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.
Finnish Handmade Folk Art Burl Wood Side Table, 1940s
Located in Karis, Nyland
One-of-a-kind Finnish folk art side table from the 1940s, handmade from highly expressive birch burl. The table combines a thick, irregularly shaped top with a sculptural base formed...
Birch, Burl
Antique French Breton Pedestal Stands PAIR Carved Figural Display Brittany c1900
Located in Choudrant, LA
Antique French Breton Pedestal Stands PAIR Carved Figural Display Brittany c1900. Direct from France, a dramatic PAIR of antique Breton carved figural pedestal stands with exception...
Hardwood
Set of Three Wooden Nesting Tables
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of three wooden nesting table. Strong wood construction. Tables are a complete set. Wonderful Light golden brown color. Small to large 13.0 width 16.0 height 12.5 depth Med...
Wood
Small Wrought Iron Martini Table, in stock
Located in Miami, FL
Small Martini Side Table in Wrought Iron, in stock Hammered and forged iron Hand Made in France Warm black patina that gives it a timeless aesthetic. Available as pair, priced indivi...
Wrought Iron
$2,656 / item
The 'Matisse' Etagere
Located in London, GB
The 'Matisse' wrought iron side table. A hand made and patinated wrought iron etagere with whimsical Matisse style cut-out decoration. Made to order based on a 1960s original. Avail...
Wrought Iron
Antique American Folk Art Wood Spool Table, Circa 1900
Located in Rochester, NY
Antique American folk art wood spool table in the most beautifully aged original worn dry white painted surface. Measures 24" h x 24" w x 16" d and 15" h x 16" w x 12" d to floating ...
Wood, Paint
$1,580 / set
Pair of French Wrought Iron Martini Tables
Located in London, GB
Wrought iron martini tables, hand made in England inspired by an original 1940s French design. Finished with a natural bronze patina as sta...
Iron
Signed Adam Mathews Side Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 20thc Original black painted candle stand is in fine & sturdy condition.It is signed by the maker Adam Mathews and is a copy of a shaker side table or candle stand from New Engl...
Wood
Low Chinese Painted Table Stand, 19th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
Petite in scale and richly painted, this antique Chinese table stand brings charming texture to the modern home as a low pedestal or plant riser. The small chest has all the features...
Elm
$1,075
20Thc Inlaid Side Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine inlaid side table with interesting snake legs is in fine condition.Comes to us from a private estate sale in Beverly Hills.
Wood
$4,365Sale Price / set|20% Off
Mexican Art Populaire Artisan Made Leather Table & Chairs by Wim Rietveld
By Wim Rietveld
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Mexican Folk Art Populaire / Artisan Made Leather Table & Chair set. Attributed to Wim Rietveld. Made in Mexico, 1970's period. Crafts...
Leather, Wood
Antique Swedish Folk Art Authentic Pine Hand-Crafted Trestle Table, Dining Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish dining table in folk art from the early 1800s. The table is a so called trestle table with a heavy table top on a sturdy l...
Pine
Dutch Folk Art “Hindeloopen” Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine early 19th century Dutch folk painted folding table, Friesland, circa 1820, having a dished oval top, the obverse painted with a harbor scen...
Wood
Brutalist Swedish Folk Art Table with Pillar Log Legs 1800s
Located in Farsta, SE
Brutalist Swedish Folk Art Table 1800s Beautiful tabletop with patina, many marks, and signs of consistent use and wear. The post legs are naturally weathered with old red paint. No...
Pine
Vintage Folk Art Style Painted Round Flip-Top Dining Table
Located in Wilmington, DE
A charming round flip-top dining table finished in a warm, muted red with an intentionally distressed surface in the folk-art manner. The hand-finished appearance incorporates variat...
Wood
Antique Swedish Folk Art Dining Trestle Table Fit for 4-6 People in Solid Pine
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique dining trestle table fit for 4-6 people. This folk art, trestle table is from northern Sweden and made around 1830. Made by hand in solid pine and never painted. The table to...
Pine
Monumental Cast Bronze Rain Drum Side Table Sculptural Patinated Finish
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A striking fusion of ancient tradition and sculptural design, this cast bronze rain drum is handcrafted by master artisans on the island of Java using techniques rooted in centuries ...
Bronze
Sculptural Folk Art Side Table in Solid Wood, Mid-20th Century
Located in Rødding, DK
Striking primitive sculptural side table handcrafted from solid wood, likely mid-20th century. The piece features a richly textured hand-carved construction with an organic brutalist...
Oak
Folk Art Swedish Antique Drop-Leaf Dining Table with Drawers and Rustic Paint
Located in Kramfors, SE
Folk art dining table from northern Sweden. Antique drop-leaf table with one leaf on each side and two gates for each leaf which makes it a stable and steady table. Can be used with ...
Pine
19thc Single Drawer Drop Leaf Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19thc Drop Leaf table Each leaf adds 10 inches in length to the side with both leafs up the table measures 40wide x 39deep x 30 high. With leafs down table measures - 20wide x 39 ...
Wood
$2,895
Old Hickory Center Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Old Hickory Center Table on Three legs.This folky side table or gaming table is in amazing condition.This is a hand made & carved table. It is a sturdy and could work well as a car...
Wood
Antique Swedish Small Folk Art Country Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Folk art country table from northern Sweden made around 1820 to 1840 in pine. The table is an authentic Swedish country antique in untouched original condition. The faux paint is ori...
Pine
19th Century Italian Farm Table.
Located in Allerum, SE
Large 19th century Italian provincial / country pine wood table with one drawer. ca 1850 - 90, Italy.
Pine
Vintage Chinese Folk Painted Incense Table, Early 20th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
A celebration of folk artistry, this vintage Chinese console table charms with hand-painted details, brightly colored finishes and a fantastic, timeworn texture. The long table has t...
Elm
Scandinavian Rustic Folk Art Dining Table in Stained Pine, Sweden, 1900s–1940s
Located in Odense, DK
Charming Swedish dining table crafted in solid pine and dating from the first half of the 20th century. The table features a substantial rectangular top resting on a trestle-style ba...
Pine
$3,800 / set
Pair Small Wrought Iron Martini Table, in stock
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of small Martini Side Table in Wrought Iron, in stock Hammered and forged iron Hand Made in France Warm black patina that gives it a timeless aesthetic. Available individually, ...
Wrought Iron
Hand Forged Wrought Iron Cocktail Table by Lance Cloutier, Circa 1970s
Located in Peabody, MA
A wrought iron coffee table fashioned in the 1970s by the renowned New England blacksmith artisan Lance Cloutier. Known today primarily for his iconic handwrought “bayonet” candlesti...
Wrought Iron
Folk Art Inspired Carved Walnut Fish & Shell Motif Console Table W/ Marble Top
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a late 20th century folk art inspired console table with Italian marble. The frieze is carved with a fish and shell motif. The joints are nice, and the four tapered legs are ...
Marble
Early 20th Century French Folk Art Shellwork Table
Located in Milford, NH
A wonderful folk art rectangular shellwork table featuring a top with foliate polychrome sand design around shells under glass, with the entire surface of the sides and legs covered with small seashells set...
Shell, Glass, Wood
Early 20Thc Antiques Drop Leaf End Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Antique Drop Leaf end Table With Drawers and Spiral Twist legs.Made by Park Furniture Company circa 1900-1910.This night stand has leafs on both sides & two drawers.
Wood
Mid-20th Century Teak Clamshell Garden Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Sculptural, whimsical, and a touch surreal, this mid-20th century hand-carved teak garden table brings the romance of the Italian grotto tradition into the everyday. The base is form...
Teak
Provincial 19th Century Swedish Trestle Table
Located in Allerum, SE
19th century Swedish provincial twin stretcher trestle table. Great patination & proportions with the unusually large depth. Ca 1820, Sweden.
Pine
Antique Swedish Writing Table Desk, Genuine Red and Blue Painted Folk Art
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish folk art writing table from the village of Alfta in Hälsingland in northern Sweden. The desk is made in Swedish pine and is in untouched original condition. A notable...
Pine
Handcrafted Rustic Folk Art Side Table, Solid Pine, Northern Sweden, Early 1800s
Located in Kramfors, SE
Rustic folk art table from the early 1800s made by hand in Northern Sweden. The table is from around 1810 to 1820 and has a frame in solid pine. It has never been painted which has c...
Pine
Black Painted Bar Harbor Wicker Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
20thc Bar Harbor black painted wicker desk table with a single drawer very good condition. All original condition and very sturdy too. Great country look or fancy modern decor.
Wicker
French Garden Table, Painted Top, Iron/wood base, c. 1900
Located in ALHAURÍN EL GRANDE, Malaga
Garden table, France, circa 1900. Painted wood base with a circular painted top. The top is worked in concentric bands: a red marble-effect centre with a small roundel, then cream an...
Iron
Unusually Charming 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Table with original paint.
Located in Boden, SE
Charming small folk art table from Önsköldsvik, Northern Sweden . It’s completely hand-made in Swedish pine and every detail is carefully considered. Made during the early 1800s, around 1810, the table has some wear and distress after time and use. The size and proportions makes it an excellent side table or bed sidetable...
Pine
Chip-Carved Two-Tier Occasional Table, circa 1910s
Located in Troy, MI
This two-tier occasional table features a square top and a smaller square lower shelf, both densely chip-carved in a radial fan-and-circle motif. The table stands on four slender, ge...
Hardwood
$454Sale Price|20% Off
Early 20th century brutalist wood farm tripod chopping block Folk Art
Located in STRASBOURG, FR
Early twentieth century folk art farm wood chopping block with a great patina. In great condition and very solidly built.
Wood
Scandinavian Antique Table of Pine Wood with Green Patinated Frame, 19th Century
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Antique Scandinavian country side working table from the 19th century made of pine wood. The frame of table is hand painted with matte green pai...
Pine, Paint
19Thc Original Cream Painted Farm Table From Pennsylvania
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine hand made oval farm table is in original cream painted surface and square nail construction.The scrub or unpainted top is all original with a fine patina. The fact that thi...
Wood
Old Rustic Farmhouse Folk Art Side Table / Pedestal
Located in OOSTERHOUT, NL
This rustic wooden side table is a beautiful example of folk art from the 1970s. Crafted from raw beechwood, the natural bark has been decoratively preserved. Origin: Eastern Europe....
Beech
Hand Crafted Costa Rican Ox Cart Bar with Ornate Wood Inlay Marquetry
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This handcrafted, solid wood bar deviates from our usual stable, but we couldn't resist it's charm! The bar cart is fashioned to look like a Costa Rican ox cart. It even comes complete with a leather and wood handle so you can pull the mobile bar to the desired location. Lift the top two serving trays to reveal a cavernous storage space. A handy rack allows bottles to be safely stored inside the wagon. Place your snacks or drinks on the top, and lift the trays to serve your guests. The trays and wheels are both adorned with ornate wood inlay marquetry of several different wood species. Do not pass up this one-of-a-kind bar cart! A singular statement of craftsmanship and decorative ambition, this bar server cart...
Hardwood, Fruitwood
Small 18th Century antique country rustic folk art table with drawer
Located in Boden, SE
Small charming country table from northern Sweden. The table is a genuine folk art furniture from around 1850. It is made by hand in solid pine. The table is in untouched condition ,...
Pine
18Thc Tavern Table W/ Drawer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine 18thc walnut tavern table with the original drawer and hardware pull.The condition is very good on this New England side table.
Wood
$3,399 / item
Pair of traditional painted Swedish side tables
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Pair of traditional painted Swedish side tables, circa 1870. Rare pair of rural Swedish side tables, which we found on our travels around Sweden. Hand painted in traditional colou...
Pine, Paint
Amazing Large 20thc Hickory Dinning Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Amazing large 20thc round Old Hickory Dinning table. Measures 48 inches in diameter and 30 inches high. Great strong a sturdy construction. A strong and thick coat of marine varni...
Wood
19th Century Simple Swedish Faux Paint Side Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Primitive Swedish folk art table made during the early 1800s. The table has a simple construction with a solid frame, straight legs and simple drawers. The paint is original and a fa...
Pine
19thc Walnut Drop Leaf Table From Ohio
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19thc walnut drop leaf table from Ohio. Great patina and amazing construction. Great as a center table or a console on a wall or may be use as a sofa table in flat or half moon shape...
Wood
Small Zoomorphic Crocodile-Form Stool in Hand-Carved Wood
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
A sculptural small zoomorphic stool hand-carved from solid wood, depicting a stylized crocodile figure, likely originating from Southern Mexico or the Mayan regions of Guatemala, cir...
Wood
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...
Pine
Hand Crafted and Hand Painted Folk Art Cat Table
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a piece of Folk Art. It may be more of a sculpture than a side table. This table was made to depict a whimsical styled cat. The head and legs are attached by mortise and teno...
Wood
Exceptional Swedish 'Hednabord' Table early 1800 century
Located in Farsta, SE
Exceptional Swedish 'Hednabord' Table early 1800 century 'Hednabord' is one of the earliest types of freestanding tables made in Sweden. This rustic, primitive style of table-making...
Pine
19th Century Swedish Folk Art Work or Dining Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish work or dining table in folk art from the early 19th century, around 1820. The table is a Swedish antique, genuine and honest with a solid frame and simple design. The propor...
Pine
Antique Flores Moko Drum Pedestal Bronze with Natural Patina
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This exceptional antique moko drum from Flores Island, Indonesia, is a striking example of traditional Southeast Asian metalwork, dating back over a century. Cast in bronze and richl...
Bronze
$630Sale Price|53% Off
Hand Carved Occasional Side End Lamp Table, 1905 Liberty's London
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Liberty Hand Carved Side Table. Heavily Carved with Large Poppy Flowers. A very good-looking piece, it's hand-carved from top to bottom with floral detailing.
Wood
English Pine Table with Faux Delft Tile Painted Top
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
English, 19th century kitchen table with charming hand-painted top to appear as if covered with Delft tiles. An otherwise humble pine work/prep table has been transformed into a uniq...
Pine, Paint
Mid 19th century rustic hand painted pine kitchen table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 19th century rustic painted pine kitchen table circa 1850. Good quality traditional Swedish pine table with associated top. Thick 4 plank top surface with expected surface mark...
Pine, Paint
Half moon tables, marbled table tops, Allmoge /Swedish provincial style, 1860s.
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of half moon / demi lune tables with original marbled top (painted to look as marble, typical for Allmoge), Swedish provincial style / Allmoge. Size as round table: diam 120...
Wood
1960 hand painted ceramic tile coffee table
Located in London, GB
Wonderfully characterful low coffee table with a tiled top and hand forged iron base 24 tiles in a checkerboard layout. 12 solid tiles in oxblood terracotta glaze & 12 feature ti...
Wrought Iron