Pink North American Footstools
20th Century American Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Metal, Chrome
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Fabric, Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary American Hollywood Regency Benches
Silver, Silver Leaf
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Vintage 1970s European Post-Modern Lounge Chairs
Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Travertine
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Velvet, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Footstools
Leather
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Upholstery
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Loveseats
Brass
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
Late 20th Century American Modern Swivel Chairs
Bouclé
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Travertine
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Faux Leather, Walnut
Vintage 1980s American Hollywood Regency Ottomans and Poufs
Bouclé
2010s American Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Velvet
Vintage 1930s German Mid-Century Modern Settees
Metal
1990s American Modern Sectional Sofas
Fabric
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Antique 1810s American Sheraton Footstools
Mahogany, Upholstery
20th Century American Modern Footstools
Cotton, Wood
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Brass
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Chrome
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Brass
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.
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