from those produced as long ago as the 19th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. There are many kinds of european cane footstools to choose from, but at 1stDibs, Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern and Arts and Crafts european cane footstools are of considerable interest. There have been many well-made european cane footstools over the years, but those made by Bernt Petersen, Hans J. Wegner and Worts Mobler are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much are European Cane Footstools?

Prices for european cane footstools start at $475 and top out at $7,500 with the average selling for $2,038.

Finding the Right Footstools for You

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.