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
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
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
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
Beachcomber Spindle Back Chair in Walnut in Stock
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
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
$520 Sale Price
45% Off
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
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
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
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
$4,800 / set
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
Beachcomber Spindle Back Chair in Walnut
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
$2,300 / item
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
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
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
$6,375 Sale Price
25% Off
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
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
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
$3,400 / set
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
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
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
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
"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
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
$1,650 Sale Price
25% Off
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.