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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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Item Ships From: USA
Style: Folk Art
Early 20th Century 1918 Folk Art Hand Carved Armchair with Carved Imagery
Located in San Francisco, CA
Hand carved armchair dating from 1918, the entire chair is embellished with carved imagery. Various images derived from nature and other influences with some appearing to be surreal ...
Category

1910s American Vintage Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Hardwood

19th Century Small Vernacular Chair
Located in Houston, TX
19th century small vernacular chair circa 1880-1909, England. Constructed in a mid-brown finished ash with spindle back and horseshoe-yoke. Functioned as a work stool or child's chai...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Ash

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

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

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

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 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

Early 20th Century Black & White Hand Beaded African Chair
Located in East Hampton, NY
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

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 r...
Category

19th Century Norwegian Antique Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Fir, Paint

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

Pair of 20th Century South American Armchairs with Leather Seat and Back
Located in Pasadena, 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

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

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

American Folk Art Armchair
Located in Stockton, NJ
Very unique early 20th century American folk art chair made of reclaimed material. Fabulous patina to weathered frame.
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

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 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Log Chairs
Located in Mjöhult, SE
fine and rare pair of 19th century Swedish Folk Art log chairs in their original condition and great proportions and shape, circa 1810 Sweden.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Pine

Armchair or Desk Chair Adjustable Black, Swedish, 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
Armchair desk chair Swedish 19th century in black, Sweden. An armchair made during the late 19th century in Sweden. Adjustable height. Repainted in our custom paint Laserow black.  
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Related Items
Orkney Hooded 19th Century Scottish Chair
Located in Water Mill, NY
Unusual 19th century pine and woven rush hooded Scottish chair from the Orkney Islands.
Category

1860s Scottish Antique Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Rush, Pine

19th Century Walnut Office or Computer Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine swivel walnut office chair is on wheels and in pristine condition. The wheels are new and in great working order.
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Osa Upholstered Curve Back Armchair in Walnut Wood Finish and Brown Leather
Located in Miami, FL
Our creative team from Uultis has created this amazing upholstered armchair is the ideal furniture providing you the comfort and the perfect fit in a variety of settings including li...
Category

2010s Brazilian Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Walnut

Danish Armchair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Danish armchair. Wood is Teak. New Leather. 1960's.
Category

Mid-20th Century European Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Teak

Danish Armchair
Danish Armchair
H 31.5 in W 26 in D 26 in
Primitive Late 19th Century Oak Large Scale Armchair
Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex
Good scale primitive oak armchair. Heavy, robust and reliable. 7cm thick Slab Seat Northern European Circa 1880. Seat Height 45cm
Category

Late 19th Century Dutch Antique Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Oak

Treble Side Chair by DeMuro Das with Curved Back and Walnut Legs
Located in New York, NY
The Treble side or armchair by DeMuro Das has a curved profile supported by a three-legged solid walnut base. The chair is fully upholstered with a tight back and can be made in down...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

19th century French buttoned square back armchair
Located in Malton, GB
If you would like this armchair upholstered please click yes in the upholstery drop down menu. This would require 5 metres of material. You can supply your own or please get in touch...
Category

19th Century Antique Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Borge Mogensen: Pine Armchair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Description: A pine armchair with woven seagrass. Circa 1970's Designer: Borge Mogensen
Category

1970s Vintage Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Seagrass, Pine

Borge Mogensen: Pine Armchair
Borge Mogensen: Pine Armchair
H 29.5 in W 25.5 in D 17.5 in
Danish Armchair, circa 1850
Located in Aalsgaarde, DK
Danish armchair in black with original fabric, circa 1850.
Category

19th Century Antique Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Danish Armchair, circa 1850
Danish Armchair, circa 1850
H 31.89 in W 21.66 in D 21.66 in
Danish Modern Walnut Armchair
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Walnut Danish armchair, circa 1970's. Sturdy solid wood frame is wonderfully scaled for your many seating needs, home or office! The elegant frame with swooping arms makes this clean...
Category

1970s European Vintage Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

Danish Modern Walnut Armchair
Danish Modern Walnut Armchair
H 33.5 in W 25 in D 23 in
Danish Modern Walnut Armchair
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Walnut Danish armchair, circa 1970's. Sturdy solid wood frame is wonderfully scaled for your many seating needs, home or office! The elegant frame with swooping arms makes this clean...
Category

1970s European Vintage Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

Danish Modern Walnut Armchair
Danish Modern Walnut Armchair
H 33.5 in W 25 in D 23 in
Danish Modern Walnut Armchair
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Walnut Danish armchair, circa 1970's. Sturdy solid wood frame is wonderfully scaled for your many seating needs, home or office! The elegant frame with swooping arms makes this clean...
Category

1970s European Vintage Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

Danish Modern Walnut Armchair
Danish Modern Walnut Armchair
H 33.5 in W 25 in D 23 in
Previously Available Items
Petite Jute and Pine Scottish Orkney Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Petite jute and pine Scottish Orkney chair, dating to late 19th or early 20th century. Open arms, hand-woven jute back, solid seat and raised on tapered square supports joined by str...
Category

Early 20th Century Scottish Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Iron

Swedish Dug-Out Chair 'or Kubbestol'
Located in Houston, TX
Swedish dug-out chair, or kubbestol, circa 1910. Traditional Scandinavian folk art chair made from a log, from central Sweden. Rustic fruitwood barrel-shape body with arms and seat f...
Category

1910s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Fruitwood, Pine

Swedish Dug-Out Chair 'or Kubbestol'
Swedish Dug-Out Chair 'or Kubbestol'
H 32.25 in W 26 in D 23 in
Pair of 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Log Chairs
Located in Mjöhult, SE
fine and rare pair of 19th century Swedish Folk Art log chairs in their original condition and great proportions and shape, circa 1810 Sweden.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Pine

Pair of 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Log Chairs
Pair of 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Log Chairs
H 32.68 in W 21.26 in D 15.75 in
Early 20th Century Black & White Hand Beaded African Ceremony Chair
Located in East Hampton, NY
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....
Category

Early 20th Century Nigerian Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Beads

Unusual Artist Built Wire-Iron Chair / Sculpture, Constructivism
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual artist built wire-iron chair / sculpture, Constructivism, manner of Alexander Calder, recently purchased out of high end estate in Rochester NY, Home filled with amazing art,...
Category

1980s American Vintage Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

African Yoruba Glass Beaded and Leather Chair
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Mid-century Nigerian Yoruba chair constructed with found objects and ambitiously hand beaded depicting animals, fish, flowers, men and ancestors in distin...
Category

Mid-20th Century Nigerian Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Beads

Early Welsh Primitive Windsor Armchair
Located in Houston, TX
Early Welsh primitive Windsor armchair dating to the 18th century. Rustic style and vernacular pegged and mortise and tenon construction. Beautiful t...
Category

Mid-18th Century Welsh Antique Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Ash, Elm, Oak, Paint

Early Welsh Primitive Windsor Armchair
Early Welsh Primitive Windsor Armchair
H 40.5 in W 23 in D 22.63 in
19th Century Carved Swedish Vernacular Chair
Located in Houston, TX
19th century Swedish vernacular chair, hand carved in apple wood. Remnants of a golden mustard ocher paint. Seat measures: 18 inches high x 23.5 inche...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Wood

19th Century Carved Swedish Vernacular Chair
19th Century Carved Swedish Vernacular Chair
H 29.5 in W 27.25 in D 19.5 in
Swedish Folk Art Armchair
Located in Houston, TX
Swedish Folk Art armchair, circa 1880.
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Swedish Folk Art Armchair
Swedish Folk Art Armchair
H 44 in W 22 in D 24 in
Primitive British Stick Chair Hand-Carved in Elm and Ash
Located in Houston, TX
Primitive British stick chair hand-carved in elm and ashwoods. Carved elm horseshoe back rail and seat. Ash spindles and legs. Pegged construction. Gorgeous wood grain and patina. En...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Ash, Elm

Armchair or Desk Chair Adjustable Black, Swedish, 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
Armchair desk chair Swedish 19th century in black, Sweden. An armchair made during the late 19th century in Sweden. Adjustable height. Repainted in our custom paint Laserow black.  
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Vintage Petite Bent-Willow Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage petite bent-willow chair, circa 1910s-1930s. Small Folk Art chair made from bent willow featuring original red velvet upholstered seat (seat can be reupholstered for a nominal cost). Perfect size for a small child, large doll...
Category

1920s American Vintage Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Bentwood

Vintage Petite Bent-Willow Chair
Vintage Petite Bent-Willow Chair
H 19.75 in W 14.75 in D 12.5 in

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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