[1] This type of footstool is used to provide comfort to a person seated, for example, in a chair or sofa.
It allows the seated person to rest their feet upon it, supporting the legs at a mostly horizontal level, thus giving rise to the alternate term footrest.
This type of footstool supports a person's (usually a child's) feet that do not reach the floor when seated.
The footstool is attested in ancient Egypt, where it was utilized to ascend chairs perched high off the ground.
In early American homes the footstool was very valuable, and took precious space although the living quarters were cramped.