White Metal Footstools
20th Century American Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Metal, Chrome
Recent Sales
2010s Italian Minimalist Side Tables
Iron
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Chrome
Vintage 1970s American Modern Stools
Steel
Vintage 1970s American Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Brass
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Metal, Brass
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Brass
People Also Browsed
2010s Philippine Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors
Rattan, Glass
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers ...
Brass
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chairs
Steel
2010s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights an...
Metal
2010s British Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors
Brass, Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and ...
Brass
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors
Mirror, Plastic
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Sets
Birch
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Velvet, Mohair, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Side Tables
Ash
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Wall Mirrors
Nickel
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
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.
Read More
All the Furniture in This Organic Modern Soho Loft Can Be Yours
Andrianna Shamaris has filled her epic new home with pieces of her own design.
20 Inviting Dining Rooms Perfectly Arranged for Entertaining
Top interior designers show — and tell — us how to create delectable spaces for hosting dinner parties.
Nobody Puts This Sunny Sofa in a Corner
With its plush cushions, cane details and dazzlingly colorful back, it’s inviting from every angle.
The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
Fred Rigby’s Modular Seating Can Be Configured in So Many Handy Ways
The plush Cove Slipper 2.5 Seater sofa is just one of many convenient combinations from the London-based maker.
This Chubby-Chic Quilted Stool Stands on Its Own Two Feet
Sam Klemick's cool stool is edgy, cozy and environmentally sustainable all at once.
Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?
From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.
Rock Your Cares Away on This Sunny Hand-Crocheted Swing
The boho-chic Enchanted Forest Swing, handmade by marginalized women from Turkey and Syria, is uplifting in every way.