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
Folk Art Primitive Sculptural Log Chair
Located in Round Top, TX
Folk Art, Primitive sculptural log chair. Carved from a single wood log, with hand tools and with a particular orientation, dimensionality and wonderful hand-feel. Created after the ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
$1,008 Sale Price
55% Off
Natural wooden stool 20th century period Italian
Located in Cantù, IT
Natural wooden stool 20th century period Italian
Category
20th Century Italian Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
Swedish Antique rustick genuine Primitive milking stool pine dated 1862
Located in Boden, SE
Primitive small Milking Stool, with its rustic charm and weathered appearance, this stool embodies the beauty of imperfection, adding a touch of vintage character and warmth to your ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Pine
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 Seating
Materials
Wood
A Traditional Camel Saddle / Stool A Traditional Camel Saddle
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Traditional Camel Saddle / Stool
A Traditional Camel Saddle constructed from several pieces of scratch carved olive wood, tied together with strips of...
Category
1960s Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Olive
Primitive Pine Stool ca 1830 from Härjedalen, Sweden
Located in Farsta, SE
Primitive Pine Stool ca 1830 from Härjedalen, Sweden
Shaped by the elements and the passage of time, this brutalist stool showcases a raw patina that embodies timeless presence and ...
Category
1820s Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Pine
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 Seating
Materials
Pine
Three Folk Style Chairs Handcarved in Solid Beech.
Located in Renens, CH
These charming three-legged beech folk style chairs embody a timeless aesthetic that effortlessly bridges the gap between rustic simplicity and enduring craftsmanship. Handcrafted wi...
Category
1660s European Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Beech
$536 Sale Price / item
67% Off
Pair of 20th Century Wabi Sabi 4 Leg Stool, Austria Around 1940s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This pair of 20th century wabi sabi 4 leg stools from Austria is an excellent example of this style. Each piece has a rustic-looking seat made of wood and ...
Category
1940s Austrian Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
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 Seating
Materials
Birch
Italian 1920s Folk Art Sculpted Wood and Straw Armchair
Located in Milan, IT
Splendid Italian 1920s Folk Art Sculpted Wood and Straw Armchair.
Category
1920s Italian Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Straw, Wood
Vintage art populaire mexican dining chairs set of 6, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Remarkable art populaire or 'equipale' dining chairs from mexico.
Exotic weaved wooden frames upholstered with ostrich leather. The backrests and armrests are also upholstered creat...
Category
1970s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
Remarkable Folk Art Bench ca 1750 from Jämtland, Sweden
Located in Farsta, SE
Remarkable Folk Art Bench ca 1750 from Jämtland, Sweden
Its patina and smooth surfaces, combined with the board, makes it truly beautiful.
Sturdy bench with decorative carving on th...
Category
Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Pine
Antique Swedish Woven Rattan Basket Chair
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique woven basket chair from Sweden made around the late 1800s. The chair is an unusual find with an eclectic collection of different weaving s...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Rattan
1930s Italian rustic wood low stool
Located in Cantù, IT
1930s Italian rustic wood low stool
Category
20th Century Italian Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
Beautiful Hand Painted 20" Thai Woman Wooden Sculpture
Located in Pasadena, TX
This beautiful sculpture is hand carved and painted. It depicts a beautiful Thai woman dress in adornment. It's beautifully painted and hand carved.
Category
Late 20th Century Thai Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood, Paint
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
19th Century Combination Chair and Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Primitive combined chair and table. This folk art combination furniture is a good example of 19th century compact living. The goal was to fit as many uses into the same item or a lim...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Pine
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
Leather, Nutwood
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
A Traditional Camel Saddle / Stool A Traditional Camel Saddle
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Traditional Camel Saddle / Stool
A Traditional Camel Saddle constructed from several pieces of scratch carved olive wood, tied together with strips of hide to form a saddle stool ...
Category
1960s Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Olive
mid 20th Century Wabi Sabi 4 Leg Workshop Stool, Austrian Folkart Around 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This Mid 20th century wabi sabi 4 leg workshop 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 ...
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Metal
Antique Charming Primitive Folk Art Stool, Swedish Handmade in Solid Pine
Located in Kramfors, SE
Charming folk art stool made by hand in solid pine. This stool has a primitive construction and organic shape with a cut out handle in the centre. Made in northern Sweden around the ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Pine
19th Century Original Painted Pine Bench with Storage, Hungary
Located in Round Top, TX
Original hand painted folk art pine bench displays traditional brown faux wood background and floral motif.
Solid back, slightly curved armrests and hinged bench seat revealing inter...
Category
Late 19th Century Hungarian Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Pine, Paint
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
Charming 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Chair
Located in Kramfors, SE
Charming Swedish folk art chair from Hälsingland in Sweden. The chair is made during the early 1800s in Swedish pine. It has the original paint which has become naturally distressed ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Pine
Brutalist Folk Art Benches, France, 19th Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
19th-century French brutalist benches, reflecting the essence of wabi-sabi beauty in their imperfect form. These benches feature a robust dark wood structure and a rich, time-worn pa...
Category
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
$2,500 / item
Swedish Folk Art Chair Handmade in Oakwood, 1900s
Located in Odense, DK
Charming and unusual Swedish Folk Art chair made by a skilled craftsman in the early 20th century. The chair is constructed from solid oak and oak laminate decorative arm rests. The ...
Category
Early 1900s Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Oak
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
Antique Circular Hand Carved Indonesian Padouk Wood Ottoman Seat
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Beautifully carved Padouk wood boat builder's ottoman with skilled joinery work and fine details. Some chips and cracks present with old upholstery but structurally sound. Solid Pado...
Category
1920s Indonesian Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Padouk
$1,880 Sale Price
20% Off
Early 19th Century French Walnut Folk Art Bench
Located in High Point, NC
Early 19th century walnut folk art bench from France. The seat is of pegged construction and is made from two boards with rounded corners. The seat is supported on two brackets, bo...
Category
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Walnut
Folk Art Chair from Finland ca 1930
Located in Farsta, SE
Folk Art chair from Finland ca 1930s
Made of Acid-stained Pine Wood
Consistent with age and use.
I call it mini Sauron throne.. One of a kind!
Height: ...
Category
1930s Finnish Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Pine
Antique Swedish Charming Folk Art Chair, Original Condition with Genuine Patina
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish folk art chair, an antique so called höstol. Chairs like this would often stand in the hallway and during the winter hay or straw was stored in the drawer which was then used...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Pine
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
$956 Sale Price
20% Off
Unusual 19th Century Windsor Arm Chair With Rush Seat..
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual 19th Century Windsor Arm Chair With Rush Seat.. Retains original patina, Great quality,, tight, Wonderful original patina.
Category
1880s English Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Rush, Wood
Hand-carved outsider art bench with face, twentieth century
Located in View Park, CA
A hand-crafted outsider art wooden bench, featuring a face and a metal edge, twentieth century. On four legs, the bench is a sturdy functional sculpture that will add eclecticism and...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Seating
Materials
Iron
Stunning Hand Carved Folk-Art Stool, Grayish Blue, Finland Late 1800s
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
English Ladder Back Armchair, Early 19th Century
Located in London, GB
English Ladder back armchair, Early 19th Century
A country-made early 19th century ladder back armchair. Made in Ash with great patina and origi...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Ash
Hand Crafted Design Solid Wood Stool set, Belgium 1940's
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Hand Crafted Folk Art Design Solid Wood Stool set. Made in Belgium, 1940's period. Solid beech or birch wood constructed square stools. Solid and sturdy low stools. Both are ...
Category
1940s Belgian Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Beech
$1,048 Sale Price / set
20% Off
20th Century Vintage Horn Chair and Ottoman
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This stunning vintage horn chair and ottoman, crafted in the United States during the 20th century, is a true statement piece that brings a touch of rustic elegance to any space. The...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Seating
Materials
Horn, Cowhide, Wood
$3,400 / set
Majestic Odd Fellows Carved and Painted Armchair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This magnificent Odd Fellows Fraternal Lodge 'throne' (circa 1910-1920) with carved and painted decoration throughout is a fine example of early 20th century Folk Art. Nice use of de...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Seating
Materials
Velvet, 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
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 Seating
Materials
Pine
Vintage Folk Art Marquetry Inlay Small Footstool Ottoman Stool
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Folk Art Marquetry Inlay Small Footstool Ottoman Stool. Item featured is a nice small Size, marquetry inlay top, solid wood construction, beautiful wood grain, very nice vint...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
Swedish Designer, Side Table / Stool, Wood, "Faluröd" Paint, 19th Century
Located in High Point, NC
A wooden side table or stool painted in "faluröd" red pigment, designed and produced in Sweden, 19th century.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood, Paint
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
$520 Sale Price
20% Off
Early 19th Century French Folk Art Barrel-Back Armchair
Located in Chicago, IL
Experience the captivating allure of this rare early 19th-century French Folk Art walnut barrel-back armchair, a true testament to the craftsmanship and creativity of its time. The c...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Walnut
French Mid-Century Painted Beechwood Bench, 1960s
Located in Almelo, NL
French Mid-Century Painted Beechwood Bench, 1960s
A delightful expression of 1960s French design, this hand-painted bench is a vibrant, sculptural seating piece crafted in beechwood...
Category
1960s French Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Beech
Pair of 20th Century South American Armchairs with Leather Seat and Back
Located in San Marino, CA
Peruvian hand carved reproduction of a French found antique. Dark stained wood frame, very sturdy and substantial. Leather sling seat and back with large nailhead detailing on leathe...
Category
20th Century Peruvian Folk Art Seating
Materials
Leather
Swedish 19th Century Folk Art Side Chairs in Patinated Pinewood
Located in Odense, DK
A pair of beautifully patinated folk art chairs made in Sweden in the 19th century. Made from pinewood with black lacquered seats. Traditionally, these primitive chairs stood in the ...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Pine
Original Red Painted Swedish Kubbestol Carved Log Chair
Located in Round Top, TX
Antique carved and painted kubbestol, a traditional Scandinavian chair crafted from a single log.
The lovely original brick red paint is accented by a carved, blue painted band. Some...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood, Paint
Pair of Mid-Century French Folk Art Painted Beechwood Chairs, France, 1960s
Located in Almelo, NL
Pair of Mid-Century French Folk Art Painted Beechwood Chairs, France, 1960s
Delightfully whimsical and unmistakably unique, this pair of Mid-Century French folk art chairs from the ...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Seating
Materials
Beech
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
$762 Sale Price
20% Off
18th Century English Folk Art Chair
Located in Greenwich, CT
Most unusual English oak armchair with profuse carving to rails, crest and arms and possessing great color and patination. Custom crewelwork cushion over later plank seat, carved to ...
Category
1760s English Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Oak
19th Century Swedish Combination Furniture Table and Chair
Located in Kramfors, SE
Folk Art combination furniture table and chair. Combination furniture are great for small spaces and this works well as a coffee table or side table. Made early 1800s, circa 1820-184...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Pine
Pair of Mid-Century French Folk Art Painted Beechwood Chairs, France, 1960s
Located in Almelo, NL
Pair of Mid-Century French Folk Art Painted Beechwood Armchairs, France, 1960s
A captivating pair of Mid-Century French folk art armchairs, handcrafted in France during the 1960s. M...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Seating
Materials
Beech
Italian Chair with a Very Original Design with Seat in Colored Fabric Black Wood
Located in Buggiano, IT
Italian uncommon chair with a very original design with seat in colored fabric.
Heavy black wood.
Colored stick decorations on the sides.
Grooves o...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
$333 Sale Price
20% Off
Late 19th Century Wood and Leather Seat Railroad Station Bench
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Great looking late 19th century railroad station bench found in the mid-west. Original grey paint on wood surface and very nicely aged leather s...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
OPERA: Pair of Contemporary Mexican Midwife Birthing Chairs in Mohair Velvet
Located in colima, MX
Reminiscent of the "Sillas Parteras" or Midwife Birthing Chairs made by Don S. Shoemaker in the 1960s, Ópera reveres the profound and dramatic journey of labor and birth — a prayer o...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Folk Art Seating
Materials
Mohair, Velvet, Oak
Dated 1967 UNIQUE Rosemaling Armchair, Scandinavian Folk Art, Farmhouse / Cabin
Located in Skien, NO
Elevate your space with this stunning handcrafted and painted folk art farmhouse armchair from Telemark, Norway. Expertly crafted from natural pine, this unique piece features a clas...
Category
1960s Norwegian Vintage 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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