Skip to main content

Bohemian Outsider and Self Taught Art

BOHEMIAN STYLE

Defying design conventions and embracing all tastes, Bohemian style, or Boho style, is eclectic, bold and, above all, individual. Vintage Bohemian-style furniture and decor feature bright colors, natural materials and a global spirit, ranging from statement pieces such as peacock chairs constructed with wicker and handmade art-glass vases to jewel-toned plush seating like turquoise sofas.

Although Bohemian furniture is not rooted in a specific time and can include Victorian lamps alongside Space Age chairs, its name dates back to the 19th century. Its exact origins are unclear, with some sources linking it to a counterculture formed in the wake of the French Revolution and others to a pejorative for the Romani people in France who were erroneously believed to be from Bohemia, which was part of what is now the Czech Republic.

By the 1850s, “bohemian” was used to describe someone who led an itinerant life, usually an artist, actor or author. This helped shift the term from disparaging to something romantic and evoking creativity, culture and travel. In the 20th century, to be a bohemian was fashionable, and the celebration of free expression in the 1960s gave the Bohemian style a hippie flair. It has remained popular over the years, especially with younger generations seeking to express their personality and individual perspective through furniture, folk art, antiques and other collectibles.

A Bohemian interior exuberantly mixes textures and patterns, particularly through textiles from around the world in tapestries, rugs and upholstery. Bohemian decor can include Japanese shibori, Indonesian ikat and Kazakhstani suzani prints mingling with Moroccan lanterns, Turkish carpets and wall hangings from India. Saturated earthy colors like burnt orange and marigold yellow are common to bring together the mix of vintage, modern and global design.

Find a collection of vintage Bohemian tables, mirrors, rugs and carpets, decorative objects and more furniture on 1stDibs.

to
3
3
3
91
18
15
4
4
1
1
1
1
1
3
1
1
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Style: Bohemian
Authentic Clair Seglem Tall Portrait Painting of a Woman on Blue
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A tall portrait painting of a woman with a flower in her hair. This piece was painted by the late Oklahoma artist Clair Seglem and is well known for his ...
Category

20th Century American Bohemian Outsider and Self Taught Art

Materials

Paint, Paper

Original Clair Seglem Portrait Painting of a Woman in Repose
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A wonderful bohemian portrait painting of a woman in repose, by Oklahoma artist Clair Seglem. The subject in the painting is of a woman with ravishing yel...
Category

20th Century American Bohemian Outsider and Self Taught Art

Materials

Paper, Paint

Hot Pink Portrait Painting of a Woman, 1970s
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A hot pink portrait painting of a woman by Clair Seglem. Found in the late artist’s studio, this piece is thought to have been painted by Seglem in the 1970s. The subject of the painting is a woman wearing a large floppy oversize hat...
Category

1970s American Vintage Bohemian Outsider and Self Taught Art

Materials

Paint, Paper

Related Items
Outsider Art "Man in Carriage" Oil on Panel by Bruno Del Favero
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Oil on panel depicting a man in a horse-drawn carriage by acclaimed outsider artist, Bruno Del Favero (b. Italy 1910, d. USA 1995), circa 1970. Fine example showcasing Del Favero's ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Bohemian Outsider and Self Taught Art

Materials

Paint

Set of 3 Decorative Swedish Folk Art Pieces, c. 1900-1930
Located in Frederiksberg C, DK
Set of 3 Decorative Swedish Folk Art Pieces, Hand-Carved and Hand-Painted, c. 1900-1930 This charming set consists of three beautifully crafted decorative items: a large spoon, a sm...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Bohemian Outsider and Self Taught Art

Materials

Wood

Antique Portrait Oil Painting on Canvas Depicting a Young Woman
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This very well executed antique oil painting is unsigned, with unknown origins, and is presumed to date to approximately 1920 and done in the period impressionistic style. The painti...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Bohemian Outsider and Self Taught Art

Materials

Canvas, Paint

19th Century Painting, Oil on Canvas, A Portrait of a Woman
Located in Opole, PL
We present you this oil on canvas, circa the early 19th century, with a portrait of a lady, in profile, holding a baby on her arm. The condition of this piece of art is good. Howeve...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Bohemian Outsider and Self Taught Art

Materials

Canvas

Outsider Art "Hunters" Oil and Acrylic on Panel by Bruno Del Favero
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Oil and acrylic on panel by acclaimed outsider artist, Bruno Del Favero (b. Italy 1910, d. USA 1995), circa 1970. Fine example showcasing Del Favero's skill at layering textures along with an aptitude for creating fantastical landscapes. Adding out of place animals (in this case, a lion and a tiger) to an otherwise believable countryside setting for a deer hunt, creates an imaginary context removed from reality. Del Favero's marriage of fantasy and whimsy beautifully suits his Naïve painting style. Signed on verso. Bio from the Philadelphia Museum of Art: Born Princeton, Michigan, 1910; died Greenwich, Connecticut, 1995 Bruno Del Favero moved from Michigan to northern Italy with his parents at age five, returning in 1928 and settling in Greenwich, Connecticut, where he married and remained for the rest of his days. He made his living as a mason, chauffeur, and landscape gardener. It is not known exactly when or why he began to paint his delicate and mysterious landscapes, but he was exhibiting in local art shows by the early 1970s and took himself seriously enough as an artist to join the Greenwich Art Society. He maintained a studio in the basement of his home, but never shared his art with his wife and five children. After the artist's death his family introduced his work to New York dealers Shari Cavin...
Category

1970s American Vintage Bohemian Outsider and Self Taught Art

Materials

Paint

Oil on Board Painting Portrait of a Woman
Located in Cypress, CA
Attractive oil on board painting portrait of a 14th century woman. Very well done and modeled. In a very good condition. Signed F. Small. Appears to be made 20th century or earlier...
Category

20th Century European Bohemian Outsider and Self Taught Art

Materials

Wood

Seresier Louise-Juste Haitian Steel Sculpture C. 1970's
Located in Vancouver, BC
Recycled steel oil drum in folk art style. Meaning, Seresier would find oil drums that would have washed up on the beach in Haiti and pounded flat and then cut out these figures. They feature themes of Haitian Mythology. An incredible piece of artwork. Signature etched on bottom. Can be hung or has ability to stand up on flat surface. Biography The Louisjuste brothers -Seresier, Janvier, and Joseph,- were born in Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti. They learned the art-form from the originator of Haitian metals...
Category

1970s Haitian Vintage Bohemian Outsider and Self Taught Art

Materials

Cut Steel

Original Signed Oil Painting Portrait of Woman Seated in Blue Dress Mid Century
Located in West Hartford, CT
Lovely original impressionist oil on canvas painting of a woman seated in a blue floral dress, Signed illegibly at lower right. Displayed in original giltwood frame.
Category

Mid-20th Century Bohemian Outsider and Self Taught Art

Materials

Canvas, Giltwood, Paint

Robert Kinsell 56" x 41" Oil Painting Of Nude Woman At Repose
By Robert Kinsell
Located in Chicago, IL
Large oil on canvas of a relaxed female nude woman with auburn hair. She is observing her likeness being painted, and peering at the reverse side of a large oil painting. Subtle sha...
Category

Late 20th Century American Bohemian Outsider and Self Taught Art

Materials

Wood, Canvas

Hand-Carved Painted Wooden Figure of Pippi Longstocking
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A Swedish Folk Art polychrome carved figure of the well-known young female children's hero, Pippi Longstocking. From the tales and also tv sh...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Bohemian Outsider and Self Taught Art

Materials

Pine

1950s Folk Art Sculpture Group Of Drunk Swedes At Bar Scene
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
1950s Folk Art wood carving of a group of drunk Swedes at a bar scene with fish and alcohol fermentation.
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Bohemian Outsider and Self Taught Art

Materials

Pine

Original Untitled Hard Edge Abstract Painting by Billy Criswell, circa 2004
Located in Glendale, CA
Original untitled hard edge abstract painting by Billy Criswell, circa 2004. Executed in paint and pencil on a wood framed canvas with artists signature on back. Purchased directly f...
Category

Early 2000s American Bohemian Outsider and Self Taught Art

Materials

Wood, Canvas

Previously Available Items
Vintage Pair of Bohemian White Macramé Hanging Tables with Round Glass Tops
Located in Topeka, KS
Beautiful pair of white cord macramé hanging tables with round glass tops. They are in wonderful age appropriate condition but not without minor ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Bohemian Outsider and Self Taught Art

Materials

Glass, Cord

Vintage Bohemian White Macramé Hanging Table with Round Glass Top
Located in Topeka, KS
Incredible white cord macramé hanging table with round glass top. It is in wonderful age appropriate condition. That does not mean it is without ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Bohemian Outsider and Self Taught Art

Materials

Cord, Glass

Bohemian outsider and self taught art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Bohemian outsider and self taught art for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage outsider and self taught art created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with paint, paper and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Bohemian outsider and self taught art made in a specific country, there are North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for outsider and self taught art differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $750 and tops out at $750 while the average work can sell for $750.

Recently Viewed

View All