For some, the phrase “rustic style” suggests a house like “La Pitchoune,” the late chef Julia Child’s cottage in Provence, with its exposed wooden beams and well-worn antique furniture. For others, rustic furnishings and decor prompt images of a place like the Lake Placid Lodge in Upstate New York, with its stone fireplaces and knotty pine paneling. Indeed, rustic furniture design takes many forms: twig furniture, a plank trestle table, a hand-stitched quilt, a chandelier made of deer antlers.
The rustic style originated in the late 1800s in England, where it was heavily influenced by Romanticism. By the 20th century, it had spread to the United States, adopted by wealthy New Yorkers and the National Park Service alike. Although there are many categories of rustic furniture, one of the most popular and familiar manifestations of the style is Adirondack furniture and the low-slung 1903 Thomas Lee Adirondack chair.
Rustic design is perhaps mostly about texture and humble materials: hand-hewn reclaimed wood, woven rush seating, wrought iron, coarse stone and weathered metal. As a decor, it exudes warmth and honesty, while a single piece of countrified design adds an intriguing visual counterpoint in a sleek, modern environment.
Easily identifiable by its rough textures, earthy colors and natural materials, rustic wares help bring the beauty of the outdoors inside.
As you can see on 1stDibs, vintage rustic chairs, dining tables and other pieces of rustic furniture offer endless inspiration.
Rustic Polychromed Wood Candleholder, Mid-20th Century
Located in New York, NY
A charming candleholder, hand carved in wood and polychromed in natural color. From India. Rustic style, circa 1970. Three available, sold separately.
Wood
Wrought Iron Candelabrum Modelled as a Tree
Located in Montreal, QC
Whimsical and naturalistically modelled, this candelabrum dates from the mid twentieth century and throws a perfect soft light when the seven candles are lit. The spikey boughs are i...
Wrought Iron
Sculptural Bronze Elephant Candelabra - handmade
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Combining art and functionality this is a candelabra featuring a bronze sculpture of Africa's iconic wildlife - an elephant bull. In Brown b...
Bronze
$688Sale Price|20% Off
Yellow Glass Candle Holder, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Yellow glass candle holder, circa 1960. By Unknown manufacturer. Spain. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, prese...
Glass
Hoopoe Candlestick in cast bronze featuring an African bird
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Candelabra in cast bronze featuring a Hoopoe* which is a beautiful little African bird. Hand crafted and unique candlestick in cast bronze. The decorative elements, such as the Hoopoe, were individually wax modelled, making each piece entirely unique, as no molds were used. Height excluding candles is 42 cm. Candles not provided. Similar bronze single and double candle sticks in different sizes & motifs on request. Cost on application. Can also be made in pairs. Combining art, design and functionality, all furniture and lighting...
Bronze
Gilt Sun Candelabra
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautifully patinated Gilt Sun Candelabra. Spain, circa early 20th century.
Brass, Bronze
$1,365 / item
Elephant Candlestick in cast bronze - handmade
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Handcrafted two-arm candelabra in cast bronze, featuring small sculpted motifs of an elephant and acacia tree in a verdigris patina. These decorative elements were individually wax m...
Bronze
$275 / item
Rustic Antique Wood Candle Holders
Located in Sheffield, MA
A collection of three rustic teak candlesticks of three varying heights having concave tops lined in metal with center spikes to hold flat pillar candles. Made from reclaimed antiqu...
Wood
Circular Rustic Iron "Pique-Cierge", France, 19th Century
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Charming rustic circular wrought-iron tripod "pique-cierge" (candle-holder). Traces of ancient brown paint.
$1,440Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Italian Carved Three-Light Candelabras
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Polychrome pair of Italian carved three arm candelabras or candle holders. Features a decorative painted frame with yellow and red over a grey background done in a whimsical style. D...
Zinc
$1,550 / set
Vintage Boho Carved Wood Candle Sconces - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Add striking, sculptural elegance to your walls with this dramatic pair of Vintage Boho Carved Wood Candle Sconces. Towering at over three feet tall, these statement sconces feature ...
Metal
$8,267 / set
Floor Candelabra, Sweden, Mid-1900s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of swedish candelabra in cast iron, mid-1900s.
Iron
Dutch Ebonised and Gilded Candlesticks, Wood, Holland, Circa 1920
Located in Southampton, GB
A large pair of pricket candlesticks. These were sourced from a large country house in the Netherlands and were more than likely estate made. Holland, circa 1920 Height: 83cm Width...
Wood
Vintage Boho Wrought Iron Bow Candlesticks- A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your interior with this stunning pair of vintage wrought iron candlesticks, featuring an elegant twisted metal design adorned with charming bow accents. Their patinated finis...
Wrought Iron