Folk Art Benches
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
Rustic Antique Swedish Folk Art Pine Bench or Sofa with Birch Faux Paint
Located in Kramfors, SE
Rustic antique Swedish bench in folk art from northern Sweden. The bench is made around 1820 by hand with a frame in solid pine. Original seat ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Benches
Materials
Pine
Antique Swedish Folk Art Bench, Rare Primitive Folk Art Furniture
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique folk art bench from Sweden made around 1820. The bench is made by hand in solid pine and has never been painted. Rare primitive folk art furniture. Unusually curved, rococo l...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Benches
Materials
Pine
Hand Carved Dog Bench by Stephen Huneck
Located in Chicago, IL
Stephen Huneck, a renowned American folk artist, left behind a legacy of creativity and craftsmanship that continues to inspire today. This hand-carved wood dog bench...
Category
1990s American Folk Art Benches
Materials
Wood
German Sheep Stool by Hans Peter Krafft for Meier 1970s
By Hans Peter Krafft
Located in Lisboa, PT
A rare and highly collectible life-sized German Sheep Stool, designed by Hans Peter Krafft and produced by Meier in the 1980s. This remarkable piece perfe...
Category
1970s German Vintage Folk Art Benches
Materials
Leather, Wool, Birch
Woven Tule 'Icpalli' Bench made in Mexico from LUTECA
Located in New York, NY
From a craft object to relevant design, these special pieces, made in Mexico, were created to add warmth and texture to your interior. Intended for indo...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Benches
Materials
Seagrass
Original Hand Painted Pine 19th Century Bench With Storage, Hungary
Located in Round Top, TX
Antique hand painted pine bench embellished with traditional Eastern European folk art painting with blue background and red flowers.
Bench seat opens to reveal two painted trees and...
Category
Late 19th Century Hungarian Antique Folk Art Benches
Materials
Pine, Paint
Painted Pine Storage Bench or Settle
Located in Baltimore, MD
This massive pine double storage bench has a long straight back rail with an applied crest about five inches high. The back rails and stiles frame two short flat panels, a pattern re...
Category
Early 20th Century Hungarian Folk Art Benches
Materials
Pine
Original Painted Bench with Storage, Sweden circa 1820-40
Located in Round Top, TX
This original hand painted Swedish pine bench displays a brick red/brown faux wood background and simple folk art motif along the front panel and back.
The bench seat opens/is remove...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Benches
Materials
Linen, Pine, Paint
Original Hand Painted Pine Bench with Storage, Hungary circa 1920-40
Located in Round Top, TX
Original hand painted folk art pine bench displays traditional brown faux wood background and colorful floral motif.
Back has 3 decorative spindles, slightly curved armrests and hing...
Category
Early 20th Century Hungarian Folk Art Benches
Materials
Pine, Paint
19th Century hand painted folk art corner seat
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century hand painted folk art corner seat circa 1880.
We are pleased to offer this rare traditional piece of hungarian furniture, hand painted in a blue/green and red colour sc...
Category
Late 19th Century Hungarian Antique Folk Art Benches
Materials
Pine, Paint
Mid 19th century rustic Swedish hand painted pine bench
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 19th century rustic Swedish painted pine bench circa 1860.
Here we present a traditional Swedish bench, complete in it's original hand painted deep red and green colour scheme.
...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Benches
Materials
Pine, Paint
Pair of Vintage Faux Bois Benches
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of vintage faux bois benches from France circa 1950-1979. Sold together and priced $19,600 for the pair.
Dimensions on the two benches slightly vary:
1st bench: Height 37.5 in...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Benches
Materials
Concrete
Handmade Vintage Small Folk Art Carved and Painted Vanity Bench Stool
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A vintage, handmade floral folk art vanity bench/stool. This wonderful little seat features a full wood construction, with stunning hand carved floral design side panels. Each side i...
Category
20th Century Unknown Folk Art Benches
Materials
Wood
Genuine Antique Rare Folk Art Northern Swedish Bench or Sofa
Located in Kramfors, SE
Rare folk art bench or sofa from northern Sweden, unusually well-crafted with decorative panels and sculpted legs. It features carved wooden decorations at the top of the backrest an...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Benches
Materials
Pine
Original Folk Art Painted Bench with Storage, Hungary circa 1900's
Located in Round Top, TX
Original hand painted folk art pine bench displays traditional brown faux wood background and colorful floral motif.
Back has 3 decorative spindles, slightly curved armrests and hing...
Category
Early 20th Century Hungarian Folk Art Benches
Materials
Pine, Paint
High Antique Swedish Bench of Solid Pine Partly with Grey Paint Mid 19th Century
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Slim and tall Antique Swedish country side bench handmade in mid 19th century period by a local carpenter.
The bench is made of solid pine partly with the original grey paint.
It ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Benches
Materials
Pine, Paint
Original Hand-Painted Pine Bench with Storage, circa 1890-1920
Located in Round Top, TX
Original hand painted folk art pine bench displays traditional brown faux wood background and floral motif.
Solid back, slightly curved armrests and hinged bench seat revealing inter...
Category
Late 19th Century Hungarian Antique Folk Art Benches
Materials
Pine, Paint
18th Century Catalan Settle Bench
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
An 18th Century primitive Catalan settle bench with warm tones and fabulous patina.
Made from large planks of solid fruitwood with elegant shaped ends.
A versatile and comfortable be...
Category
Late 18th Century Spanish Antique Folk Art Benches
Materials
Walnut
Antique Pyrography Trestle Wood Folk Art Bench or Accent Entryway Table UKImport
Located in Seattle, WA
An antique Folk Art Pyrography bench. Typically this form of Folk Art is found in boxes; rarely do you find it on furniture. Ornate plank seat with folk art Pyrography on every surfa...
Category
1970s Vintage Folk Art Benches
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century Original Painted Folk Art Pine Bench with Storage, Hungary
Located in Round Top, TX
Original hand painted folk art pine bench displays stylized brown faux wood background and colorful floral motif.
The traditional hinged bench seat revealing interior storage.
Resto...
Category
Early 20th Century Hungarian Folk Art Benches
Materials
Pine, Paint
Carved Asian Wooden Bench / Settee Floral Decoration Elements Myanmar 1920s
Located in Salzburg, AT
Carved Asian wooden bench / settee floral details Myanmar 1920s
The bench may be small, but it is extremely decorative - a pleasure to look at.
Straight-lined construction with squ...
Category
1920s Burmese Vintage Folk Art Benches
Materials
Fabric, Hemp, Wood
18th Century Swedish Rustic Folk Art Bench
Located in Kramfors, SE
Northern Swedish Folk Art bench from the late 1700s. The bench is Primitive and rustic and has a lot of character, especially given the original distressed paint and authentic patina...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Benches
Materials
Pine
Original Hand Painted Swedish Bench, Dated 1817
Located in Round Top, TX
Original hand painted pine bench displays a brick red/brown background and simple folk art motif along the front panel.
Hinged bench seat opens to reveal interior storage. Bottom sec...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Benches
Materials
Pine, Paint
Hand-carved outsider art bench with face, twentieth century
Located in View Park, CA
A hand-crafted outsider art wooden bench, featuring a face and a metal edge, twentieth century. On four legs, the bench is a sturdy functional sculpture that will add eclecticism and...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Benches
Materials
Iron
Late 19th Century Wood and Leather Seat Railroad Station Bench
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Great looking late 19th century railroad station bench found in the mid-west. Original grey paint on wood surface and very nicely aged leather s...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Benches
Materials
Leather, Wood
Rustic Folk Art Bench, Spain, 19th Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
Folk Art; Primitive Bench; Monoxylite Wood; 19th century; Spain; Wabi Sabi; Rustic; Craftsmanship; Arts & Crafts;
Rustic two-seater bench from 19th century Spain, with a charming ...
Category
19th Century Spanish Antique Folk Art Benches
Materials
Wood
Folk Art Heavy Carved Log Bench Rhinoceros Sculpture
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Folk Art heavy carved log wood bench in form of sculpture.
Category
20th Century Unknown Folk Art Benches
Materials
Teak
19th Century Original Painted Pine Bench with Storage, Hungary
Located in Round Top, TX
Original hand painted folk art pine bench displays traditional brown faux wood background and floral motif.
Solid back, slightly curved armrests and hinged bench seat revealing inter...
Category
Late 19th Century Hungarian Antique Folk Art Benches
Materials
Pine, Paint
Rustic Wooden Bench, Unknown, Brazilian Vernacular Design
Located in New York, NY
Bench in rustic wood, characteristic of popular design in the interior of Brazil
Category
20th Century Brazilian Folk Art Benches
Materials
Iron
Art Populaire Chest Bench, France, 17th Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
Carved chest bench from 17th century France. Made of rich, dark wood, this majestic piece embodies the epitome of refinement and grace. Intricate carved details showcase the craftsma...
Category
17th Century French Antique Folk Art Benches
Materials
Wood
Art Populaire Bench, France, 19th Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
Folk Art; Primitive Bench; Monoxylite Wood; 19th Century; France; Wabi Sabi; Rustic; Craftsmanship; Arts & Crafts; Art Populaire
Rustic art populaire bench from 19th century France,...
Category
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Benches
Materials
Wood
Brutalist Folk Art Benches, France, 19th Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
19th-century French brutalist benches, reflecting the essence of wabi-sabi beauty in their imperfect form. These benches feature a robust dark wood structure and a rich, time-worn pa...
Category
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Benches
Materials
Wood
Rustic Bench, circa 1920, France
Located in Girona, Spain
Rustic bench
Made with chestnut structure and hand woven rattan cord seating.
Solid, sturdy and comfortable
Circa 1920, France
Very good vintage condition.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Benches
Materials
Chestnut, Cord
Early 19th Century French Walnut Folk Art Bench
Located in High Point, NC
Early 19th century walnut folk art bench from France. The seat is of pegged construction and is made from two boards with rounded corners. The seat is supported on two brackets, bo...
Category
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Benches
Materials
Walnut
Remarkable Folk Art Bench ca 1750 from Jämtland, Sweden
Located in Farsta, SE
Remarkable Folk Art Bench ca 1750 from Jämtland, Sweden
Its patina and smooth surfaces, combined with the board, makes it truly beautiful.
Sturdy bench with decorative carving on th...
Category
Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Benches
Materials
Pine
Primitive Weathered Bench with Splayed Legs
Located in Round Top, TX
Primitive carved wood bench with six splayed legs.
Hand-carved piece with naturally weathered surface. Pieces like this are Folk Art in nature and mix with leather furniture and on...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Benches
Materials
Wood
Rare Long Swedish Folk Art Pine Bench
Located in Kramfors, SE
Northern Swedish rare folk art bench made during the mid 1800s. The bench is hand-crafted in Sweden from pine and has been made carefully with attention to detail. The seat is made f...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Benches
Materials
Pine
Antique danish folk table from the 18th century
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Danish antique folk table / bench in patinated pine wood.
The table is approx. from the 19th century and serves both as a folk bench or folded out - as a small table. With iron hing...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Folk Art Benches
Materials
Pine
Swedish 20th Century solid pine log bench
Located in Påarp, SE
A four legged swedish log bench in solid pine with stained legs. Unknown designer. Probably produced in the 1970s.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Benches
Materials
Pine
Irish Walnut Bench, Hall Seat with Shoe Storage This is a great piece
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Irish Walnut Bench, Hall Seat with Shoe Storage
This is a great piece for a hall way where storage space may be difficult, the bench has high armrests carved with a clover leaf
Th...
Category
1920s Vintage Folk Art Benches
Materials
Walnut
Long Waiting Room Seat or Hall Bench This Is a Very Sturdy and Heavy Piece
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Long Waiting Room Seat or Hall Bench
This is a very sturdy and heavy piece, the back and seat are newly upholstered, in an abstract design in aut...
Category
1890s Antique Folk Art Benches
Materials
Walnut
Hand Made Anglo Indian Folk Art Bench
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Hand made Anglo Indian Folk Art bench
The bench has been very skilfully made using old architectural materials and carvings it is a completely unique and one off piece
It has t...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art Benches
Materials
Teak
Organic Tripod Bench in Solid Wood, France, 19th Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
Organic tripod folk art bench that beautifully captures the essence of the wabi-sabi philosophy, a Japanese tradition that appreciates the beauty of natural imperfection and the grac...
Category
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Benches
Materials
Wood
Bench Swedish Red Wood, 19th Century, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Bench Swedish red wood, 19th century, Sweden. A bench made during the early 19th century in Sweden. Original paint in a dark red shade.
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Folk Art Benches
Materials
Wood
Bench Swedish 18th Rustic Century Original Paint, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Bench Sweden 18th rustic century original paint, Sweden. A bench made during the 18th century in Sweden. Original dark red paint.
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Benches
Materials
Wood
Folk Art benches for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Folk Art benches for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage benches created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, case pieces and storage cabinets, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, pine and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art benches made in a specific country, there are Europe, Hungary, and Scandinavia 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 benches differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $770 and tops out at $6,250 while the average work can sell for $3,450.