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Folk Art Armchairs

FOLK ART STYLE

Folk art is a genre of art that shares the creator’s traditions, offering not just an artistic display but an opportunity to learn about a culture. Antique, new and vintage folk art typically reflects a heritage or location. It can include utilitarian objects and handmade art as diverse as weather vanes, duck decoys, portraiture and paintings, carnival art and quilts.

Quilts are a quintessential part of American folk art but their roots are international, with quilting dating back to Ancient Egypt. The practice spread to Europe and was especially prominent in the Middle Ages, with one of the oldest surviving examples being the Tristan quilt made in Sicily in the 14th century. They were made as bedcovers and clothing, including as a layer for knights to wear beneath their armor. Native American folk art includes functional objects reflecting their heritage, such as baskets, textiles and wooden pieces.

Elsewhere, the vast range of work associated with Mexican folk art includes masks made by Mexican craftspeople for traditional celebrations and ceremonial dances. Mexican masks are part of the country’s folk-art traditions that go back thousands of years and play a role in festivals and theater.

Works in the folk art tradition are valuable because of the skills involved, like weaving, hand-carving wood and even stonework. Many folk artists are self-taught, while some train as apprentices within their community. By using available materials and taking a personal approach to their creations, artists ensure each piece is unique and conveys a story.

During the Great Depression, artistic materials in America were hard to come by, so artisans used discarded wood from cigar boxes and shipping crates to make highly stylized, notched pieces — most often picture frames and boxes — that are today sought after by collectors. This folk art style is called tramp art and was popular from roughly 1870 until the 1940s.

Folk art brings vibrant culture and traditions into your home. Browse an extensive collection of antique, new and vintage folk art on 1stDibs.

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Style: Folk Art
Italian 1930s beautifully hand-crafted oak mountain armchair
Located in Milan, IT
Italian 1930s beautifully hand-crafted oak mountain armchair
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Italian 1930s beautifully hand-crafted oak mountain armchair
Italian 1930s beautifully hand-crafted oak mountain armchair

Italian 1930s beautifully hand-crafted oak mountain armchair

$2,978
Yoruba Royal Beaded Chair Made in West Africa
By Yoruba Tribe
Located in London, GB
Yoruba Royal Beaded Chair, West Africa A traditional Yoruba royal beaded chair, handcrafted in West Africa. These chairs were historically made for Yoruba kings and high-ranking ind...
Category

Late 20th Century Sahrawi Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Beads

Yoruba Royal Beaded Chair Made in West Africa
Yoruba Royal Beaded Chair Made in West Africa

Yoruba Royal Beaded Chair Made in West Africa

$6,530
Rare Pair of Tyrolean Walnut Armchairs 18th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Rare Pair of Tyrolean Walnut Armchairs 18th Century Crescent arm ending in rounded terminals surmounted by a traditional crest with pierced heart supported by six turned columns s...
Category

Late 18th Century Austrian Antique Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

Rare Pair of Tyrolean Walnut Armchairs 18th Century
Rare Pair of Tyrolean Walnut Armchairs 18th Century

Rare Pair of Tyrolean Walnut Armchairs 18th Century

$1,750
Beachcomber Spindle Back Chair in Walnut in Stock
By Greg Mitchell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
During the 18th century, a profound design movement took place in Wales. It was led by peasant-carpenters who, simply in an effort to create a practical seating option, produced one of the most elegant spindle back chairs of that time. It is known as the 'Welsh Stick Chair...
Category

2010s American Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Beachcomber Spindle Back Chair in Walnut in Stock
Beachcomber Spindle Back Chair in Walnut in Stock

Beachcomber Spindle Back Chair in Walnut in Stock

$2,300
Antique Ash and Elm Captain's Chair, English, 19th Century
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Super piece of country furniture. Very honest piece. Totally original patina No re-polishing or restorations Sturdy construction. Free UK shipping.
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Elm, Ash

Antique Ash and Elm Captain's Chair, English, 19th Century
Antique Ash and Elm Captain's Chair, English, 19th Century

Antique Ash and Elm Captain's Chair, English, 19th Century

$650
Folk Art Carved Eagle Chairs
Located in Hanover, MA
Very unusual pair of chairs, hand carved, possibly using a chainsaw as well as other blades, of a fierce looking eagle with unfurled wings, its talons on the feet of a man on all fou...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

Folk Art Carved Eagle Chairs
Folk Art Carved Eagle Chairs

Folk Art Carved Eagle Chairs

$4,800 / set
Beachcomber Spindle Back Chair in Walnut
By Greg Mitchell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
During the 18th century, a profound design movement took place in Wales. It was led by peasant-carpenters who, simply in an effort to create a practical seating option, produced one of the most elegant spindle back chairs of that time. It is known as the 'Welsh Stick Chair...
Category

2010s American Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Beachcomber Spindle Back Chair in Walnut
Beachcomber Spindle Back Chair in Walnut

Beachcomber Spindle Back Chair in Walnut

$2,300 / item
Rare Norwegian Kubbestol, circa 1850, Origin Telemark, Norway
Located in New York, NY
Rare Norweigen Kubbestol, circa 1850, origin: Telemark, Norway Rosemaling and acanthus carvings in this extraordinary Kubbestol indicate it is most likely from Telemark, Norway, a region known for this exact carving and painting. A Kubbestol is a traditional Scandinavian chair carved from a single log...
Category

19th Century Norwegian Antique Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Fir, Paint

Rare Norwegian Kubbestol, circa 1850, Origin Telemark, Norway
Rare Norwegian Kubbestol, circa 1850, Origin Telemark, Norway

Rare Norwegian Kubbestol, circa 1850, Origin Telemark, Norway

$12,400
Danish Folk Art Armchair in Solid Oak & Gotland Sheepskin, Mid 19th Century
Located in Odense, DK
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Denmark with this extraordinary Danish Folk Art armchair from the mid-19th century. Handcrafted with remarkable attenti...
Category

Late 20th Century Danish Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Lambskin, Wool, Oak

Danish Folk Art Armchair in Solid Oak & Gotland Sheepskin, Mid 19th Century
Danish Folk Art Armchair in Solid Oak & Gotland Sheepskin, Mid 19th Century

Danish Folk Art Armchair in Solid Oak & Gotland Sheepskin, Mid 19th Century

$1,500
English Ladder Back Armchair, Early 19th Century
Located in London, GB
English Ladder back armchair, Early 19th Century A country-made early 19th century ladder back armchair. Made in Ash with great patina and origi...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Ash

English Ladder Back Armchair, Early 19th Century
English Ladder Back Armchair, Early 19th Century

English Ladder Back Armchair, Early 19th Century

$1,452
Pair of Antique High Back Windsor Chairs with Hexagonal Sheet
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
A high-back windsor chair with a very rare hexagon seat. An excellent design with a sense of tension. An antique product with a very good overall atmo...
Category

1880s British Antique Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Ash

Pair of Antique High Back Windsor Chairs with Hexagonal Sheet
Pair of Antique High Back Windsor Chairs with Hexagonal Sheet

Pair of Antique High Back Windsor Chairs with Hexagonal Sheet

$4,200 / set
Early 19th Century French Folk Art Barrel-Back Armchair
Located in Chicago, IL
Experience the captivating allure of this rare early 19th-century French Folk Art walnut barrel-back armchair, a true testament to the craftsmanship and creativity of its time. The c...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

Early 19th Century French Folk Art Barrel-Back Armchair
Early 19th Century French Folk Art Barrel-Back Armchair

Early 19th Century French Folk Art Barrel-Back Armchair

$8,500
Early 20th Century Black & White Hand Beaded African Chair
Located in North Miami, FL
This truly exquisite hand beaded chair by the Yoruba Artisans of Nigeria, best representation of furniture as art. And don't be shy to sit on them, because they are very comfortable. There is a Second matching chair available. They were traditionally created for the Yoruba tribe kings and queens and are embellished with thousands of seed glass beads applied to fabric covers, which are then stitched or glued onto the chair frame - resulting in an exotic chair...
Category

Early 20th Century Nigerian Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Beads

Early 20th Century Black & White Hand Beaded African Chair
Early 20th Century Black & White Hand Beaded African Chair

Early 20th Century Black & White Hand Beaded African Chair

$3,950
Hand Carved Armchair in Oak & Velvet, Danish Cabinetmaker, Jugendstil, 1939
Located in Odense, DK
This Jugendstil armchair, crafted by a Danish cabinetmaker in 1939, is a timeless blend of elegance and craftsmanship. Made from oak, its frame boasts intricate hand-carved details i...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Oak

Hand Carved Armchair in Oak & Velvet, Danish Cabinetmaker, Jugendstil, 1939
Hand Carved Armchair in Oak & Velvet, Danish Cabinetmaker, Jugendstil, 1939

Hand Carved Armchair in Oak & Velvet, Danish Cabinetmaker, Jugendstil, 1939

$2,150
Dutch Wedding Chair, circa 1826
Located in Knutsford, GB
A Dutch Folk Art Turners Armchair from Friesland. Oak- in original dusky red/ pink paint. Lovely patination. Bobbin turning Top splat with carved floral sprays either side of dat...
Category

1820s Dutch Antique Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Oak

Dutch Wedding Chair, circa 1826
Dutch Wedding Chair, circa 1826

Dutch Wedding Chair, circa 1826

$2,213
Late 18th Century Irish Folk Art Armchair, Circa 1780, Ireland
Located in Girona, Spain
DESCRIPTION: Late 18th Century Irish Folk Art Armchair, Circa 1780, Ireland. Very decorative piece made with oak. CONDITION: Good condition. Wear consistent with age and use. DIMENSIONS: Height: 90cm (35.5in) Width: 65cm (25.5in) Depth: 46cm (18in) Seat Height: 44cm (17in) ABOUT THE STYLE: The chair, as furniture, is probably the oldest of all types of furniture found in Ireland. One of the earliest types of seating found in any rural home was the ‘creepie’; a roughly made stool often consisting of a log raised off the floor. Throughout the Irish Country Furniture...
Category

Late 18th Century Irish Antique Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Oak

Late 18th Century Irish Folk Art Armchair, Circa 1780, Ireland
Late 18th Century Irish Folk Art Armchair, Circa 1780, Ireland

Late 18th Century Irish Folk Art Armchair, Circa 1780, Ireland

$4,500
Pair of 20th Century South American Armchairs with Leather Seat and Back
Located in San Marino, CA
Peruvian hand carved reproduction of a French found antique. Dark stained wood frame, very sturdy and substantial. Leather sling seat and back with large nailhead detailing on leathe...
Category

20th Century Peruvian Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Pair of 20th Century South American Armchairs with Leather Seat and Back
Pair of 20th Century South American Armchairs with Leather Seat and Back

Pair of 20th Century South American Armchairs with Leather Seat and Back

$2,520 / set
Armchair Captain's Chair Black Swedish 19th Century Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Armchair Captain's chair black Swedish 19th century Sweden. An armchair made during the end of 19th century. Painted in our signature Laserow Black.
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Armchair Captain's Chair Black Swedish 19th Century Sweden
Armchair Captain's Chair Black Swedish 19th Century Sweden

Armchair Captain's Chair Black Swedish 19th Century Sweden

$3,600
Mid-century rustic "Art Populaire" Folk art armchair from the Auvergne, 1800's
Located in Antwerp, BE
Mid-century; rustic; "Art Populaire"; Folk art; cabinet ;Auvergne; France; 1800s Mid-century rustic "Art Populaire" Folk art armchair. This chair is from the Auvergne, France and we...
Category

Early 1800s French Antique Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Mid-century rustic "Art Populaire" Folk art armchair from the Auvergne, 1800's
Mid-century rustic "Art Populaire" Folk art armchair from the Auvergne, 1800's

Mid-century rustic "Art Populaire" Folk art armchair from the Auvergne, 1800's

$1,417
Antique Swedish Folk Art Countrry Carver Chairs in Kurbits Faux Wood Grain
Located in Lewes, England
Lovely antique Swedish turbots Folk Art pair of carver chairs in hand-painted faux wood grain with excellent detail and a turbots hand-printed Fo...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Armchairs

Antique Swedish Folk Art Countrry Carver Chairs in Kurbits Faux Wood Grain

Antique Swedish Folk Art Countrry Carver Chairs in Kurbits Faux Wood Grain

$3,459 / set
"Art Populaire" Folk Art Stool from the Auvergne, Mid-Century Rustic 1800's
Located in Antwerp, BE
Mid-century; rustic; "Art Populaire"; Folk art; Stool ;Auvergne; France; 1800s Mid-century rustic "Art Populaire" Folk art stool. This chair is from the Auvergne, France and we da...
Category

Early 1800s French Antique Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Wood

"Art Populaire" Folk Art Stool from the Auvergne, Mid-Century Rustic 1800's
"Art Populaire" Folk Art Stool from the Auvergne, Mid-Century Rustic 1800's

"Art Populaire" Folk Art Stool from the Auvergne, Mid-Century Rustic 1800's

$1,417
Unusual 19th Century Windsor Arm Chair With Rush Seat..
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual 19th Century Windsor Arm Chair With Rush Seat.. Retains original patina, Great quality,, tight, Wonderful original patina.
Category

1880s English Antique Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Rush, Wood

Unusual 19th Century Windsor Arm Chair With Rush Seat..
Unusual 19th Century Windsor Arm Chair With Rush Seat..

Unusual 19th Century Windsor Arm Chair With Rush Seat..

$2,600
Swedish Folk Art Chair Handmade in Oakwood, 1900s
Located in Odense, DK
Charming and unusual Swedish Folk Art chair made by a skilled craftsman in the early 20th century. The chair is constructed from solid oak and oak laminate decorative arm rests. The ...
Category

Early 1900s Swedish Antique Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Oak

Swedish Folk Art Chair Handmade in Oakwood, 1900s
Swedish Folk Art Chair Handmade in Oakwood, 1900s

Swedish Folk Art Chair Handmade in Oakwood, 1900s

$3,455
18th Century English Folk Art Chair
Located in Greenwich, CT
Most unusual English oak armchair with profuse carving to rails, crest and arms and possessing great color and patination. Custom crewelwork cushion over later plank seat, carved to ...
Category

1760s English Antique Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Oak

18th Century English Folk Art Chair
18th Century English Folk Art Chair

18th Century English Folk Art Chair

$7,900
Italian 1920s Folk Art Sculpted Wood and Straw Armchair
Located in Milan, IT
Splendid Italian 1920s Folk Art Sculpted Wood and Straw Armchair.
Category

1920s Italian Vintage Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Straw, Wood

Italian 1920s Folk Art Sculpted Wood and Straw Armchair
Italian 1920s Folk Art Sculpted Wood and Straw Armchair

Italian 1920s Folk Art Sculpted Wood and Straw Armchair

$2,978
Dated 1967 UNIQUE Rosemaling Armchair, Scandinavian Folk Art, Farmhouse / Cabin
Located in Skien, NO
Elevate your space with this stunning handcrafted and painted folk art farmhouse armchair from Telemark, Norway. Expertly crafted from natural pine, this unique piece features a clas...
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Pine

Dated 1967 UNIQUE Rosemaling Armchair, Scandinavian Folk Art, Farmhouse / Cabin
Dated 1967 UNIQUE Rosemaling Armchair, Scandinavian Folk Art, Farmhouse / Cabin

Dated 1967 UNIQUE Rosemaling Armchair, Scandinavian Folk Art, Farmhouse / Cabin

$1,650 Sale Price
25% Off
20th Century Vintage Horn Chair and Ottoman
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This stunning vintage horn chair and ottoman, crafted in the United States during the 20th century, is a true statement piece that brings a touch of rustic elegance to any space. The...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Horn, Cowhide, Wood

20th Century Vintage Horn Chair and Ottoman
20th Century Vintage Horn Chair and Ottoman

20th Century Vintage Horn Chair and Ottoman

$3,400 / set
Rare Mid-19th Century Prussian "Vierlander" Armchair
Located in Greenwich, CT
Rare mid-19th century "Vierlander" armchair, Prussia 1850, with owner's name "Hinrich Eggers", constructed of inlaid fruitwoods and walnut, with turned bone finials, the central back...
Category

1850s German Antique Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Fruitwood, Walnut

Rare Mid-19th Century Prussian "Vierlander" Armchair
Rare Mid-19th Century Prussian "Vierlander" Armchair

Rare Mid-19th Century Prussian "Vierlander" Armchair

$8,900
Scandinavian Wooden Barrel Chair Made in the 19th Century
By Craft and Folk Art Museum
Located in Stockholm, SE
Scandinavian wooden barrel chair made in the 19th century. A circular, beautifully wooden chair with patina and soft edges hollowed out from a natu...
Category

1890s Swedish Antique Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Pine

Scandinavian Wooden Barrel Chair Made in the 19th Century
Scandinavian Wooden Barrel Chair Made in the 19th Century

Scandinavian Wooden Barrel Chair Made in the 19th Century

$2,943
Early, Swedish Allmoge Poker / Stove Chair, Origin: Sweden, circa 1750
Located in New York, NY
Early, Swedish allmoge poker / stove chair, origin: Blekinge, Southern Sweden, circa 1750 Provenance: Private Manor House, Sweden These chairs were u...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Rush, Wood

Early, Swedish Allmoge Poker / Stove Chair, Origin: Sweden, circa 1750
Early, Swedish Allmoge Poker / Stove Chair, Origin: Sweden, circa 1750

Early, Swedish Allmoge Poker / Stove Chair, Origin: Sweden, circa 1750

$5,900
Pair of Mid-Century French Folk Art Painted Beechwood Chairs, France, 1960s
Located in Almelo, NL
Pair of Mid-Century French Folk Art Painted Beechwood Armchairs, France, 1960s A captivating pair of Mid-Century French folk art armchairs, handcrafted in France during the 1960s. M...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Beech

Pair of Mid-Century French Folk Art Painted Beechwood Chairs, France, 1960s
Pair of Mid-Century French Folk Art Painted Beechwood Chairs, France, 1960s

Pair of Mid-Century French Folk Art Painted Beechwood Chairs, France, 1960s

$3,990 / set
Majestic Odd Fellows Carved and Painted Armchair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This magnificent Odd Fellows Fraternal Lodge 'throne' (circa 1910-1920) with carved and painted decoration throughout is a fine example of early 20th century Folk Art. Nice use of de...
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Majestic Odd Fellows Carved and Painted Armchair
Majestic Odd Fellows Carved and Painted Armchair

Majestic Odd Fellows Carved and Painted Armchair

$3,400
Large-Scale Swedish Pine Dugout Log Armchair (Kubbestol)
Located in Houston, TX
Large-scale Swedish pine dugout log armchair, or kubbestol, hand-carved circa 1930s. Thick seat. Natural-shaped branch-like arms. Mid-brown color and dry ...
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Pine

Large-Scale Swedish Pine Dugout Log Armchair (Kubbestol)
Large-Scale Swedish Pine Dugout Log Armchair (Kubbestol)

Large-Scale Swedish Pine Dugout Log Armchair (Kubbestol)

$6,700
Painted Danish Armchair Dated 1818
Located in Houston, TX
Painted Danish armchair dated 1818, with carved inscription on back "P.K.S & K.P.D." over an inscription, which translates to, "sit on me and rest." Rope seat on slanted turned front...
Category

Early 19th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Rope, Wood

Painted Danish Armchair Dated 1818
Painted Danish Armchair Dated 1818

Painted Danish Armchair Dated 1818

$5,900
French Carved Folk Art Chair, circa 1880s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Very lovely Folk Art armchair of generous proportions. The wood (probably oak) is finely carved with an intricate decor. The crest is topped with a sacred heart symbol, and fruit and...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

French Carved Folk Art Chair, circa 1880s
French Carved Folk Art Chair, circa 1880s

French Carved Folk Art Chair, circa 1880s

$2,859

Folk Art armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Folk Art armchairs for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage armchairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, softwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art armchairs made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and Sweden pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original armchairs, popular names associated with this style include and Alix Coco. 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 armchairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $610 and tops out at $12,400 while the average work can sell for $3,223.

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