Functional pieces made with local materials that can stand the test of time have defined antique and vintage country furniture around the world.
Country style has varied based on regional tastes, from French Country with tufted sofas and cane-framed beds to American Country with stately Windsor chairs and tables built of pine. Each is imbued with touches that are often described as rustic, a style that is inclusive of a range of decorating modes such as country and farmhouse. Exposed wood, traditional fabrics, natural colors and a sense of heritage through distressed surfaces and handcrafted design are all attributes of country-style interiors.
Country furniture and decor can encompass movements from across centuries that reflect rural life, such as French Provincial, which emerged in the 17th century, Black Forest, which became popular in early-19th-century Switzerland with sculptural furniture carved with animals and Adirondack style, with chairs that debuted in the United States in the early 20th century and became a rustic favorite.
The design of country-style furniture isn’t guided by fleeting trends or elite tastes. Sofas upholstered with animal hide, desks made of oak or pine that show off the grain of their material and dining room tables balanced on sturdy square legs are all popular examples of country furniture. Although the aesthetics of country furniture are eclectic, the pieces are unified by meticulous construction that favors utility over ornamentation.
Contemporary country interiors usually have muted palettes, with white walls and calming shades of blue, where heirloom pieces mingle with vintage baskets and gingham textiles. Unpretentious and timeless, country furniture adds warmth to any home, whether it’s a cabin in the woods or an urban loft apartment.
Find a collection of antique and vintage country tables, seating, decorative objects and more furniture on 1stDibs.
Victorian Sailor's Woolwork, Royal Navy Ship of the Line, Padded Trapunto Sails
Located in Downingtown, PA
Victorian Sailor's Woolwork, Royal Navy Ship of the Line, Padded Trapunto Sails Circa 1865–1885 This British sailor's woolwork, worked in colored wools, presents a port-broadside vi...
Wool
Soldier's Woolwork Royal Artillery Badge, American Flag, British, circa 1885
Located in Downingtown, PA
Soldier's Woolwork Royal Artillery Badge, American Flag, British, circa 1885 This large British soldier's woolwork picture is finely embroidered with the badge of the Royal Artille...
Wool
$6,500
H 10 in W 10.5 in D 8 in
American Nautical Brass Yacht Binnacle Mounted in Mahogany Case, Circa 1890
Located in Charleston, SC
American nautical mahogany yacht binnacle with a hinged locking oval glass viewing port, original removable brass side light burner with font, brass carrying handle, and fitted with ...
Brass
American Cast Brass Engraved Yachtsman's Speaking Trumpet, Circa 1830
Located in Charleston, SC
American hand held cast brass engraved Yachtsman's speaking trumpet with bell shaped soldered mouthpiece, coned-shaped column with original interior red paint, and terminating on a r...
Brass
Gold Carved Eagle, Don't Give Up the Ship
Located in Norwell, MA
"Don't give up the ship" carved eagle with flowing wood banner. Also has a patriotic badge. Finished in old gold. Overall Dimensions: 10"H x 29"W x 5"D. 3 pounds.
Wood
Antique British Colonial Sailors Valentine
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rare and unusual English 19th century sailors valentine handcrafted with exotic seashells. Around images with figures and architecture. Under a convex lens.
Shell, Organic Material
Antique Star Form Sailors Valentine
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Charming antique sailors valentine handcrafted in exotic seashells in a star form with a rocky coastline image under a convex oval lens.
Organic Material
Antique British Colonial Sailors Valentine
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Enchanting 19th century English sailors valentine handcrafted in exotic seashells, in horse shoe form, lovingly arranged around an image of a steamship under a convex lens.
Organic Material
$14,000
H 58 in W 20 in D 18 in
American Gilt Carved Wood and Poly Chromed Roman Guard Figurehead, Circa 1890
Located in Charleston, SC
American gilt carved wood and poly chromed nautical figurehead of Roman guard in military attire. Late 19th century.
Wood, Giltwood, Paint
English Sailor's Woolwork of H.M.S. Aboukir, circa 1860
Located in Savannah, GA
A finely worked sailor's woolwork picture depicting the Royal Navy ship of the line H.M.S. Aboukir under full sail, flying the White Ensign at her stern. The vessel is shown broadsid...
Wool
19th Century Sailor's Woolie of the Ship JANE Under Full Sail
Located in Nantucket, MA
Early to Mid 19th Century Sailor's Woolie of the Merchant Ship JANE Under Full Sail, circa 1840s, a hand-crafted sailor's woolwork picture depicting a larboard side view of fully rig...
Wool, Cotton
$3,800
H 7 in W 11 in D 6 in
American Three Masted Clipper Ship in Bottle on Original Wood Stand, Circa 1880
Located in Charleston, SC
American three masted clipper ship in bottle with cloth rigging in full sail on a painted sea, flanked by a sea side town with evergreen trees, a pain...
Glass, Wood, Paint
$7,500
H 56.5 in W 12 in D 10.5 in
American Brass Spot Light on Telescopic Barber Pole Tripod Stand, NY, Circa 1880
Located in Charleston, SC
American brass Nautical Swivel spot light on telescopic barber pole tripod stand, Troy, NY. Late 19th century. Original candle and has been electrified.
Brass
Antique British Colonial Sailor's Valentine
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Charming late 19th century sailor’s valentine intricately handcrafted from an assortment of exotic seashells, centered by a coastal scene depicting a castle tower and sailboat beneat...
Glass, Organic Material
American Cast Iron Sailing Mayflower Doorstop, Circa 1880
Located in Charleston, SC
American cast iron Mayflower arched doorstop with sailing vessel on rough seas. Signed on lower base, mayflower, 1620. Late 19th Century.
Iron
Model of the America's Cup "Puritan", 1885
Located in Norwell, MA
Expertly crafted model of the America's cup yacht "Puritan". Model is built with planked mahogany deck, skylights with brass bars, brass fittings, tiller, full suit of line...
$5,200
H 21.63 in W 29.5 in D 1 in
19th Century Sailor's Folk Art Woolie with Ship of the Line and Sloop, ca 1850
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century Sailor's Folk Art Woolie with Triple Decker Ship of the Line and Sloop, ca 1850, depicting a starboard side view of a majestic square-rigged...
Wool
Brass Ship Engine Telegraph with Chime
Located in Queens, NY
Small brass ship's engine telegraph with movable arm and working chime.
Brass
Vintage Nautical Treen Globe Boxes & Covers
Located in Downingtown, PA
Vintage Nautical Treen globe boxes & covers The pair of Marine footed wood boxes and covers are each decorated with four slightly different compass roses....
Wood
American Woven Jute Nautical Bumper
Located in Chicago, IL
A fantastic vintage American woven jute nautical bumper with lopped handles. This was originally used as a bumper to keep boats from rubbing into each other...
Jute
Pair of Red and Green Nautical Buoys
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Nice pair of vintage red and green American nautical buoys. Original hand painted surface. Found in the north east. Layers of original paint. First buoy ...
Wood
Late 19th Century Folk Art Fisherman's Rope Eel Basket
Located in Nantucket, MA
Late 19th century Fisherman's Rope Woven Eel Basket, circa 1890, a rare hand woven basket apparently unique to the New Jersey coast, with a coarse rope weave on twig staves, with solid wooden bottom, and rope becket handles. These baskets were used to carry live eels (and probably other live bait...
Twig, Rope