Footstools
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Iron
1870s Victorian Antique Footstools
Leather
1980s Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Wrought Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools
Sheepskin, Oak
1990s European Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Chrome
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Footstools
Wood
Late 19th Century French Victorian Antique Footstools
Velvet, Nutwood
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric
Early 20th Century French Provincial Footstools
Leather
1980s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather
2010s American Footstools
Fur, Wood
1960s American Vintage Footstools
Aluminum
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Wicker, Beech
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Leather, Oak
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Faux Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Footstools
Leather
Late 20th Century Mexican Footstools
Leather
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Iron
1810s English Regency Antique Footstools
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet, Walnut
20th Century American Footstools
Cotton, Silk, Wood
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Footstools
Walnut
20th Century American Country Footstools
Fabric, Wood
1960s English Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather
2010s South African Footstools
Nickel
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Footstools
Velvet, Walnut, Fabric
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Wicker, Rattan
Early 20th Century English Footstools
Wood, Oak
Mid-20th Century Macedonian Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Wicker, Wood
Early 20th Century English Egyptian Revival Footstools
Maple
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet, Beech
2010s American Art Deco Footstools
Leather, Upholstery, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Footstools
Upholstery, Fabric
Late 20th Century Italian Rococo Footstools
Cane, Wood, Wicker, Walnut
Early 2000s Danish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Chrome
2010s South African Footstools
Brass
1940s French Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather, Upholstery, Oak
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric
2010s Argentine Modern Footstools
Fabric, Wood
2010s Italian Minimalist Footstools
Iron
2010s Italian Minimalist Footstools
Iron
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet
Early 20th Century Jacobean Footstools
Walnut
20th Century American Footstools
Brass
1840s English Early Victorian Antique Footstools
Upholstery, Hardwood
1980s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Silk, Velvet
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Organic Modern Footstools
Bouclé, Velvet
20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Leather, Rosewood
1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather, Bentwood
Late 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Footstools
Oak
1780s English George II Antique Footstools
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Art Deco Footstools
Steel
2010s Italian Modern Footstools
Steel
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather, Oak
1910s American Arts and Crafts Vintage Footstools
Leather, Wood
1980s Italian Baroque Vintage Footstools
Upholstery, Wood, Fabric, Foam, Polyester, Giltwood, Lacquer, Paint
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.