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.
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Style: Folk Art
Original Black Painted Narrow Pine Bench With Storage, Hungary dated 1951
Located in Round Top, TX
Original hand painted black folk art pine bench with simple floral/vine folk art embellishments along the front and back; dated 1951.
Unique to this bench is the narrow depth at onl...
Category
Mid-20th Century Hungarian Folk Art Seating
Materials
Pine, Paint
Rocking Chair "Svensk Hemslöjd" Sheepskin & Pinewood, Sweden, Early 20th Century
Located in Odense, DK
Unique rocking chair handmade by a Swedish cabinetmaker in the early 20th century.. Made in solid Scandinavian dark stained pinewood with a deep patina. Carved decorations. The chair...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Folk Art Seating
Materials
Pine, Sheepskin
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
Craftsman Handmade Folk Art Milk Stool, late 1800's
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Original Craftsman Handmade Folk Art Milk Stool. Made in Belgium, late 1800's - early 1900's. Solid oak constructed stool with central handgrip. Simple in design, with 4 turned legs ...
Category
1890s Belgian Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Oak
Daniel Mack Signed Stripped Bark Maple Stick Arm Chair
Located in Parkesburg, PA
Daniel Mack Signed Stripped Bark Maple Stick Arm Chair
Folk Art - Adirondack Influenced - Stripped bark solid maple wood, hand rubbed natural finish. Inde...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Seating
Materials
Maple
Anne-Lise Aas, Stools. A set of three
By Anne-Lise Aas
Located in Stockholm, SE
A fine set of three stools designed by Anne Lise Aas (1925–2020). They are made of oak which stained in a brownish/black color. The seats are have a rope knitting which is original a...
Category
1950s Norwegian Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Oak
Original Painted Folk Art Bench With Carved Birds, Hungary dated 1933
Located in Round Top, TX
Original hand painted folk art pine bench displays exceptional traditional brown faux wood background and colorful green and red floral displays within painted panels along the front...
Category
Mid-20th Century Hungarian Folk Art Seating
Materials
Pine, Paint
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 Seating
Materials
Pine
European Mid-Century Wooden Stools with Hand-Carved Scoop Seats, Europe ca 1950s
Located in Budapest, HU
The design of this European stool is characterized by a minimal, clean approach that seeks to combine functionality with beauty. Its focus is on simple lines and light spaces, devoid...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
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 Seating
Materials
Pine
Hand-Painted Cat Chair, 1990s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Meet the perfect throne for feline enthusiasts and art connoisseurs alike! This hand-painted, one-of-a-kind chair is more than furniture - it's a statement piece. Take a seat and let...
Category
1990s Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
Folk Art Haagsche School Child Chair set, Netherlands 1920's
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Folk Art Populaire Haagsche School Design Style Child Chair set. Made in the Netherlands, 1910's / 20's. Handmade and carved oak child chairs ...
Category
1920s Dutch Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Oak
Pine Storage Bench or Settle in Original Decorative Paint
Located in Baltimore, MD
What an amazing bench! In line and form it is very much like other Central European storage benches we offer, albeit a very fine example. It has straight back rails enclosing three flat panels. The legs are straight and the integral arms are only slightly scrolled and enclose another flat panel. The seat lifts to reveal a deep storage well, divided into two compartments.
But the original finish is outstanding. The background is a deep oxblood on which black stripes are applied in such a pattern as to present as a stylized grain paint. Vertical here and horizontal there, laid straight or diagonally, or in arches.
The five rectangular panels have the tromp l’oeil effect of being raised panels. These and the diamonds and “arrow heads” appear to be faux grain painted as a maple or some similar species. The overall effect is stunning and rare.
This dealer purchased a Hungarian chest...
Category
Early 20th Century Hungarian Folk Art Seating
Materials
Pine
Folk Art Brutalist Design SAW Back Side Chair set, France 1960's
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage French Folk Art Brutalist Design SAW Back Side Chair set of 2. Made in France, 1960's period. Light oak constructed chairs with Saw mod...
Category
1960s French Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Steel
Italian 1930s beautifully hand-crafted oak mountain armchair
Located in Milan, IT
Italian 1930s beautifully hand-crafted oak mountain armchair
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
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
Unusual Northern Swedish Antique Unique Country Folk Art Chair
Located in Kramfors, SE
Unusual primitive country chair in folk art from Northern Sweden. The chair is a one of a kind piece made by hand in solid pine around 1820 to 1840. Old historic paint which has beco...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Pine
Painted Pine Storage Bench or Settle
Located in Baltimore, MD
The rails and stiles of the back of this handsome storage bench create three frames, each with a trefoil (three leaf) stylized plant carving in the center. Similarly, one such carvin...
Category
Early 20th Century Hungarian Folk Art Seating
Materials
Pine
Pair of Maxie Lane Artist-made Tall Sculptural Bar Stools
Located in Somerton, GB
A pair of sculptural stools made by the artist Maxie Lane. Carved out of one piece of wood, they are unique and rustic.
The stools are tall perching seats. The raw and open wood fini...
Category
1990s English Folk Art Seating
Materials
Driftwood
Children's Rocking Chair, Finland, early 1900s
Located in Espoo, FI
Step back in time with our charming and children's rocking chair, handcrafted in the early 1900s by an unknown talented Finnish artisan. This unique piece showcases Arts & Crafts des...
Category
Early 20th Century Finnish Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood, Birch
Primitive Welsh Splayed Leg Stool
Located in Houston, TX
Primitive Welsh splayed leg stool with rectangular-shaped slatted seat. This charming dark brown color wooden stool was probably built and used on a farm. ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Welsh Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
Original Painted Pine Bench With Storage, Hungary dated 1910
Located in Round Top, TX
Original hand painted folk art pine bench displays traditional brown faux wood background and colorful floral displays within painted panels in back and front.
Hinged bench seat open...
Category
Early 20th Century Hungarian Folk Art Seating
Materials
Pine, Paint
19th Century Ash and Elm Cricket Table Stool
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
19th Century Ash and Elm Cricket Table Stool
This is a very rare country piece, the stool is made in ash and elm, the seat is made from a solid slice of the tree you can see by th...
Category
1870s Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Elm
Swedish Designer, Side Chair, Wood, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood side or lounge chair designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s.
Seat height: 15”
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
Mid 19th Century Swedish Antique Rustic Small Folk Art Sofa
Located in Boden, SE
A charming antique sofa from the mid-1800s. The sofa is from Boden Norrbotten, Northern Sweden It's petite and compact, perfect for smaller spaces.
The sofa has a foldable lid tha...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Pine
Finnish Folk Art Stool
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful Finnish hand carved folk stool from the late 1800s. The stool retains the original blue colour commonly used in furniture back in the period. The stool seems to have had ...
Category
Late 19th Century Finnish Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Pine
Birdy Armchair - One of a kind artist object, hand-carved, Natural mat finish
By Alix Coco
Located in SAINT-AGNE, FR
Playful and iconic, Birdy is a chair created by artist and designer Alix Coco. A surprising sculpture with a strong spirit, Birdy blurs the boundaries between art and design, form an...
Category
2010s French Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
6 Antique Swedish Folk Art Farm County Dining Chairs In Pine And Tan Leather
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Absolutely beautiful set of six late 19th century Swedish 'Folk Art' country farm dining chairs in pine with sturdy tan leather.
The measurements of...
Category
1890s Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Leather, Pine
Classic Swedish pine chairs set of 4 in solid pinewood Early 1900
Located in Forest, BE
Set of 4 classic, minimal and elegant lightweight comfortable pinewood chairs from Sweden around 1900. These are massive pine that shows a nice warm patina. We did not touch anything...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Folk Art Seating
Materials
Hardwood, Pine
Swedish wabi sabi style folk art chair
Located in Valby, 84
Rare Swedish folk art chair in solid dark stained wood made by a very talented craftsman in the middle of the 19th century in Sweden.
The chair has some beautiful details like the v...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
Handwoven Tule Lounge Chair Made in Mexico from LUTECA
Located in New York, NY
From a craft object to relevant design, these special pieces that are made in Mexico, were created to add warmth and texture to your interior. Intended for indoor or covered outdoor use, they are a reminder of the incredible workmanship and know-how passed down through generations and generations, dating back as far as the Mayans. As well as fostering and adapting historical values and crafts, some of which are now almost extinct, the project is a cultural endeavor that combines the highest quality weaving skills of local master craftsmen with the preservation of endangered manufacturing technique that supports an entire village eco-system. In stock. Ships from Mexico...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Seating
Materials
Seagrass
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
Danish Folk Art Armchair in Solid Oak & Gotland Sheepskin, Mid 19th Century
Located in Odense, DK
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Denmark with this extraordinary Danish Folk Art armchair from the mid-19th century. Handcrafted with remarkable attenti...
Category
Late 20th Century Danish Folk Art Seating
Materials
Lambskin, Wool, Oak
Original Painted Brown 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 along back.
Hinged bench seat opens to reveal interior divided sto...
Category
20th Century Hungarian Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood, Paint
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
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
Set of Four 19th Century Primitive Swedish Folk Art Pine Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rustic set of four 19th century primitive country Swedish hand-carved folk art farmhouse chairs crafted from pine. The set features a well-worn and weathered patina with a gracefully...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Pine
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
Small Antique Swedish Folk Art Pine Bench
Located in Kramfors, SE
Small antique Swedish bench in folk art. The frame is made by hand in solid Swedish pine. The original light blue paint has genuine distress an...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Pine
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 Seating
Materials
Pine
19th Century Scottish Turned-Bobbin Rocking Chair
Located in Houston, TX
19th century Scottish turned-bobbin rocking chair in various woods. Constructed circa 1850-1889 and originates from Scotland, near the Northwest b...
Category
1850s Scottish Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood, Pine, Fruitwood, Ash
1960s Folk Art Rustic Hand Carved Monumental Rocking Horse Chair
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, full rocking horse chair you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what i...
Category
1960s American Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Leather, Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Basque Tripod Chairs 1950s European Folk Art
Located in Trensacq, FR
A fabulous pair of oak three-legged chairs, crafted in the Basque region of France/Spain C1950. Beautifully decorated with carved flowers and diamond detailing, these chairs are a r...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Folk Art Seating
Materials
Oak
Folk Art Rush Side Chair, Austria 1970's
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Austrian Folk Art Side Chair with Rush Seat. Made in Austria, 1970's. Orange painted beech frame with rush woven seat. The chair has nice spi...
Category
1970s Austrian Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Rush, Beech
High Antique Swedish Bench of Solid Pine Partly with Grey Paint Mid 19th Century
Located in Aarhus C, DK
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 Seating
Materials
Pine, Paint
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 Seating
Materials
Pine
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
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
19th Century Swedish Folk Art Stool
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Charming 19th century Swedish folk art stool in Its original condition with great patina, ca 1810 Sweden.
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating
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 Seating
Materials
Rope, Wood
Pair of Small Early Painted Folk Art Chairs or Side Tables
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Set of Two Smaller Folk Art Chairs or Side Tables With Original Paint and Patina.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
Rare Pair of Tyrolean Walnut Armchairs 18th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Rare Pair of Tyrolean Walnut Armchairs
18th Century
Crescent arm ending in rounded terminals
surmounted by a traditional crest with pierced heart
supported by six turned columns
s...
Category
Late 18th Century Austrian Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Walnut
Original Hand Painted Small Bench With High Back, Hungary circa 1860-80
Located in Round Top, TX
This delightful high back bench is a rare find due to it's unique small size and elaborate original hand-painted finish.
Please enlarge photos to appreciate the many details of the p...
Category
Late 19th Century Hungarian Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood, Paint
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 Seating
Materials
Pine
Finnish circa 1900 hand-carved kubbstol in Pine
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
This one-of-a-kind Finnish hand-carved Pine Kubbstol from the 19th century is a unique piece of folk art. Handcrafted from a single piece of pine, its beautiful patina makes it a pop...
Category
Early 20th Century Finnish Folk Art Seating
Materials
Pine
Norwegian folk art chair 1850’s
Located in Valby, 84
Decorative Rare Norwegian folk art chair with the original red and green painted wood and the original sea grass webbing from the 1850’s.
The chair...
Category
1850s Norwegian Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Seagrass, Wood
Antique Swedish Folk Art Genuine Original Condition Chair
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique folk art chair from Sweden made during the mid 1800s. The chair is a classic folk art chair with a model that has its roots in the renaissance period. Made in pine with the o...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Pine
Swedish Maker, Small Chair, Pine, 19th Century
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine side chair designed and produced in Sweden, 19th century.
18.5" seat height
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Pine
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.
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