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
Sculptural African Low Stool of the Lobi Tribe
Located in Fort Collins, CO
This is a low stool, made in Burkina Faso sometime in the early 20th century. It was carved from a single piece of African hardwood, and has a beautiful, weathered patina.
It featur...
Category
20th Century Burkinabe Folk Art Seating
Materials
Hardwood
Finnish Rustic Folk Art Stool in Solid Pine, 19th Century
Located in Karis, Nyland
A charming rustic folk art stool from Finland, dating to the late 19th or early 20th century. Crafted from solid pine, this piece exudes vernacular craftsmanship with its raw, hand-h...
Category
Early 20th Century Finnish Folk Art Seating
Materials
Pine
Vintage Wabi Sabi Style Dining Chair in Patinated Elm Wood, Mid-Century, Italy
Located in Odense, DK
A striking solo Alpine-style dining chair, crafted in mid-century Northern Italy or Switzerland, characterized by its distinctive carved splat back and robust construction. This vers...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Folk Art Seating
Materials
Elm
$704 Sale Price
20% Off
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
$1,200 Sale Price
20% Off
Hand Carved Armchair in Oak & Velvet, Danish Cabinetmaker, Jugendstil, 1939
Located in Odense, DK
This Jugendstil armchair, crafted by a Danish cabinetmaker in 1939, is a timeless blend of elegance and craftsmanship. Made from oak, its frame boasts intricate hand-carved details i...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Folk Art Seating
Materials
Velvet, Oak
$1,720 Sale Price
20% Off
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 Seating
Materials
Wood
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
1960s Handcrafted Stool - Rustic Folk Art with Handwoven Wool Seat, Norway
Located in Skien, NO
Classic Style Mid-Century Norwegian Bench/Stool - Handcrafted Scandinavian Charm - Small Size Furniture
Add a touch of vintage Scandinavian elegance to your home with this one-of-a-...
Category
1960s Norwegian Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Pine, Wool, Beech
19Thc Original Paint Decorated Rocking Chair From New England
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc Original paint decorated New England rocking chair in pristine condition.This fine rocking chair has a mustard painted surface with black decorated splash.
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
$1,340 Sale Price
20% Off
Irish Walnut Bench, Hall Seat with Shoe Storage This is a great piece
Located in Godshill, 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 Seating
Materials
Walnut
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 stool has a simple, understated design which is typical of early 20th century garden or yard furniture...
Category
1910s German Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Metal
Ashanti Style Tribal Stool
Located in Pasadena, TX
Ashanti Style Tribal Stool
Stool in the style of the Ashanti Tribe of Ghana. Beautifully carved with a stepped base.
Category
Late 20th Century Ghanaian Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
Late 18th Century Irish Folk Art Armchair, Circa 1780, Ireland
Located in Girona, Spain
DESCRIPTION: Late 18th Century Irish Folk Art Armchair, Circa 1780, Ireland.
Very decorative piece made with oak.
CONDITION: Good condition. Wear consistent with age and use.
DIMENSIONS: Height: 90cm (35.5in) Width: 65cm (25.5in) Depth: 46cm (18in) Seat Height: 44cm (17in)
ABOUT THE STYLE: The chair, as furniture, is probably the oldest of all types of furniture found in Ireland. One of the earliest types of seating found in any rural home was the ‘creepie’; a roughly made stool often consisting of a log raised off the floor. Throughout the Irish Country Furniture...
Category
Late 18th Century Irish Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Oak
Original Red Painted Kubbestol Log Chair, Sweden circa 1860-80
Located in Round Top, TX
Antique carved and painted kubbestol, a traditional Scandinavian chair crafted from a single log.
The lovely original red paint is accented by a carved and black painted band. Much o...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood, Paint
Carved Hand Chair after Pedro Friedeberg
Located in NYC, NY
A unique, hand-carved wood chair in the shape of a cupped hand with detailing down to the wrinkles and fingernails. The base whimsically detailed as a shirt cuff with buttons. Solid....
Category
1950s French Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
19th Century Folk Art Swedish Stool
Located in San Angelo, TX
A beautiful Swedish folk art stool from the early 19th century. This stool has the original worn patina of time and use which can be noticed on the seat and the stretcher where the f...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
$1,100 Sale Price
21% Off
Hand Crafted Guitar Shape Inlaid Stool, Exotic Woods by Darrin S. Millard
By Darrin S. Millard
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual hand crafted Guitar Shape Inlaid Stool.exotic woods by Darrin S. Millard..Beautifully hand exicuted,Solid oak wood,Exotic wood inlay simulating guitar details ,f-hole,fret bo...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Oak, Walnut, Wood
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
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 Seating
Materials
Walnut
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
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
Set of 4 chairs in Hazel twigs
Located in PARIS, FR
This set of four chairs, crafted from hazelwood twigs, is a true testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of late 19th-century France. Each chair showcases the intricate weaving o...
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Twig
$3,408 / set
Rabbit covered in Fabric
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a finely coated Rabbit in fabric. This rabbit is fabric coated. The fabric has a floral print.
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Seating
Materials
Fabric
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 Seating
Materials
Fabric, Hemp, Wood
Set of Six 20th Century Andalusian High Back Chairs
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Fabulous set of six early 20th century polychrome high back chairs with strawed seats.
Each features a prominently raised crest on the headrest, beautifully carved with a sunflower. The open ladder back features bow motifs.
The uprights feature decorative carving and terminate in stylised acorn-shaped finials. The legs are also ornately carved and the front leg brace continues the bow motif.
These chairs feature double-turned stretchers to the front and sides with a single-turned stretcher to the rear.
With their wonderful colour and patination, this stunning set of Spanish chairs...
Category
20th Century Spanish Folk Art Seating
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 Seating
Materials
Wood
$3,800 Sale Price
20% Off
Dutch Wedding Chair, circa 1826
Located in Knutsford, GB
A Dutch Folk Art Turners Armchair from Friesland.
Oak- in original dusky red/ pink paint.
Lovely patination.
Bobbin turning
Top splat with carved floral sprays either side of dat...
Category
1820s Dutch Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Oak
Windsor Paint-Decorated Comb-Back Rocking Chair
Located in Branford, CT
Fine Windsor paint decorated comb-back rocker chair. New England, circa 1820. Original paint and condition.
H 42" W 20-3/4" D 24" SH 15-1/2".
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
Stool Fruitwood Treen Heart Love Minature Folk Vernacular Commemorative Child's
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
- Charming piece of folk, vernacular, country furniture oozing character.
- It was most likely intended as a love token or to commemorate a child as there is not much wear on the un...
Category
1780s English Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Fruitwood
Early New England Decorated Childs Chair with Original Rush Seat
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This finely painted and decorated child's chair from New England has wonderful original gilding and fine stenciled splash. The rush seat is original to the chair. There is wear to be...
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Pine
$1,320 Sale Price
20% Off
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 Seating
Materials
Chestnut, Cord
Rare 18th Century Swedish Folk Art Chair
Located in Bozeman, MT
Rare 18th century Swedish Folk Art chair with an curved one solid piece of wood for the seat and back. The finish is original. Ca 1790 - 1800 Sweden.
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Pine
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 Seating
Materials
Pine
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 Seating
Materials
Wood
Hand Made Anglo Indian Folk Art Bench
Located in Godshill, 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 Seating
Materials
Teak
"Art Populaire" Folk Art Stool from the Auvergne, Mid-Century Rustic 1800's
Located in Antwerp, BE
Mid-century; rustic; "Art Populaire"; Folk art; Stool ;Auvergne; France; 1800s
Mid-century rustic "Art Populaire" Folk art stool. This chair is from the Auvergne, France and we da...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
Beachcomber Spindle Back Chair in Walnut
Located in Los Angeles, CA
During the 18th century, a profound design movement took place in Wales. It was led by peasant-carpenters who, simply in an effort to create a practical seating option, produced one of the most elegant spindle back chairs of that time. It is known as the 'Welsh Stick Chair...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Seating
Materials
Oak, Walnut
$2,300 / item
19th century primitive ladderback roped seat Folk Art farm chair
Located in STRASBOURG, FR
French Folk Art ladderback homemade farm chair with crudely roped seat, primitive design of the late 19th century. In good condition for its age, it has a beautifully aged patina and...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
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
Old Hickory Bench W/ Suede Seat
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early Old Hickory bench with suede seat newly upholstery and in strong ,sturdy condition.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Seating
Materials
Leather, Hickory
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 Seating
Materials
Rattan, Wood
$716 Sale Price
20% Off
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
Armchair Captain's Chair Black Swedish 19th Century Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Armchair Captain's chair black Swedish 19th century Sweden. An armchair made during the end of 19th century. Painted in our signature Laserow Black.
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
Chunky oak stool, France 1950
Located in Amstelveen, NL
Interesting three legged naïve French stool in solid oak with beautiful patina. Colours vary from caramel to deep browns, almost black.
A great esthetically interesting interior piece.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Seating
Materials
Oak
Folk Art Wabi Sabi Chair, France, 19th Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
Folk art hearth chair, a captivating piece from 19th-century Auvergne, France. This unique chair seamlessly combines the functions of a side chair and a focal point near the fireplac...
Category
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
19th Century Gustavian Stool with Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish Folk Art stool from Umea Vasterbotten, Northern Sweden.
A very charming stool.
The Stool`s seat is made of wood but is upholstered in a beautiful fabric.
Scr...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Pine
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 Seating
Materials
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 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
19th Century Hand Painted and Carved Swedish Kubbestol Scandinavian Log Chair
Located in Round Top, TX
Antique carved and painted kubbestol, a traditional Scandinavian log chair.
The lovely original hand-painted flourishes are exceptional, hues of green, red and antique white flowers ...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood, Paint
Exceptional long Swedish folk art Bench, circa 1830
Located in Farsta, SE
Exceptional long Swedish folk art bench, circa 1830
This thick and sturdy bench is remarkably long, made of solid wood boards 7 cm/2.7 inch thick.
It has a beautiful patina, made o...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Pine
Four Renaissance Style Pine Chairs, Painted in Browns & Greens, Finland 1950s
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful set of 4 hand made and painted folk chairs from the 1950s. The chairs are made with the traditional Finnish folk renaissance style used in the 1700-1800s and are coloured...
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Pine
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
19th Century Original Painted and Carved Swedish Child's Kubbestol Log Chair
Located in Round Top, TX
Antique carved and painted child's kubbestol, a traditional Scandinavian log chair (in a smaller scale).
The lovely original hand-painted flourishes are exceptional, hues of green, y...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood, Paint
Mid-century rustic "Art Populaire" Folk art armchair from the Auvergne, 1800's
Located in Antwerp, BE
Mid-century; rustic; "Art Populaire"; Folk art; cabinet ;Auvergne; France; 1800s
Mid-century rustic "Art Populaire" Folk art armchair. This chair is from the Auvergne, France and we...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
Studio Furniture American Craft Stool Mid-century modern 1960s USA
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 Seating
Materials
Walnut
Rustic Folk Art / Peasant Stool in Pine and String, Finland 1800's
Located in Helsinki, FI
Rustic late 1800s Finnish peasant stool, handcrafted from solid wood with a beautifully aged patina. Originally made with a backrest, this example has been charmingly adapted over ti...
Category
19th Century Finnish Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Pine, Hemp
Norwegian Folk Art Armchair in oak, Norway 1880’s.
Located in Valby, 84
This captivating Norwegian folk art armchair, crafted in oak during the 1880s, exemplifies the rich tradition of Scandinavian craftsmanship. The chair features its original painted f...
Category
1880s Norwegian Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Oak, Paint
Pair, Mid 19th Century Swedish Carved Folk Art Chairs
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair of Swedish folk art carved chairs. This “allmoge style" (Swedish term for folk art) reflects a design tradition rooted in everyday life, where local craftsmen created functional...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique 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
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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