Footstools
Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Footstools
Oak, Rope
1980s American Vintage Footstools
Iron
Early 1900s Gothic Antique Footstools
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Modern Footstools
Fabric, Plywood
1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Wood
Mid-20th Century French Footstools
Textile, Acrylic
2010s Mexican Modern Footstools
Hardwood, Katalox
19th Century Biedermeier Antique Footstools
Oak, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Modern Footstools
Fabric, Plywood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Silk, Velvet
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Brass
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Leather, Teak
2010s European Footstools
Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Modern Footstools
Fabric, Plywood
2010s Footstools
Wool
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Silk, Velvet
Late 20th Century English Modern Footstools
Upholstery, Hardwood
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Upholstery, Wood
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Beech
1960s Unknown Directoire Vintage Footstools
Walnut
2010s Italian Minimalist Footstools
Iron
1980s Hong Kong Vintage Footstools
Rattan, Wood
Mid-20th Century Czech Art Deco Footstools
Wood, Fabric
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Metal, Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Organic Modern Footstools
Bouclé, Velvet
2010s Renaissance Footstools
Mahogany
Early 20th Century American Queen Anne Footstools
Upholstery, Mahogany
2010s American Modern Footstools
Leather, Maple
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Wicker
19th Century English Victorian Antique Footstools
Upholstery, Hardwood
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Leather, Oak
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-20th Century American French Provincial Footstools
Fabric, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Sheepskin, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Aluminum
2010s Footstools
Bouclé
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Footstools
Brass
Late 20th Century British Campaign Footstools
Leather, Wood
1980s Indian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Wrought Iron
1890s Dutch Black Forest Antique Footstools
Velvet, Walnut
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Footstools
Rattan, Wood
20th Century British Georgian Footstools
Leather
1960s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Wood
2010s Italian Modern Footstools
Metal
20th Century English Victorian Footstools
Upholstery, Hardwood
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Beech
1970s American Chippendale Vintage Footstools
Wood
1910s American Vintage Footstools
Wood, Wool
Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Footstools
Upholstery, Walnut
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Brass
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Wood, Rattan
Mid-20th Century Footstools
Zebra Hide, Wood
1960s American Bohemian Vintage Footstools
Wicker, Rattan
20th Century British Georgian Footstools
Leather
Early 20th Century Footstools
Walnut, Upholstery
2010s South African Footstools
Zebra Hide
Mid-20th Century English Modern Footstools
Leather
Late 18th Century English George III Antique Footstools
Upholstery, Hardwood
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.