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.
Vintage Hammered Wrought Iron Cage Candlesticks - Set of 3
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This set of three hand-forged wrought iron candlesticks showcases the rugged artistry of Spanish Revival design. Each piece features a unique "cage" or cresset-style bobeche set upon...
Wrought Iron
Contemporary Adirondack Style Glass and Twig Candle Holder
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary Adirondack-style rustic footed candle holder with twig exterior and glass inset. (Similar Piece: 063301)
Glass
$8,429 / set
Floor Candelabra, Sweden, Mid-1900s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of swedish candelabra in cast iron, mid-1900s.
Iron
$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
$1,140 / 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
Elephant Candlestick in Bronze Verdigris
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Unique and handmade functional art in cast bronze. Handcrafted two-arm candelabra in cast bronze, featuring small sculpted motifs of an elephant and acacia tree in a verdigris patin...
Bronze
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
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
$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
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
Gilt Sun Candelabra
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautifully patinated Gilt Sun Candelabra. Spain, circa early 20th century.
Brass, Bronze
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.