Footstools
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet, Beech
1930s French Empire Revival Vintage Footstools
Bronze
2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Bouclé, Velvet, Wood
1980s Czech Modern Vintage Footstools
Textile, Wood
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric, Faux Leather, Beech
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet, Beech
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather, Fabric
2010s Italian Footstools
Velvet
2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Bouclé, Velvet, Wood
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Footstools
Upholstery
Early 20th Century English Art Deco Footstools
Wood
2010s Italian Footstools
Velvet
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet, Wood
1950s French Vintage Footstools
Pine
Late 20th Century Footstools
Polyester, Wood, Paper
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools
Rattan, Oak
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet
2010s Italian Footstools
Velvet
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet, Beech
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet
2010s American Footstools
Upholstery, Oak
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric
2010s Italian Footstools
Velvet
2010s Italian Footstools
Velvet
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric
1970s Italian Vintage Footstools
Foam
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Fabric
2010s Italian Footstools
Velvet
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Leather, Teak
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Velvet, Beech
20th Century American Footstools
Brass
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather, Hardwood
1950s French Vintage Footstools
Metal
1970s American Vintage Footstools
Upholstery, Bamboo
1970s Swiss Vintage Footstools
Leather
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Footstools
Wood, Giltwood, Paint
Late 19th Century American Antique Footstools
Giltwood
20th Century Italian Footstools
Cotton, Silk, Wood
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Footstools
Upholstery, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Regency Footstools
Brass
19th Century American Antique Footstools
Late 19th Century Austrian Belle Époque Antique Footstools
Beech, Bentwood
Late 19th Century Indonesian Antique Footstools
Leather, Wood
18th Century and Earlier Italian Louis XIII Antique Footstools
Wood
1980s American Louis XV Vintage Footstools
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Oak
2010s American Baroque Footstools
Wood
1820s English George III Antique Footstools
Muslin, Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary American Footstools
Wool
2010s Danish Bauhaus Footstools
Leather, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Sheepskin, Wood
20th Century Indian Romantic Footstools
Brass
Early 20th Century Unknown Victorian Footstools
Mahogany
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Upholstery, Mahogany
Early 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Footstools
Leather, Wood
1890s French Louis XV Antique Footstools
Walnut
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.





