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
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
Swedish Painted Folk Art Kubbstol Chair
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Folk Art Kubbstol chair from Northern Sweden. A Kubbstol chair is made from a hollowed tree trunk; from a single piece of wood that's been hewn out to form the seat, back and frame. ...
Category
Early 1900s Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Pine
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
Late 18th Century Swedish Folk Art Bench
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Late 18th century Swedish Folk Art bench in solid raw pine. Ca 1790.
Category
Late 18th 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
Nutwood, Leather
Vintage Handmade Bart Simpson Child Rocking Chairs Folk Art - Pair
Located in Salt Lake City, UT
Pair of handmade Bart Simpson child-size rocking chairs. Vintage condition, one is more worn than the other but both show wear consistent with age. Solid ...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood, Paint
Early 18th Century Swiss Pine Back Stool
Located in London, GB
A Swiss pine back stool with an open heart carving on the back panel.
Swiss, early 18th century
Dimensions: H 85 x W 40 x D 34.5 cm.
Category
Early 18th Century Swiss Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood, Pine
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
Early 19th Century Northern Swedish Charming Pine Folk Art Stool
Located in Kramfors, SE
Northern Swedish charming folk art stool from the early 19th century. The stool is made in pine and it has the original worn patina of time. The model and construction is primitive b...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Pine
Rare 1940's /50's New York Times Newspaper Display Cart, News Stand
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare 1940's /50's New York Times Newspaper display cart, news stand, You would be hard pressed to find another!. Newspaper industrial rolling cart with fa...
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Metal, Steel
Antique Beechwood Children's Chair
Located in Budapest, HU
Antique children's highchair with an abacus and potty chair functions.
Made of steamed beechwood, with leather cover.
Manufactured around 1910.
Category
1910s Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Leather, Beech
Studio Furniture American Craft Stool Mid-century modern 1960s USA
By Bobby Falwell
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
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
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
Hand Painted Feline Motif Upholstered Leopard Print Wood Chair in Green & Orange
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A whimsical hand painted wooden chair with upholstered leopard print cushion. The back of this piece is wood, with a stylized carved design in or...
Category
20th Century Portuguese Folk Art Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Paint
Hand Made Anglo Indian Folk Art Bench
Located in Chillerton, 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
Set of Four 19th C Original Painted Pennsylvania Plank Bottom Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These chairs were found in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and are in very good and sturdy condition. Beautiful set of four mauve colored hand painted plank bottom chairs...
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Tulipwood
Pair of Folk Art Carved Oak Chairs, 1900s
Located in HEVERLEE, BE
Early 20th century Folk Art carved oak side chairs with heart cutout.
Very sturdy and heavy chairs.
Believed to be italian work
1900s, Ital...
Category
Early 1900s Italian Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Oak
Milking Stool with original Hand Painted Folk Art Scene, English 19th Century
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a 19th century, English milking stool, with a chamfered rectangular Elm top having a hand painted, Folk Art, country scene on it. It has ...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Elm, Oak
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
Vintage Dimitri Omersa Lion Leather Footstool, circa 1950s
Located in Vis, NL
Vintage Dimitri Omersa lion footstool with light wear and patina on the leather consistent with wear and age.
Category
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Leather
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
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
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
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
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
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
Antique Folk Art Swedish Rustic Kubbstol
Located in Kramfors, SE
Folk Art rustic Kubbstol from northern Sweden. A Kubbstol is a chair made of a single piece of wood that's been hewn out to form the seat, back and frame. It's a primitive constructi...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Pine
Rare Norwegian Kubbestol, circa 1850, Origin Telemark, Norway
Located in New York, NY
Rare Norweigen Kubbestol, circa 1850, origin: Telemark, Norway
Rosemaling and acanthus carvings in this extraordinary Kubbestol indicate it is most likely from Telemark, Norway, a region known for this exact carving and painting. A Kubbestol is a traditional Scandinavian chair carved from a single log...
Category
19th Century Norwegian Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Fir, Paint
Swedish Folk Art, Farmers Stool, Wood, Sweden, 19th Century
Located in High Point, NC
A farmers wooden stool produced in Sweden, 19th century. Signed "B" on the seat.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
Swedish Folk Art, Farmers Stool, Wood, Sweden, 19th Century
Located in High Point, NC
A wooden farmers stool produced in Sweden, 19th century.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
Swedish Folk Art, Farmers Stool, Green-Painted Wood, Sweden, Early 19th Century
Located in High Point, NC
A farmers green-painted wooden stool produced in Sweden, early 19th century. Most likely painted in early 20th century.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
Scandinavian Wooden Barrel Chair Made in the 19th Century
By Craft and Folk Art Museum
Located in Stockholm, SE
Scandinavian wooden barrel chair made in the 19th century. A circular, beautifully wooden chair with patina and soft edges hollowed out from a natu...
Category
1890s Swedish 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
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
Antoni Rzasa Polish Folk Art Carved Wood Chair
Located in New York, NY
Polish Folk Art carved and sculpted wood chair created by renown Polish artist and sculptor Antoni Rzasa (1919-1980). The chair features a carved back with a sculpted nude woman. The bottom of the seat features a 'made in Poland' stamp and the artist's carved signature, country of origin, and date of fabrication ('1958-1959').
During the 1960s, Antoni Rzasa was known as one of the most famous Polish sculptors. His sculptures are feature simple forms and a specific style inspired by Folk Art. His works are found in the collections of the National Museum in Warsaw, Kraków and Poznan, in the Polish Army...
Category
1950s Polish Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
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
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
Antique Swedish Folk Art Countrry Carver Chairs in Kurbits Faux Wood Grain
Located in LONDON, GB
Lovely antique Swedish turbots Folk Art pair of carver chairs in hand-painted faux wood grain with excellent detail and a turbots hand-printed Fo...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating
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
Folk Art Heavy Carved Log Bench Rhinoceros Sculpture
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Folk Art heavy carved log wood bench in form of sculpture.
Category
20th Century Unknown Folk Art Seating
Materials
Teak
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
19th Century Hand-Carved Chair Found in Wester México
Located in Guadalajra, Jal
Detailed hand-carved and colorful chair found in Western México, circa 1900.
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
French Carved Folk Art Chair, circa 1880s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Very lovely Folk Art armchair of generous proportions. The wood (probably oak) is finely carved with an intricate decor. The crest is topped with a sacred heart symbol, and fruit and...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood, Fabric
19th Century Weaver's Stool from New England in Original Old Surface
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Folky 19th century original old surface/painted weaver’s stool from New England. This original rush seat stool is on great condition and very sturdy.
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Pine
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
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
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
American Folk Art Armchair
Located in Stockton, NJ
Very unique early 20th century American folk art chair made of reclaimed material. Fabulous patina to weathered frame.
Category
Early 20th Century American 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
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
Folk Art Wrought Iron Stool with Tractor Parts, France, circa 1950s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Unique sculpturesque artist's stool made out of assembled wrought iron tractor parts.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Seating
Natural Live Edge Tripod Table France Late 20th Century
Located in Trensacq, FR
Organic three-legged tree slab table handcrafted in France, circa 1970. Well made, heavy, solid and sound with no hardware. Live edge, good grain, gre...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
Original Hand Painted Narrow Bench with Red Flowers, Hungary, Dated 1883
Located in Round Top, TX
This narrow bench is a fun find due to its unique smaller scale at just over 4.5' long, perfect for a small mud room, entryway or hallway.
Original hand painted details include red ...
Category
Late 19th Century Hungarian Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood, Paint
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
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
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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