Footstools
2010s Danish Modern Footstools
Textile, Oak
2010s Danish Modern Footstools
Textile, Oak
2010s Danish Modern Footstools
Textile, Oak
2010s Danish Modern Footstools
Textile, Oak
2010s Danish Modern Footstools
Textile, Oak
2010s Danish Modern Footstools
Textile, Oak
2010s Philippine Modern Footstools
Steel, Stainless Steel
20th Century African Footstools
Mother-of-Pearl, Rope, Wood
1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Fabric, Wood
2010s German Modern Footstools
Steel
2010s Danish Modern Footstools
Aluminum, Steel
2010s Danish Modern Footstools
Aluminum, Steel
2010s Danish Modern Footstools
Aluminum, Steel
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Canvas, Pine
2010s Israeli Footstools
Steel
1880s English High Victorian Antique Footstools
Upholstery
1880s English Victorian Antique Footstools
Brass
Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Footstools
Upholstery, Walnut
20th Century English Country Footstools
Upholstery, Pine
1880s English Late Victorian Antique Footstools
Oak
1840s English Early Victorian Antique Footstools
Upholstery, Hardwood
Late 20th Century Spanish Footstools
Iron
2010s Israeli Footstools
Wool, Silk
1840s English Early Victorian Antique Footstools
Upholstery, Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Israeli Footstools
Wool, Silk
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Pine
2010s Israeli Footstools
Wool, Silk
2010s Argentine Modern Footstools
Fabric, Wood
Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Footstools
Leather, Hardwood
2010s Argentine Modern Footstools
Fabric, Wood
20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Upholstery
1760s English Georgian Antique Footstools
Leather, Hardwood
1860s German Victorian Antique Footstools
Upholstery, Walnut
Early 20th Century French Footstools
Horn, Fur
2010s Mexican Modern Footstools
Oak
2010s Argentine Modern Footstools
Fabric, Wood
1860s English High Victorian Antique Footstools
Upholstery, Pine
2010s Mexican Modern Footstools
Oak
Early 1800s English Georgian Antique Footstools
Upholstery, Hardwood
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Wool, Beech
20th Century English Victorian Footstools
Leather
2010s American Modern Footstools
Acrylic
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Footstools
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Footstools
Gold Leaf
1980s Danish Modern Vintage Footstools
Leather, Maple
Mid-20th Century European Dutch Colonial Footstools
Mid-18th Century Irish George II Antique Footstools
Mahogany
19th Century English Antique Footstools
Rosewood
Late 19th Century European George II Antique Footstools
Mahogany
2010s Danish Bauhaus Footstools
Leather, Oak
2010s Danish Bauhaus Footstools
Leather, Mahogany
2010s Danish Bauhaus Footstools
Leather, Oak
2010s Danish Bauhaus Footstools
Leather, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Footstools
Leather
1790s Italian Antique Footstools
Velvet, Walnut
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Footstools
Fabric, Wood
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Footstools
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Japonisme Footstools
Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Japonisme Footstools
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Japonisme Footstools
Fabric
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.








