Skip to main content

Folk Art Chairs

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.

34
to
6
19
14
34
34
34
3,568
1,645
676
338
204
163
120
115
101
99
91
90
84
79
69
50
34
32
3
19
12
7
3
1
1
2
2
1
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
29
1
3
1
33
14
13
5
4
26
16
14
5
5
1
Style: Folk Art
Color:  Brown
Antique Set 4 Spanish Polychrome Dining Chairs Giltwood Green Painted Folk Art
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
A stunning set of four Andalusian ladderback dining chairs in original Polychrome dark green and old gold with rush seats – a stunning combination of colours with the most appealing ...
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Rush, Paint, Giltwood, Wood

Antique Set 4 Spanish Polychrome Dining Chairs Giltwood Green Painted Folk Art
Antique Set 4 Spanish Polychrome Dining Chairs Giltwood Green Painted Folk Art

Antique Set 4 Spanish Polychrome Dining Chairs Giltwood Green Painted Folk Art

Folk Art Early 20th Century Wood Rustic Four Chairs
Located in Brescia, IT
Four rustic chairs 1900-1910 Hand-carved wood Excellent condition.
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Wood

Folk Art Early 20th Century Wood Rustic Four Chairs
Folk Art Early 20th Century Wood Rustic Four Chairs

Folk Art Early 20th Century Wood Rustic Four Chairs

18th Century Rustic country Primitive Folk Art Stool
Located in Boden, SE
18th Century Swedish Primitive Folk Art Chair from Northern Sweden. This charming chair is a true piece of history. It was made by hand in No...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Pine

18th Century Rustic country Primitive Folk Art Stool

18th Century Rustic country Primitive Folk Art Stool

Unusual Primitive 19th Century Swedish Chair
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Unusual primitive and sculptural early 19th century Swedish / Scandinavian folk art chair. Ca 1800 Sweden.
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Pine

Unusual Primitive 19th Century Swedish Chair
Unusual Primitive 19th Century Swedish Chair

Unusual Primitive 19th Century Swedish Chair

Antique Swedish Folk Art Rustic Pine Chair
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish folk art chair made during the late 1800s. The chair is hand-made from pine with a heart cut out from the backrest. The chair has never been painted so the pine has aged natu...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Pine

Antique Swedish Folk Art Rustic Pine Chair
Antique Swedish Folk Art Rustic Pine Chair

Antique Swedish Folk Art Rustic Pine Chair

19th C Childs Ladder Back Chair with Original Rush Seat
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th C childs ladder back chair with original rush seat. The seat is so beautiful. Pristine condition.     
Category

19th Century American Antique Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Rattan, Wood

19th C Childs Ladder Back Chair with Original Rush Seat
19th C Childs Ladder Back Chair with Original Rush Seat

19th C Childs Ladder Back Chair with Original Rush Seat

Antique Swedish Original Folk Art Chair
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique folk art chair from Sweden made around 1860 in painted pine. The chair has the original paint with a time-worn distressed patina. The chair had a very particular function in ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Pine

Antique Swedish Original Folk Art Chair
Antique Swedish Original Folk Art Chair

Antique Swedish Original Folk Art Chair

Swedish Painted Folk Art Kubbstol Chair
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Folk Art Kubbstol chair from Northern Sweden. A Kubbstol chair is made from a hollowed tree trunk; from a single piece of wood that's been hewn out to form the seat, back and frame. ...
Category

Early 1900s Swedish Antique Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Pine

Swedish Painted Folk Art Kubbstol Chair
Swedish Painted Folk Art Kubbstol Chair

Swedish Painted Folk Art Kubbstol Chair

19th Century Swedish Antique rustic Stamp chair folk Art " Kubb "chair
Located in Boden, SE
Swedish "Kubb "chair from the 18th-19th century. The "Kubb"chair is an old type of furniture, and is probably the first chair. It is found on depictions from the Viking Age...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Antique rustic Stamp chair folk Art " Kubb "chair
19th Century Swedish Antique rustic Stamp chair folk Art " Kubb "chair

19th Century Swedish Antique rustic Stamp chair folk Art " Kubb "chair

Early 19th century Swedish Log Chair
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Vernacular early 19th century Swedish Folk Art log chair or “kubbestol” a provincial Scandinavian chair made from a log. Ca 1800 - 1820 Sweden.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Wood

Early 19th century Swedish Log Chair
Early 19th century Swedish Log Chair

Early 19th century Swedish Log Chair

Antique Swedish Folk Art Stump Chair
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish stump chair in folk art. The chair has a round shape and is made from a hollowed pine tree stump. The chair is in untouched conditi...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Pine

Antique Swedish Folk Art Stump Chair
Antique Swedish Folk Art Stump Chair

Antique Swedish Folk Art Stump Chair

Swedish Rustic Folk Art Primitive Chair
Located in Kramfors, SE
Rustic folk art chair from Northern Sweden. The chair is unique and hand-made into a primitive example of an antique chair. The pine has never been pa...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Pine

Swedish Rustic Folk Art Primitive Chair
Swedish Rustic Folk Art Primitive Chair

Swedish Rustic Folk Art Primitive Chair

Set of 6 Swiss Handmade Farm House Carved Dining Chairs, Switzerland, 6 Pieces
Located in Madison, WI
Absolutely stunning RARE complete set of 6 Swiss Solid wood farm house traditional dining chairs. The chairs are handmade and display beau...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Set of 6 Swiss Handmade Farm House Carved Dining Chairs, Switzerland, 6 Pieces
Set of 6 Swiss Handmade Farm House Carved Dining Chairs, Switzerland, 6 Pieces

Set of 6 Swiss Handmade Farm House Carved Dining Chairs, Switzerland, 6 Pieces

19th Century Swedish Folk Art Chair in Higly Decorative Shapes
By Craft and Folk Art Museum
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Folk art made in Sweden at its best. This chair with highly appealing shapes and patina. Made in the late 19th century this chair is a given piece to any modern home that wants to ha...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Birch

19th Century Swedish Folk Art Chair in Higly Decorative Shapes
19th Century Swedish Folk Art Chair in Higly Decorative Shapes

19th Century Swedish Folk Art Chair in Higly Decorative Shapes

19th C Original Painted Decorated Child's / Doll Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Th C original painted child’s / dolls chair from Pennsylvania. The Chair is in Amazing Condition & Found in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Circa 1860. Fantastic Patina!
Category

19th Century American Antique Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Wood

19th C Original Painted Decorated Child's / Doll Chair
19th C Original Painted Decorated Child's / Doll Chair

19th C Original Painted Decorated Child's / Doll Chair

Swedish 19th Century Wooden Child's High Chair
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish early 19th century wooden child's high chair.    
Category

Early 19th Century Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Wood

Swedish 19th Century Wooden Child's High Chair
Swedish 19th Century Wooden Child's High Chair

Swedish 19th Century Wooden Child's High Chair

Antique German Leather & Wood Armchair with Brass Nailhead Details
Located in Nuernberg, DE
beautiful lounge arm chair made of wood and leather with nailhead details. We think this example is from the 1910s, good condition. Minor patina and scratches on the leather, gives t...
Category

1910s German Vintage Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Nutwood, Leather

Antique German Leather & Wood Armchair with Brass Nailhead Details
Antique German Leather & Wood Armchair with Brass Nailhead Details

Antique German Leather & Wood Armchair with Brass Nailhead Details

Early 18th Century Swiss Pine Back Stool
Located in London, GB
A Swiss pine back stool with an open heart carving on the back panel. Swiss, early 18th century Dimensions: H 85 x W 40 x D 34.5 cm.
Category

Early 18th Century Swiss Antique Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Wood, Pine

Early 18th Century Swiss Pine Back Stool
Early 18th Century Swiss Pine Back Stool

Early 18th Century Swiss Pine Back Stool

Antique Beechwood Children's Chair
Located in Budapest, HU
Antique children's highchair with an abacus and potty chair functions. Made of steamed beechwood, with leather cover. Manufactured around 1910.  
Category

1910s Vintage Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Leather, Beech

Antique Beechwood Children's Chair
Antique Beechwood Children's Chair

Antique Beechwood Children's Chair

Studio Furniture American Craft Stool Mid-century modern 1960s USA
By Bobby Falwell
Located in Antwerp, BE
Walnut stool, hand-crafted, studio craft, USA Wendell Castle, Roger sloan, JB Blunk, Jawar, Richard Bronk, Gerald Mccabe, Bobby Falwell, David Scott, Charles Fischer, Howard Osinski...
Category

1970s American Vintage Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Studio Furniture American Craft Stool Mid-century modern 1960s USA
Studio Furniture American Craft Stool Mid-century modern 1960s USA

Studio Furniture American Craft Stool Mid-century modern 1960s USA

Set of Four 19th C Original Painted Pennsylvania Plank Bottom Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These chairs were found in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and are in very good and sturdy condition. Beautiful set of four mauve colored hand painted plank bottom chairs...
Category

19th Century American Antique Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Tulipwood

Set of Four 19th C Original Painted Pennsylvania Plank Bottom Chairs
Set of Four 19th C Original Painted Pennsylvania Plank Bottom Chairs

Set of Four 19th C Original Painted Pennsylvania Plank Bottom Chairs

Hand Painted Feline Motif Upholstered Leopard Print Wood Chair in Green & Orange
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A whimsical hand painted wooden chair with upholstered leopard print cushion. The back of this piece is wood, with a stylized carved design in or...
Category

20th Century Portuguese Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Paint

Hand Painted Feline Motif Upholstered Leopard Print Wood Chair in Green & Orange
Hand Painted Feline Motif Upholstered Leopard Print Wood Chair in Green & Orange

Hand Painted Feline Motif Upholstered Leopard Print Wood Chair in Green & Orange

Antique Folk Art Swedish Rustic Kubbstol
Located in Kramfors, SE
Folk Art rustic Kubbstol from northern Sweden. A Kubbstol is a chair made of a single piece of wood that's been hewn out to form the seat, back and frame. It's a primitive constructi...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Pine

Antique Folk Art Swedish Rustic Kubbstol
Antique Folk Art Swedish Rustic Kubbstol

Antique Folk Art Swedish Rustic Kubbstol

Scottish Horseshoe Back Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Scottish horseshoe-back chair, circa 1850-1870. This vernacular Windsor style stick-back chair from Argyll, Scotland, features pegged construction and remnants of original earthy red milk paint. Its seat is pine, legs and spindles are elm and the horseshoe back rail is yew wood. Originally created to function as a work or milking chair...
Category

Mid-19th Century Scottish Antique Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Paint, Yew, Pine, Elm

Scottish Horseshoe Back Chair
Scottish Horseshoe Back Chair

Scottish Horseshoe Back Chair

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 Chairs

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

Antoni Rzasa Polish Folk Art Carved Wood Chair
Located in New York, NY
Polish Folk Art carved and sculpted wood chair created by renown Polish artist and sculptor Antoni Rzasa (1919-1980). The chair features a carved back with a sculpted nude woman. The bottom of the seat features a 'made in Poland' stamp and the artist's carved signature, country of origin, and date of fabrication ('1958-1959'). During the 1960s, Antoni Rzasa was known as one of the most famous Polish sculptors. His sculptures are feature simple forms and a specific style inspired by Folk Art. His works are found in the collections of the National Museum in Warsaw, Kraków and Poznan, in the Polish Army...
Category

1950s Polish Vintage Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Wood

Antoni Rzasa Polish Folk Art Carved Wood Chair
Antoni Rzasa Polish Folk Art Carved Wood Chair

Antoni Rzasa Polish Folk Art Carved Wood Chair

Late 19th Century Swedish Stump Chair in Solid Pine
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish stump chair manufactured from a hollowed tree trunk. The chair is primitive and has never been painted. The two bands going around the seat...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Pine

Late 19th Century Swedish Stump Chair in Solid Pine
Late 19th Century Swedish Stump Chair in Solid Pine

Late 19th Century Swedish Stump Chair in Solid Pine

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 Chairs

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

19th Century Handmade English Chess Carved Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This amazing handmade English chess chair is hand carved. The chair seat is hand webbing made from hemp. The hand carved figurines and hand carved signatu...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Wood, Hemp

19th Century Handmade English Chess Carved Chair
19th Century Handmade English Chess Carved Chair

19th Century Handmade English Chess Carved Chair

Antique Swedish Folk Art Countrry Carver Chairs in Kurbits Faux Wood Grain
Located in LONDON, GB
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 Chairs

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

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

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 Chairs

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

19th Century Hand-Carved Chair Found in Wester México
Located in Guadalajra, Jal
Detailed hand-carved and colorful chair found in Western México, circa 1900.
Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Wood

19th Century Hand-Carved Chair Found in Wester México
19th Century Hand-Carved Chair Found in Wester México

19th Century Hand-Carved Chair Found in Wester México

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 Chairs

Materials

Wood

American Folk Art Armchair
American Folk Art Armchair

American Folk Art Armchair

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 Chairs

Materials

Chestnut, Cord

Rustic Bench, circa 1920, France
Rustic Bench, circa 1920, France

Rustic Bench, circa 1920, France

Folk Art chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique folk art chairs 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 chairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, folk art, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, softwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art chairs 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 chairs, popular names associated with this style include Bobby Falwell, and Luteca Furniture. 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 chairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $390 and tops out at $12,400 while the average work can sell for $2,400.

Recently Viewed

View All

More Ways To Browse

Gustavian Painted Chair
Mid Century Folded 1960 Chair
Scandinavian Chair Leather Metal
Accent Chairs White
Bamboo Leg Chair
Black Gold Dining Chairs
French Cane Chairs Pair
Ornate Carved Chairs
Wood Beach Chairs
White Accent Chairs
Early 20th Century Animal Skin Chairs
Italian Oak Dining Chairs
Golden Fabric Chair
White Oak Upholstered Chair
Vintage Fiberglass Chairs
Antique Circular Chair
Pair Of Rush Chairs
Scandinavian Painted Chairs
View All Popular Chairs Searches