Skip to main content

Folk Art Seating

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.

32
to
2
20
11
32
32
32
2,531
718
133
60
32
24
19
18
18
15
14
11
11
11
8
3
2
2
2
8
22
8
8
5
2
2
2
2
4
1
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
26
3
2
1
31
4
4
4
3
28
12
5
5
4
147,360
1
1
1
1
Style: Folk Art
Creator: Unknown
Set of 2 Bamboo Handcrafted French Riviera Stools, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid-Century Modern pair of bamboo and rattan handcrafted stools , circa 1960. Traditionally manufactured in France. By unknown designer. In original condition with minor wear cons...
Category

1960s French Vintage Folk Art Seating

Materials

Bamboo

Set of 2 Bamboo Handcrafted French Riviera Stools, circa 1960
Set of 2 Bamboo Handcrafted French Riviera Stools, circa 1960

Set of 2 Bamboo Handcrafted French Riviera Stools, circa 1960

early 20th Century Wabi Sabi 3 Leg Workshop Stool, Italian Folkart Around 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This early 20th century wabi sabi 3 leg workshop stool from Italy is an excellent example of this style. The piece has a octagonal, rustic-looking seat made of wood and is supported ...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Folk Art Seating

Materials

Wood

early 20th Century Wabi Sabi 3 Leg Workshop Stool, Italian Folkart Around 1930s
early 20th Century Wabi Sabi 3 Leg Workshop Stool, Italian Folkart Around 1930s

early 20th Century Wabi Sabi 3 Leg Workshop Stool, Italian Folkart Around 1930s

Antique 19th Century Swedish Rosemaled Bench
Located in Peabody, MA
An antique pine bench hand painted in the Scandinavian rosemale tradition, circa 1800s. Most likely Swedish.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating

Materials

Paint, Pine

Antique 19th Century Swedish Rosemaled Bench
Antique 19th Century Swedish Rosemaled Bench

Antique 19th Century Swedish Rosemaled Bench

early 20th Century Wabi Sabi 3 Leg Workshop Stool, German Folkart Around 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This early 20th century wabi sabi 3 leg workshop stool from Germany is an excellent example of this style. The piece has a square, rustic-looking seat made of wood and is supported b...
Category

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Seating

Materials

Wood

early 20th Century Wabi Sabi 3 Leg Workshop Stool, German Folkart Around 1910s
early 20th Century Wabi Sabi 3 Leg Workshop Stool, German Folkart Around 1910s

early 20th Century Wabi Sabi 3 Leg Workshop Stool, German Folkart Around 1910s

Green Painted Folk Art Swedish Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Green-painted Swedish chair, or stool with back, dating to 19th century. Constructed in pine circa 1860-1879. Green painted finish on upper part of chair is largely early, or origina...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating

Materials

Pine

Green Painted Folk Art Swedish Chair
Green Painted Folk Art Swedish Chair

Green Painted Folk Art Swedish Chair

Primitive Swedish Pine Log Chair or Kubbestol
Located in Houston, TX
Primitive Swedish pine log chair, or kubbestol, from Dalarna circa 1770-1789. Flip-seat for storage inside chair. Steamed bentwood banding. Fine, dry pale patina. The flip-seat has b...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating

Materials

Brass

Primitive Swedish Pine Log Chair or Kubbestol
Primitive Swedish Pine Log Chair or Kubbestol

Primitive Swedish Pine Log Chair or Kubbestol

Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Folkart Tripod Chair, Germany Vintage 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Interesting Brutalist wood tripod chair from Germany. the seat was cut out of a tree trunk. Historically used as a chair in the farmhouses in Germany in the 19th Century, this modern...
Category

1950s German Vintage Folk Art Seating

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Folkart Tripod Chair, Germany Vintage 1950s
Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Folkart Tripod Chair, Germany Vintage 1950s

Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Folkart Tripod Chair, Germany Vintage 1950s

Antique Wooden Folding Chair, Black Forest Style carved Wood, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This early 20th century folding chair from Germany is an excellent example of the black forest style. The piece has a rustic-looking seat made of wood and a wood carved backrest. The...
Category

1910s German Vintage Folk Art Seating

Materials

Metal

Antique Wooden Folding Chair, Black Forest Style carved Wood, 1910s
Antique Wooden Folding Chair, Black Forest Style carved Wood, 1910s

Antique Wooden Folding Chair, Black Forest Style carved Wood, 1910s

Set of Ten wooden Tavern Chairs out of the Humbser Brewery Fürth Bavaria, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A set consisting of 10 chairs out of the Humbser brewery in Fürth Bavaria. These chairs were used in the brewery restaurant's dining room for years. After the brewery closed, we were...
Category

1950s German Vintage Folk Art Seating

Materials

Wood

Set of Ten wooden Tavern Chairs out of the Humbser Brewery Fürth Bavaria, 1950s
Set of Ten wooden Tavern Chairs out of the Humbser Brewery Fürth Bavaria, 1950s

Set of Ten wooden Tavern Chairs out of the Humbser Brewery Fürth Bavaria, 1950s

early 20th Century Wabi Sabi 3 Leg Workshop Stool, German Folkart Around 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This early 20th century wabi sabi 3 leg workshop stool from Germany is an excellent example of this style. The piece has a square, rustic-looking seat made of wood and is supported b...
Category

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Seating

Materials

Wood

early 20th Century Wabi Sabi 3 Leg Workshop Stool, German Folkart Around 1910s
early 20th Century Wabi Sabi 3 Leg Workshop Stool, German Folkart Around 1910s

early 20th Century Wabi Sabi 3 Leg Workshop Stool, German Folkart Around 1910s

early 20th Century Wabi Sabi 3 Leg Workshop Stool, German Folkart Around 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This early 20th century wabi sabi 3 leg workshop stool from Germany is an excellent example of this style. The piece has a square, rustic-looking seat made of wood and is supported b...
Category

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Seating

Materials

Wood

early 20th Century Wabi Sabi 3 Leg Workshop Stool, German Folkart Around 1910s
early 20th Century Wabi Sabi 3 Leg Workshop Stool, German Folkart Around 1910s

early 20th Century Wabi Sabi 3 Leg Workshop Stool, German Folkart Around 1910s

early 20th Century Wabi Sabi 3 Leg Workshop Stool, German Folkart Around 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This early 20th century wabi sabi 3 leg workshop stool from Germany is an excellent example of this style. The piece has a square, rustic-looking seat made of wood and is supported b...
Category

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Seating

Materials

Wood

early 20th Century Wabi Sabi 3 Leg Workshop Stool, German Folkart Around 1910s
early 20th Century Wabi Sabi 3 Leg Workshop Stool, German Folkart Around 1910s

early 20th Century Wabi Sabi 3 Leg Workshop Stool, German Folkart Around 1910s

Set of Four Folk Art Carved Tavern Bavarian Inn Chairs, Nuremberg Germany 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A set consisting of 4 chairs out of a tavern restaurant in Nuremberg Bavaria. These chairs were used in the restaurant's dining room for years. Each Stool is in very good, used condi...
Category

1960s German Vintage Folk Art Seating

Materials

Wood

Set of Four Folk Art Carved Tavern Bavarian Inn Chairs, Nuremberg Germany 1960s
Set of Four Folk Art Carved Tavern Bavarian Inn Chairs, Nuremberg Germany 1960s

Set of Four Folk Art Carved Tavern Bavarian Inn Chairs, Nuremberg Germany 1960s

Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Wood Tripod Chair and Foot Rest, German Vintage
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A interesting brutalist wood tripod chair from Germany, with a matching foot rest or table. Great piece of functional sculpture. Stool and foot rest is in great vintage condition and...
Category

1970s German Vintage Folk Art Seating

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Wood Tripod Chair and Foot Rest, German Vintage
Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Wood Tripod Chair and Foot Rest, German Vintage

Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Wood Tripod Chair and Foot Rest, German Vintage

late 19th Century Wabi Sabi 3 Leg Stool, Austria Around 1890s - 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This late 19th century wabi sabi 3 leg milking stool from Austria is an excellent example of this style. The piece has a square, rustic-looking seat made of wood and is supported by three legs. The stool has a simple, understated design which is typical of wabi sabi furniture...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Folk Art Seating

Materials

Wood

late 19th Century Wabi Sabi 3 Leg Stool, Austria Around 1890s - 1900s
late 19th Century Wabi Sabi 3 Leg Stool, Austria Around 1890s - 1900s

late 19th Century Wabi Sabi 3 Leg Stool, Austria Around 1890s - 1900s

Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Sculptural Wood Tripod Chair, Spain Vintage 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Interesting Brutalist wood tripod chair from Spain. Notched holes in head rest and both arms. Historically used as a birthing chair. Great piece of functional sculpture. Good conditi...
Category

1970s Spanish Vintage Folk Art Seating

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Sculptural Wood Tripod Chair, Spain Vintage 1970s
Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Sculptural Wood Tripod Chair, Spain Vintage 1970s

Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Sculptural Wood Tripod Chair, Spain Vintage 1970s

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 Seating

Materials

Ash

19th Century Small Vernacular Chair
19th Century Small Vernacular Chair

19th Century Small Vernacular Chair

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Sculptural Wood Tripod Chair, Spain Vintage
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A pair of interesting brutalist wood tripod chairs from Spain, with a trefoil motif adorning all the chair handles. The trefoil is a frequently occurring emblem in the architectural ...
Category

1970s Spanish Vintage Folk Art Seating

Materials

Wood

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Sculptural Wood Tripod Chair, Spain Vintage
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Sculptural Wood Tripod Chair, Spain Vintage

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Sculptural Wood Tripod Chair, Spain Vintage

Early 20th Century Swivel Piano Stool with Red Velvet Seat, Belgium
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This charming early 20th century four-legged upholstered swivel 'Bobbin' stool in ebonised wood with a red velvet seat is in very good condition. It is...
Category

1930s German Vintage Folk Art Seating

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century Swivel Piano Stool with Red Velvet Seat, Belgium
Early 20th Century Swivel Piano Stool with Red Velvet Seat, Belgium

Early 20th Century Swivel Piano Stool with Red Velvet Seat, Belgium

Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Wood Tripod Chair Foot Rest Stool, Spain Vintage
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An interesting brutalist stool with hand carved legs and great patina. Great piece of functional sculpture. It is in great vintage condition and is structurally sound. Nice addition ...
Category

1970s Spanish Vintage Folk Art Seating

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Wood Tripod Chair Foot Rest Stool, Spain Vintage
Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Wood Tripod Chair Foot Rest Stool, Spain Vintage

Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Wood Tripod Chair Foot Rest Stool, Spain Vintage

Primitive Swedish Pine Log Chair from Dalarna
Located in Houston, TX
Primitive Swedish pine log chair from Dalarna dated 1760. Steamed bentwood banding. Fine, dry pale patina. Note: Original/early finish on antique and vintage metal will include some...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating

Materials

Pine

Primitive Swedish Pine Log Chair from Dalarna
Primitive Swedish Pine Log Chair from Dalarna

Primitive Swedish Pine Log Chair from Dalarna

Set of Four Black Forest Carved Tavern Bavarian Inn Chairs, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A set of four interesting brutalist wood carved from the Bavarian Alps or Black Forest Area , with a motif adorning all chair Backrests. Each Stool is in very good, used condition, t...
Category

Late 19th Century Spanish Antique Folk Art Seating

Materials

Wood

Set of Four Black Forest Carved Tavern Bavarian Inn Chairs, 1890s
Set of Four Black Forest Carved Tavern Bavarian Inn Chairs, 1890s

Set of Four Black Forest Carved Tavern Bavarian Inn Chairs, 1890s

Pair of Hand Made Studio Craft Bar Stools by Bill Woodhead, D. 1985
Located in Peabody, MA
A pair of handmade studio craft bar stools in maple by the Boston area woodworker Bill Woodhead, dated 1985.
Category

1980s American Vintage Folk Art Seating

Materials

Maple

Pair of Hand Made Studio Craft Bar Stools by Bill Woodhead, D. 1985
Pair of Hand Made Studio Craft Bar Stools by Bill Woodhead, D. 1985

Pair of Hand Made Studio Craft Bar Stools by Bill Woodhead, D. 1985

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 Seating

Materials

Ash

Pair of Antique High Back Windsor Chairs with Hexagonal Sheet
Pair of Antique High Back Windsor Chairs with Hexagonal Sheet

Pair of Antique High Back Windsor Chairs with Hexagonal Sheet

20th Century Wabi Sabi 4 Leg Stool, Germany circa 1930s or Older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This 20th century wabi sabi 4 leg workshop stool from Germany is an excellent example of this style. The piece has a round, rustic-looking seat made of wooden planks and is supported by four spindle legs. The stool has a simple, understated design which is typical of wabi sabi furniture...
Category

1930s German Vintage Folk Art Seating

Materials

Wood

20th Century Wabi Sabi 4 Leg Stool, Germany circa 1930s or Older
20th Century Wabi Sabi 4 Leg Stool, Germany circa 1930s or Older

20th Century Wabi Sabi 4 Leg Stool, Germany circa 1930s or Older

Early 20th Century Wabi Sabi 4 Leg Milking Stool Seat, Sweden Around 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic 1910s or older, wood stool. Made of wood, hand painted, hand carved. Found at an estate sale in Stockholm, Sweden. Some paint lost and in shabby chic design, but this is old-...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Folk Art Seating

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century Wabi Sabi 4 Leg Milking Stool Seat, Sweden Around 1910s
Early 20th Century Wabi Sabi 4 Leg Milking Stool Seat, Sweden Around 1910s

Early 20th Century Wabi Sabi 4 Leg Milking Stool Seat, Sweden Around 1910s

Vintage Egyptian African Camel Saddle Stool
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Egyptian, North Africa camel saddle shape stool. A middle eastern wood and leather camel saddle wood bench designed with a wooden frame and a bla...
Category

Mid-20th Century Egyptian Folk Art Seating

Materials

Cowhide, Wood

Vintage Egyptian African Camel Saddle Stool
Vintage Egyptian African Camel Saddle Stool

Vintage Egyptian African Camel Saddle Stool

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 Seating

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

Vintage Egyptian Camel Saddle Stool
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Egyptian, North Africa camel saddle shape stool. Traditionally used to ride camels in the desert of Africa and the Middle East, this camel saddle...
Category

Mid-20th Century Egyptian Folk Art Seating

Materials

Brass

Vintage Egyptian Camel Saddle Stool
Vintage Egyptian Camel Saddle Stool

Vintage Egyptian Camel Saddle Stool

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 Seating

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

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 Seating

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

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 Seating

Materials

Wood, Hemp

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

19th Century Handmade English Chess Carved Chair

Folk Art seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique folk art seating 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 seating created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, folk art, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, softwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art seating 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 seating, popular names associated with this style include Alix Coco, Berber Tribes of Morocco, Bobby Falwell, and Thomas Chippendale. 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 seating differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $251 and tops out at $89,500 while the average work can sell for $2,400.

Recently Viewed

View All

More Ways To Browse

United Furniture Cane Backed Dining Chairs
Italian Dining Chair Magistretti
Leather Dining Room Chair Tubular
Pair Of 6 Chairs
Wormley Set
Eight Louis Xvi
Aluminum Swivel Desk Chair
Six Regency Dining Chairs
Art Deco 1930s Dining Chairs
Black Lacquer Wood And Leather Dining
Teak Dining Chairs Set Moller
Oak Vintage Dining Chairs Set
Vintage Mahogany Dining Chairs
10 French Chairs
Chrome Dining Side Chair
Chrome Side Dining Chair
Ray And Charles Eames Desk Chairs
Set Of 6 Dining Chairs Scandinavian
View All Popular Seating Searches