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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
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

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

"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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 rustic-looking seat made of wood and is supported by three le...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Folk Art Seating

Materials

Wood

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scandinavian Country Style Design Red Side Chairs, Sweden 1960's
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Scandinavian Country Style Design Red Lacquer and Rope Side Chair set of 2. Made in Sweden, 1960's period. High gloss red lacquered frame with woven rope seat. Turned and car...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Seating

Materials

Rope, Beech

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Folk Style Dining Chair In Wood, Czechoslovakia 1970s
Located in Zohor, SK
A beautiful vintage chair crafted from solid wood, produced in Czechoslovakia during the 1970s as part of the distinctive “return to folk” design movement. This era celebrated the fu...
Category

1970s Czech Vintage 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

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 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

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

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

Mid Century set with 2 Directors Chairs and a Coffee Table
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Mid Century set with 2 Directors Chairs and a Coffee Table A great set with 2 lounging chairs and a coffee table, these would work very well both indoor and out, the chairs are mad...
Category

1960s Vintage Folk Art Seating

Materials

Canvas

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

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

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

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

Country Ladder Back Chair in Original Paint
Located in Branford, CT
Excellent country ladder-back arm chair with original red paint with black highlights. Northeastern United Staes, circa 1820. Exceptional original condition.
Category

1820s American Antique Folk Art Seating

Materials

Wood

Swedish 20th Century solid pine log bench
Located in Påarp, SE
A four legged swedish log bench in solid pine with stained legs. Unknown designer. Probably produced in the 1970s.
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Seating

Materials

Pine

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

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

Rare Mid-19th Century Prussian "Vierlander" Armchair
Located in Greenwich, CT
Rare mid-19th century "Vierlander" armchair, Prussia 1850, with owner's name "Hinrich Eggers", constructed of inlaid fruitwoods and walnut, with turned bone finials, the central back...
Category

1850s German Antique Folk Art Seating

Materials

Fruitwood, Walnut

19th century folk art blue wooden stool or side table hand painted flowers
Located in Schöfflisdorf, CH
19th century folk art blue wooden stool or side table hand painted flowers
Category

1880s Austrian Antique Folk Art Seating

Materials

Hardwood, Paint

Set of 8 Sculptural French Alpine Chairs in Solid Oak, France, 1950s
Located in Almelo, NL
Set of 8 Sculptural French Alpine Chairs in Solid Oak, France, 1950s Description: A rare set of eight sculptural Alpine chairs, handcrafted in France during the 1950s from solid Fre...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Seating

Materials

Oak

Hand-Crafted Folk Art Primitive Elm Stool Sculptural Rustic Form
Located in London, GB
Hand-Crafted Folk Art Primitive Elm Stool Sculptural Rustic Form This charming primitive stool embodies the honest beauty of hand-crafted English folk art. Made in England from sol...
Category

1930s English Vintage Folk Art Seating

Materials

Elm

Vintage White-Painted High Back Wicker Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage white-painted high back wicker chair circa 1950-1969, England.
Category

Mid-20th Century English Folk Art Seating

Materials

Wicker

Early, Swedish Allmoge Poker / Stove Chair, Origin: Sweden, circa 1750
Located in New York, NY
Early, Swedish allmoge poker / stove chair, origin: Blekinge, Southern Sweden, circa 1750 Provenance: Private Manor House, Sweden These chairs were u...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating

Materials

Rush, Wood

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

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

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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