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Folk Art Sofas

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
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 Sofas

Materials

Wood

  • Bench Swedish Red Wood, 19th Century, Sweden
  • Bench Swedish Red Wood, 19th Century, Sweden
  • Bench Swedish Red Wood, 19th Century, Sweden
  • Bench Swedish Red Wood, 19th Century, Sweden

Bench Swedish Red Wood, 19th Century, Sweden

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 Sofas

Materials

Wood

  • Bench Swedish 18th Rustic Century Original Paint, Sweden
  • Bench Swedish 18th Rustic Century Original Paint, Sweden
  • Bench Swedish 18th Rustic Century Original Paint, Sweden
  • Bench Swedish 18th Rustic Century Original Paint, Sweden

Bench Swedish 18th Rustic Century Original Paint, Sweden

Related Items
18th Century Rustic Catalan Bench
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very handsome 18th century bench from the Catalan region of Spain. Soundly constructed from a solid board of naturally washed apple wood. Also terrific as a narrow coffee table.
Category

18th Century Spanish Antique Folk Art Sofas

Materials

Fruitwood

  • 18th Century Rustic Catalan Bench
  • 18th Century Rustic Catalan Bench
  • 18th Century Rustic Catalan Bench
  • 18th Century Rustic Catalan Bench

18th Century Rustic Catalan Bench

H 13.13 in. W 49 in. D 13.38 in.
18th C. Spanish Wood Spindle-Back Bench W/Fabulous Trim Details
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Spanish carved-wood, spindle back bench from the 18th century. This antique wooden bench from Spain features a linear molded top chair rail with nicely-turned spindles set within the back rests, straight arms flank either side of the rustic live-edge wood seat, with an elegantly carved skirt across the front adorn in a succession of rhythmic waves with volute accents. The bench is raised on three pairs of straight/squared legs (six total legs), with each pair being braced between them with a carved stretcher bar. The rich wood has a fabulous old patina throughout; a beautiful reflection of its centuries old age and use. This 18th century Spanish bench, with a span of approximately 9.25 feet in length, makes it perfectly suited for a hall or entry foyer bench...
Category

18th Century Spanish Antique Folk Art Sofas

Materials

Wood

  • 18th C. Spanish Wood Spindle-Back Bench W/Fabulous Trim Details
  • 18th C. Spanish Wood Spindle-Back Bench W/Fabulous Trim Details
  • 18th C. Spanish Wood Spindle-Back Bench W/Fabulous Trim Details
  • 18th C. Spanish Wood Spindle-Back Bench W/Fabulous Trim Details

18th C. Spanish Wood Spindle-Back Bench W/Fabulous Trim Details

H 34.50 in. W 112.25 in. D 17.25 in.
Late 18th Century Swedish Blue Pine Country Bench or Sofa
Located in Kramfors, SE
Very unusual blue bench or sofa from the late 1700s. The sofa is a country house furniture from Ångermanland in Sweden. The sofa is very unusual, most likely the only one of its kind...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Sofas

Materials

Pine

  • Late 18th Century Swedish Blue Pine Country Bench or Sofa
  • Late 18th Century Swedish Blue Pine Country Bench or Sofa
  • Late 18th Century Swedish Blue Pine Country Bench or Sofa
  • Late 18th Century Swedish Blue Pine Country Bench or Sofa

Late 18th Century Swedish Blue Pine Country Bench or Sofa

H 57.49 in. W 70.08 in. D 26.38 in.
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Country Bench
Located in Kramfors, SE
Gustavian country bench from the late 18th century. The bench is made in the very north of Sweden, close to the Finnish border in an area called Tornedalen. The bench is unusual and ...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Sofas

Materials

Pine

  • 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Country Bench
  • 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Country Bench
  • 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Country Bench
  • 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Country Bench

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Country Bench

H 33.86 in. W 70.08 in. D 22.45 in.
Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Provincial Sofa
Located in Kramfors, SE
Northern Swedish gustavian provincial sofa. The sofa is made in pine and has the hand-scraped-to original paint. The sofa is from the first few years of the 19th century, around 1800...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Sofas

Materials

Pine

  • Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Provincial Sofa
  • Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Provincial Sofa
  • Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Provincial Sofa
  • Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Provincial Sofa

Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Provincial Sofa

H 36.23 in. W 71.66 in. D 20.87 in.
Late 19th Century, Louis XVI Style Bench Sofa Green Blue White Velour French
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Lovely Louis XVI style bench in rechampi and golden wood. Fluted legs, a beautiful blue tapestry with floral decors. A small lever placed on the side of ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Folk Art Sofas

Materials

Textile, Wood

  • Late 19th Century, Louis XVI Style Bench Sofa Green Blue White Velour French
  • Late 19th Century, Louis XVI Style Bench Sofa Green Blue White Velour French
  • Late 19th Century, Louis XVI Style Bench Sofa Green Blue White Velour French
  • Late 19th Century, Louis XVI Style Bench Sofa Green Blue White Velour French

Late 19th Century, Louis XVI Style Bench Sofa Green Blue White Velour French

Free Shipping
H 30.32 in. W 52.76 in. D 28.75 in.
Mid 18th Century Swedish Pine Bench
Located in Kramfors, SE
Early Swedish pine bench from northern Sweden. The bench is a very early version of a seat or sofa and this one also has a reversible backrest. It’s an unusual piece due to its age a...
Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Sofas

Materials

Pine

  • Mid 18th Century Swedish Pine Bench
  • Mid 18th Century Swedish Pine Bench
  • Mid 18th Century Swedish Pine Bench
  • Mid 18th Century Swedish Pine Bench

Mid 18th Century Swedish Pine Bench

H 38.19 in. W 89.77 in. D 20.87 in.
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 Sofas

Materials

Pine

  • 18th Century Swedish Rustic Folk Art Bench
  • 18th Century Swedish Rustic Folk Art Bench
  • 18th Century Swedish Rustic Folk Art Bench
  • 18th Century Swedish Rustic Folk Art Bench

18th Century Swedish Rustic Folk Art Bench

H 18.9 in. W 52.76 in. D 14.57 in.
18th Century Gustavian Sofa Bench In Original Gray Paint, Sweden
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish Late 18th century sofa or settee bench with old grey paint and the Unbeatable Original Patina. The sofa has been carefully and professionally hand-scraped in order recover ...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Sofas

Materials

Pine

  • 18th Century Gustavian Sofa Bench In Original Gray Paint, Sweden
  • 18th Century Gustavian Sofa Bench In Original Gray Paint, Sweden
  • 18th Century Gustavian Sofa Bench In Original Gray Paint, Sweden
  • 18th Century Gustavian Sofa Bench In Original Gray Paint, Sweden

18th Century Gustavian Sofa Bench In Original Gray Paint, Sweden

H 35.44 in. W 70.08 in. D 25.6 in.
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Sofa with Sphinx and Lion Motifs
Located in San Angelo, TX
An absolute stunning piece of artisan craftsmanship here. The gorgeous 19th century Swedish sofa features Sphinx and Lion motifs with a cream color palette. With significant size and presence, this armed bench has a long single seat with curved arm rests. The elaborately carved wood is painted a cream color. The most notable feature is the large Sphinx...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Paint

  • 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Sofa with Sphinx and Lion Motifs
  • 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Sofa with Sphinx and Lion Motifs
  • 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Sofa with Sphinx and Lion Motifs
  • 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Sofa with Sphinx and Lion Motifs

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Sofa with Sphinx and Lion Motifs

H 35.5 in. W 63.75 in. D 26.75 in.
18th Century Italian Venetian Sofa with Removable Back, Converts to a Bench
Located in Atlanta, GA
An 18th century Italian Venetian sofa with removable back. This antique sofa from Italy, just over 6 feet in length, features a beautiful wood trimmed lines throughout; the flat-edged wooden crest...
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Sofas

Materials

Linen, Wood

  • 18th Century Italian Venetian Sofa with Removable Back, Converts to a Bench
  • 18th Century Italian Venetian Sofa with Removable Back, Converts to a Bench
  • 18th Century Italian Venetian Sofa with Removable Back, Converts to a Bench
  • 18th Century Italian Venetian Sofa with Removable Back, Converts to a Bench

18th Century Italian Venetian Sofa with Removable Back, Converts to a Bench

H 40 in. W 74 in. D 25 in.
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Bench
Located in Houston, TX
19th century Swedish Gustavian bench with carving around all sides and tapered square legs.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Sofas

Materials

Pine

  • 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Bench
  • 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Bench
  • 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Bench
  • 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Bench

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Bench

H 16 in. W 50.25 in. D 15.75 in.
Previously Available Items
19th Century Folk Art Swedish Sofa
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Exceptional folk art sofa from Varmland Sweden. With decorative carved back and sides, continuing on the front stretcher and is scraped to original blue paint. Newly upholstered in...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Sofas

Materials

Linen, Wood

  • 19th Century Folk Art Swedish Sofa
  • 19th Century Folk Art Swedish Sofa
  • 19th Century Folk Art Swedish Sofa
  • 19th Century Folk Art Swedish Sofa

19th Century Folk Art Swedish Sofa

H 29.93 in. W 81.89 in. D 21.66 in.
Mid 19th Century Charming Swedish Painted Folk Art Sofa or Bench
Located in Kramfors, SE
Charming folk art sofa or bench from northern Sweden with the dating 1855. The sofa is unusually short and has hand carved wooden decorations. Made in pine with the untouched origina...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Sofas

Materials

Pine

  • Mid 19th Century Charming Swedish Painted Folk Art Sofa or Bench
  • Mid 19th Century Charming Swedish Painted Folk Art Sofa or Bench
  • Mid 19th Century Charming Swedish Painted Folk Art Sofa or Bench
  • Mid 19th Century Charming Swedish Painted Folk Art Sofa or Bench

Mid 19th Century Charming Swedish Painted Folk Art Sofa or Bench

H 39.38 in. W 59.06 in. D 26.38 in.
Early 20th Century Carved Lion Bench Oak and Pine Sweden
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Stunning bench from the beginning of the 20th century in carved wood whose sides represent a lion. Made in Sweden, handmade in solid oak and pine with an incredible patina. Very nice...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Folk Art Sofas

Materials

Oak, Pine

  • Early 20th Century Carved Lion Bench Oak and Pine Sweden
  • Early 20th Century Carved Lion Bench Oak and Pine Sweden
  • Early 20th Century Carved Lion Bench Oak and Pine Sweden
  • Early 20th Century Carved Lion Bench Oak and Pine Sweden

Early 20th Century Carved Lion Bench Oak and Pine Sweden

H 33.86 in. W 40.56 in. D 21.66 in.
Bench Swedish 19th Century Pine Raw Finish Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Bench Swedish 19th Century pine raw finish Sweden. A pull out bench made during the 19th Century in Sweden. Finish is a raw wood.  
Category

19th Century European Antique Folk Art Sofas

Materials

Wood

  • Bench Swedish 19th Century Pine Raw Finish Sweden
  • Bench Swedish 19th Century Pine Raw Finish Sweden
  • Bench Swedish 19th Century Pine Raw Finish Sweden
  • Bench Swedish 19th Century Pine Raw Finish Sweden

Bench Swedish 19th Century Pine Raw Finish Sweden

H 37 in. W 65 in. D 20.5 in.
18th Century Southern Swedish Primitive Bench
Located in Kramfors, SE
Primitive Folk Art bench - a so called Fållbänk. The bench was manufactured in southern Sweden around the second half of the 18th century. The bench is in untouched original conditio...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Sofas

Materials

Pine

  • 18th Century Southern Swedish Primitive Bench
  • 18th Century Southern Swedish Primitive Bench
  • 18th Century Southern Swedish Primitive Bench
  • 18th Century Southern Swedish Primitive Bench

18th Century Southern Swedish Primitive Bench

H 31.5 in. W 71.66 in. D 19.3 in.
18th Century Folk Art Rustic Bench from Dalarna Sweden
Located in Kramfors, SE
Rustic folk art bench or 'Fållbänk' as it's called in Swedish. From the county of Dalarna in the middle of Sweden. The seat of the bench can be lifted which makes the area underneath...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Sofas

Materials

Pine

  • 18th Century Folk Art Rustic Bench from Dalarna Sweden
  • 18th Century Folk Art Rustic Bench from Dalarna Sweden
  • 18th Century Folk Art Rustic Bench from Dalarna Sweden
  • 18th Century Folk Art Rustic Bench from Dalarna Sweden

18th Century Folk Art Rustic Bench from Dalarna Sweden

H 28.35 in. W 74.81 in. L 28.35 in.
19th Century Northern Swedish Sofa by Johan Lust
By Jonas Lust
Located in Kramfors, SE
Gustavian sofa or solsäng from Hälsingland. The Swedish name solsäng literally means sun bed. The sofa have rich wooden carvings all around and the surface has...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Sofas

Materials

Pine

  • 19th Century Northern Swedish Sofa by Johan Lust
  • 19th Century Northern Swedish Sofa by Johan Lust
  • 19th Century Northern Swedish Sofa by Johan Lust
  • 19th Century Northern Swedish Sofa by Johan Lust

19th Century Northern Swedish Sofa by Johan Lust

H 35.04 in. W 72.84 in. D 23.23 in.
Antique Romanian Folk Art Painted Storage Bench
Located in Round Top, TX
The quality and craftsmanship of this pine bench are exceptional with its traditional Eastern European Folk Art painted motifs. The deep, warm patina of the painted bench is enhanced...
Category

Late 19th Century Romanian Antique Folk Art Sofas

Materials

Pine

  • Antique Romanian Folk Art Painted Storage Bench
  • Antique Romanian Folk Art Painted Storage Bench
  • Antique Romanian Folk Art Painted Storage Bench
  • Antique Romanian Folk Art Painted Storage Bench

Antique Romanian Folk Art Painted Storage Bench

H 36.75 in. W 78 in. D 22.25 in.
Antique Folk Art Blue Painted Hungarian Storage Bench
Located in Round Top, TX
This delightful late 19th century storage bench from Hungary still maintains its original blue paint. The charming, simplistic flowers on the front panel were a traditional Folk Art ...
Category

Late 19th Century Hungarian Antique Folk Art Sofas

  • Antique Folk Art Blue Painted Hungarian Storage Bench
  • Antique Folk Art Blue Painted Hungarian Storage Bench
  • Antique Folk Art Blue Painted Hungarian Storage Bench
  • Antique Folk Art Blue Painted Hungarian Storage Bench

Antique Folk Art Blue Painted Hungarian Storage Bench

H 37 in. W 76.75 in. D 21.25 in.
Bench Sofa with Storage Swedish 18th Century Original Paint, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Bench sofa with storage Swedish 18th century original paint, Sweden. A storage bench made during the 18th century in Sweden. Original paint. Beautifu...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Sofas

Materials

Wood

  • Bench Sofa with Storage Swedish 18th Century Original Paint, Sweden
  • Bench Sofa with Storage Swedish 18th Century Original Paint, Sweden
  • Bench Sofa with Storage Swedish 18th Century Original Paint, Sweden
  • Bench Sofa with Storage Swedish 18th Century Original Paint, Sweden

Bench Sofa with Storage Swedish 18th Century Original Paint, Sweden

H 30.5 in. W 66 in. D 20 in.
Bench Swedish 18th Century Orange and Blue Original Paint Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Bench 18th century Sweden orange and blue original paint. Bench made in Sweden during the 18th century. Original paint in dark blue and a reddish orange. Storage under seat.
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Sofas

Materials

Pine

  • Bench Swedish 18th Century Orange and Blue Original Paint Sweden
  • Bench Swedish 18th Century Orange and Blue Original Paint Sweden
  • Bench Swedish 18th Century Orange and Blue Original Paint Sweden
  • Bench Swedish 18th Century Orange and Blue Original Paint Sweden

Bench Swedish 18th Century Orange and Blue Original Paint Sweden

H 29 in. W 65 in. D 21.5 in.

Folk Art sofas for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Folk Art sofas for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 19th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage sofas created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art sofas made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and Sweden 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 sofas differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $3,800 and tops out at $4,800 while the average work can sell for $4,300.

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