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.
Wooden pen holder with horse heads, France, 1960
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Carved wooden pencil holder with horse heads, France, 1960s, with an original and expressive design. This handcrafted piece is distinguished by its two finely carved horse heads, pos...
Wood
Antique 19th Century Mexican Codd Neck Glass Soda Bottles, Set of 6
Located in Guadalajra, Jal
This set of 6 rare antique 19th century Mexican codd neck glass soda bottles are an incredibly special and unique rare set to add to your ...
Blown Glass
$330 / item
H 1 in W 11 in D 4 in
Crystal Pen Tray with Brass Accents – Luxury Clear Pen Holder for Desk
By DAINTE INC
Located in Monroe, NY
Elevate your workspace with the Crystal Pen Tray, a modern and sophisticated pen holder for desk organization that combines the brilliance of clear crystal with polished brass accents. Minimalist yet distinctive, this tray is designed to reflect your refined taste while keeping your essentials stylishly organized. Measuring 11’’ wide, 4.25’’ deep, and 1.25’’ high, and weighing 4 lbs, this crystal pen holder for desk is compact yet substantial, offering durability and timeless elegance. The universal grooves are carefully designed to fit pens and pencils of all sizes, while the extendable brass tray slides out to provide extra space for storing paper clips, pins, or other desk accessories. This luxury pen tray holder is not just functional—it is also a decorative piece of crystal desk décor, making it an ideal choice for executive offices, home workstations, or as a stylish gift. Pair it with the matching crystal and brass business card holder...
Crystal, Brass
19th Century French Bronze Green Opaline Glass Inkwell Set
Located in Guaynabo, PR
French Bronze Green Opaline Double Inkwells Set. It depicts a Japonisme style bronze tray with a pair of green opaline inkwell bottles mounted in round...
Bronze
$66Sale Price|20% Off
H 9.57 in W 6.5 in D 1.38 in
Set of Antique Bound Books Dating from the 19th Century, France
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Set of old religious books dating from the 19th century. From an old protestant library near Le Havre in France. These books are called "Commentaries". These beautiful books are perf...
Paper
Staffordshire Dalmatian Pen Holder, Circa 1960's
Located in High Point, NC
Vintage 1960's pen holder in the form of a Dalmatian made in the Staffordshire region of England. The Dalmatian is recumbent, with front legs crossed in an elegant fashion, and sitt...
Ceramic
Set of Old Bound Books, 19th Century
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Set of old books dating from the 19th century. From an old protestant library near Le Havre in France. These books are entitled "Histoire du protestantisme français" (History of Fren...
Leather, Paper
Set of Old Bound Books from the 19th Century
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Set of old books dating from the 19th century. From an old protestant library near Le Havre in France. These books are entitled "Journal des missions Evangeliques» with Map (Mission...
Leather, Paper
$1,095
H 2.13 in W 5.25 in D 3.25 in
Hermès Paris 1960s Equestrian Horse Head Magnifier – Made in France
By Hermès
Located in Victoria, BC
A rare and refined vintage Hermès Paris desk magnifier, made in France during the 1960s and designed in the maison’s classic equestrian style. This elegant piece features a sculptural horse head handle with beautifully modelled detail throughout the mane, face, and neck, paired with a domed glass magnifier set within a polished silver-tone collar. The form is both practical and decorative, intended as a luxury desk accessory for reading fine print, examining correspondence, viewing stamps, coins, documents, maps, or small collectible objects. The horse head motif is unmistakably Hermès, reflecting the brand’s deep heritage in saddlery, riding culture, and equestrian design. The magnifier has a wonderful mid-century presence, with a substantial tabletop form that displays beautifully on a desk, library table, writing surface, or collector’s cabinet. It is an excellent companion piece to other Hermès equestrian desk accessories from the same period. Details: Maker: Hermès Paris Origin: France Period: 1960s Style: Mid-century / Equestrian / French luxury desk accessory Form: Desk magnifier / paperweight magnifier / decorative object Design: Sculptural horse head handle with domed glass magnifier Material/Finish: Silver-tone metal with glass magnifying lens Measurements: Approx. 5.25" long x 3.25" wide x 2 1/8" high Markings: Hermès Paris, Made in France Condition: Pre-owned vintage condition with surface wear, light scratches, oxidation, and patina consistent with age and use. There is some damage to the glass, visible in the photos, including chips/irregularities around the outer edge. This does not significantly affect the central field of view and the piece remains highly displayable and functional. A beautifully designed Hermès Paris equestrian horse head magnifier, made in France during the 1960s. This piece combines Hermès’ distinctive equestrian heritage with the practical elegance of a luxury desk object. The sculpted horse head handle is finely detailed, with expressive modelling and a strong decorative profile, while the domed magnifying glass gives the piece a substantial and useful form. The silver-tone mount has a warm vintage patina, adding depth and character to the overall presentation. The magnifier is ideal for use on a writing desk, library table, office, or study, and would make a wonderful addition to a curated Hermès collection. Please note that the glass shows some damage, as photographed, particularly around the outer edge. The main viewing area remains largely usable, and the damage does not significantly interfere with the central magnified field of view. A stylish and collectible vintage Hermès desk...
Metal
Magnifying Glass on Stand, 19th Century
Located in Vosselaar, BE
Magnifying glasses are already recorded as far back as the Ancient Greeks. Troughout history they were reserved for scientists, nobility and monks. During the Renaissance and culmina...
Softwood, Walnut
$180Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 5.63 in Dm 2.88 in
Late 19th Century English Set of 4 Brass Bell Weights
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Late 19th century set of 4 brass bell weights, English. An assembled set by W&T Avery, Birmingham, England. Includes: 4lb., 2lb., 1lb, & 8 oz. sizes. Two smallest are not marked by t...
Brass
$396 / set
H 4.93 in Dm 3.15 in
Antique Victorian Brass Bells in Shape of Ladies, 19th Century, Set of 2
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A couple of cast table bells in the shape of fashionable ladies. The little one showcases a Crinoline dress. They were both made in England during the ...
Brass
Hermes Horse Head / Equestrian Letter Opener, 1960s France
By Hermès
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Hermes Equestrian Letter Opener, 1960s France. Sleek Hermès letter opener with a detailed horse head handle in solid metal. Hermès Paris stamped on the top of blade. Beautiful light ...
Bronze
$1,095
H 2.25 in W 9.75 in D 1.63 in
Hermès Paris 1960s Equestrian Horse Head Paper Weight– Made in France
By Hermès
Located in Victoria, BC
A refined vintage Hermès Paris desk accessory, made in France during the 1960s and designed in the maison’s iconic equestrian tradition. This elegant paper weight features a beautifu...
Metal
Richard Ginori Italian Porcelain Jewelry Dish
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful vintage Italian round vessel by designer, Richard Ginori, from the 'Tuscana' fine porcelain collection, circa mid-20th Century, Italy. Vessel/bowl/dish has a center Itali...
Porcelain
Petite Chinese Footed Mortar, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This petite wooden vessel is an early 20th century mortar once used daily in a provincial kitchen to grind herbs, spices, and other foods. Used as a pen holder, planter, or decorativ...
Wood
Javanese Betel Nut Box, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
In many southeast Asian cultures, offering guests a betel quid to chew was the fundamental symbol of hospitality. A blend of leaves, nuts, seasonings, and sometimes tobacco, betel wa...
Wood
19th Century Wabi-Sabi Caddy
Located in Chicago, IL
A wonderfully charming 19th century American caddy or tool box with the best whimsical wabi-sabi inspired natural bentwood hickory handle. Perfect for holding napkins, flatware, or o...
Wood
1920s French Metal Birdcage
Located in High Point, NC
This metal birdcage with a square wooden base was made in France, circa 1920. Corrugated and smooth rods alongside thin wires were used to construct the...
Metal, Wire
Sold
H 8 in W 9 in D 6 in
Rustic French 19th Century Petite Decorative Barrel with Iron Handle and Braces
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French petite barrel from the 19th century, with iron handle and accents. Created in France during the 19th century, this decorative barrel charms us wi...
Iron
Coiled Rattle Snake, circa 1980s USA
Located in New York, NY
A ceramic coiled rattle snake with the look and feel of a real snake. Piece was designed in the late 1980s, USA. Makers mark on bottom. Piece is circa late-20th century, South Dakota...
Ceramic
19th Century Korean Stone Mortar
Located in Chicago, IL
This handsome mortar was hand carved over 150 years ago in Korea out of a single block of stone and was used for husking rice. For many centuries Korea’s lush rice paddy-fields were ...
Stone
Catskill Mountains Wood Catchall
Located in New York, NY
A 'Catskill Mountains' wood catch-all piece, circa mid-20th century, USA. Piece is hand carved of raw wood, varnished, with horseshoe design and met...
Wood
Sold
H 2 in W 20.75 in D 11.25 in
Vintage Hand-Hewn Rustic Teak Compartment Tray from Java, Mid-20th Century
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Vintage hand-hewn rustic teak compartment tray from java, mid-20th century. This rustic tray was fashioned by hand from a single piece of teak and was gen...
Teak
Sold
H 17.72 in W 11.42 in D 2.76 in
Set of Four Large Thick, 18th Century Leather-Bound Books for Decoration
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Set of four large thick, 18th century leather-bound books for decoration Latin text, catalogues "Catalogi Bibliothecæ Regiæ".
Leather
Vintage Bronze Antelope Statue
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This bronze antelope makes the perfect addition to any shelf, mantel, or counter. As photoed, it makes a beautiful book end.
Bronze