Footstools
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Footstools
Iron
Mid-19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Footstools
Linen, Wood, Paint
1980s Unknown Vintage Footstools
Fabric, Wood
Late 20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric, Wood, Beech
19th Century Jacobean Antique Footstools
Walnut
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Rattan
1920s French Vintage Footstools
Cane, Wood
Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Footstools
Linen, Wood, Paint
20th Century English Victorian Footstools
Leather
Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Footstools
Linen, Wood, Paint
2010s American Footstools
Oak
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet, Beech
1930s English Art Deco Vintage Footstools
Leather, Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Footstools
Suede, Wood
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric, Wood, Beech
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Leather, Oak
1880s American Aesthetic Movement Antique Footstools
Oak
19th Century Indian Antique Footstools
Teak, Paint
Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Footstools
Rubber, Oak
20th Century Belgian Louis XVI Footstools
Brass
20th Century African Footstools
Mother-of-Pearl, Rope, Wood
20th Century English Chesterfield Footstools
Leather
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather
1960s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Wood
Early 19th Century American Edwardian Antique Footstools
Hardwood
Late 20th Century Footstools
Upholstery, Wood
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Leather, Foam
1980s Vintage Footstools
Leather, Sheepskin
1950s English Bohemian Vintage Footstools
Bamboo
18th Century English Antique Footstools
Wood, Paint
20th Century Asian Rustic Footstools
Belgian Black Marble
20th Century English Country Footstools
Leather
20th Century English Country Footstools
Leather
1960s Swiss Vintage Footstools
Leather
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Footstools
Cane
2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet, Wood, Bouclé
19th Century Indian Antique Footstools
Wood
Late 19th Century British High Victorian Antique Footstools
Calico, Upholstery, Mahogany
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Wrought Iron
1860s English High Victorian Antique Footstools
Leather, Oak
20th Century English Chesterfield Footstools
Leather
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather, Teak
1880s English Late Victorian Antique Footstools
Upholstery
1930s European Art Deco Vintage Footstools
Leather
1960s English Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Metal
19th Century French Antique Footstools
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Organic Modern Footstools
Rattan
1920s Dutch Modern Vintage Footstools
Belgian Black Marble
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather, Rosewood
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Footstools
Upholstery, Oak
2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric, Beech, Jacquard
2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric, Jacquard, Beech
Early 2000s European Art Deco Footstools
Stainless Steel
Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Footstools
Fabric, Bamboo, Faux Bamboo
19th Century Italian Antique Footstools
Fabric, Giltwood, 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.