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.
Early Terracotta Bust of Young Boy
Located in Peekskill, NY
An enchanting antique bust statue of a young boy dating from the early 1900s. I am guessing on the date but it may be much earlier. The figure has ...
Terracotta
Indian 19th Century Ceremonial Wooden Mask
Located in Yonkers, NY
Our 19th century antique ceremonial wooden mask is from Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan in India. The bust form mask features the woman from chest up with large earrings and necklace while her ears protrude from the sides of the antique wooden mask...
Wood
Rustic Papier-Mache Female Bust
Located in Queens, NY
Sculpture in the Rustic style papier-mache bust of a young woman wearing a scarf (19th/20th Cent).
Sculpture, Hellenistic Female Bust.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture, Hellenistic female bust. A magnificent reproduction of a fragment of a female bust, delicately evoking the ideal of classical beauty. The unfi...
Resin
$1,380
H 22.75 in W 19.5 in D 15.25 in
Outsider Art Fluorescent Papier-Mâché Bust Sculpture by Stephen Slomko
By Stephen Slomko
Located in Brooklyn, NY
For your consideration is this rare, one-of-a-kind bust by self-taught American outsider artist, Stephen Slomko (1929-2013). Slomko lived and worked in Farmingdale, New Jersey and up...
Polystyrene, Paper, Paint
Large Bronze Dancing Shiva, Nataraja, 19th/20th Century, South India
Located in Austin, TX
A heavy and well cast South Indian bronze figure of Shiva Nataraja, or Shiva as Lord of the Dance, in the Chola style, late 19th or early 20th century, India. Shiva is portrayed here in his form as Nataraja, the Lord of the Dance. An iconic and powerful image, Shiva is portrayed engaged in his dance of creation, protection, and destruction, bringing together all his aspects into one sublime form. Shiva dances ecstatically, facing the viewer with his body twisted, his long locks of hair streaming out around him, his four arms in action, with one leg raised, the other stomping on the dwarf demon Apasmara, who represents spiritual ignorance. In one hand he holds a damaru, or ritual drum...
Bronze
19th Century Sculpture of Guan Yu '关羽'
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century sculpture of Guan Yu (??), a guardian deity. Guan Yu (d. A.D. 219), a warrior of the late Han dynasty (206 B.C.–A.D. 220) renowned for his valo...
Metal
Antique Papier Mâché Cow Head
Located in Chireno, TX
Antique papier mâché cow head dating to early 20th century, France.
Wire
Female Face Bust Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
A striking vintage black ceramic pottery female face bust sculpture, circa 20th century. A great piece for a column pedestal as shown, shelf, mantle, cocktai...
Ceramic, Pottery
White Ceremonial Granite Bi Disc
Located in Somis, CA
The Bi was a traditional ceremonial scepter used by the Chinese Emperors to connect with the Heavenly Gods. A symbol of unity and holistic harmony, it was used in ancient celestial c...
Granite, Steel
Buddha Statue 19th Century Alabaster
Located in New York, NY
18th/19th century Buddha Statue carved of Alabaster. Burmese Shan Buddha Statue 1800ca, collected in Myanmar Shan State 1998. Legs crossed, the left hand in the lap, and the right ha...
Alabaster
$3,850
H 31.75 in W 10 in D 11 in
Vintage Sergio Bustamante Papier Mâché Parrot Sculpture, Mexican Modernism
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exceptional vintage papier mâché sculpture is the work of renowned Mexican artist Sergio Bustamante, internationally celebrated for his imaginative, surrealist vision and master...
Paint, Paper
Late 19th/Early 20th Century Carved Jade Mythical Bird Carving
Located in Hudson, NY
This nicely carved bird figure is done in an 18th-century style but is from the very late 19th century to early republic period. The stone is a soft mellow celadon green with dark br...
Jade
Thai Rattanakosin Gilt Bronze Buddha, Mid 19th Century, Thailand
Located in Austin, TX
A delightful Thai Rattanakosin Period lacquered and gilt cast bronze figure of the Buddha in royal attire, mid 19th century, Thailand. The charming figure depicts the Buddha in dhyanasana, the gesture of meditation. The Buddha sits serenely in half lotus position, his hands resting comfortably upon his lap, one on top of the other. The Buddha is dressed in elaborate robes, cast with floral and foliate designs in high relief. Over his robe, he wears the regalia of Thai kings, with a heavy cape...
Bronze
Mexican Sermel Papier Mâché Small Mushroom Sculpture
Located in Stamford, CT
Papier mâché small mushroom by Sermel. Hand painted design with overall areas of wear and minimal paint loss. Signed on the underside.
Paper
Large Figural Limestone Sculpture, France 20th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
A vintage hand carved figural limestone sculpture on a circular base. We love the weathered patina and realistic detailing on this beauty. It would look fabulous in a garden, entrywa...
Limestone
Small Wooden Carved Easter Isle Bust on Black Steel Stand
Located in Dallas, TX
Small wooden carved Easter Isle bust.
Stone
Small Wooden Carved Bust on Black Steel Stand
Located in Dallas, TX
Small wooden carved bust.
Wood
Small Wooden Carved Easter Isle Bust on Black Steel Stand
Located in Dallas, TX
Small wooden carved Easter Isle bust.
Stone
Antique Hand Carved Horse Head
Located in Stockton, NJ
Antique hand carved wood horse head on carved base. Possibly a fragment from a larger piece.
Wood