Adirondack Primitives
ADIRONDACK STYLE
Evoking rusticity and relaxation through simple and elegant designs, vintage Adirondack furniture originated in the Adirondack Mountains of northeastern New York. The most famous piece is the Adirondack chair, which dates to 1903.
With its ample armrests and sturdy but comfortable slanted seat, the reclined Adirondack chair was designed by Thomas Lee for his own country home. The postwar golden age of modern patio and garden furniture production — led by the likes of Brown Jordan, Knoll, Salterini and Woodard — was decades away at the time, and there were few pieces of furniture specifically created for outdoor use.
Lee, a Massachusetts-born Harvard graduate raised in a wealthy family, was no furniture designer. He merely needed a durable, rugged chair for afternoons in the sun while he was vacationing on Lake Champlain in Westport, New York, in the summer. The amateur woodworker used just one wooden plank cut into 11 segments that were jointed together for his now-legendary seat, which is said to have been made of hemlock, hickory or basswood.
The story of the Adirondack chair continues with Lee’s friend, carpenter Harry Bunnell, covertly patenting the chair and going on to produce it as the Westport Plank chair for a growing audience over the next two decades. Over a century later, the Adirondack chair has gone through several design evolutions while maintaining its popularity and basic form with slats of wood such as pine offering comfort both indoors and out.
The widespread demand for rustic Adirondack outdoor furniture was bolstered by the turn-of-the-century establishment of rural escapes to treat diseases such as tuberculosis. The low-slung Adirondack chair became common in these places of convalescence, allowing patients to recline and breathe in the country air. It also complemented the camp-style architecture that was prevalent in the Adirondacks for recreation as well as restoration, where rugged furniture with exposed wood and minimal carving filled interiors and wide porches.
Today, Adirondack chairs are made in a range of materials and can be found around the world, from ski resorts to lakeside piers, their durability and classic form making them an enduring favorite for spending time in nature.
Find vintage Adirondack chairs, benches, lounge chairs, decorative objects, folk art and other furniture on 1stDibs.
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Style: Adirondack
Antique Early 20th Century Adirondack Bent Willow Accent Table
Located in New Orleans, LA
This antique Adirondack table showcases the artistry of folk craftsmanship. Its twig frame supports a weathered gray tabletop.
Impressive Rustic Antique ADIRONDACK TWIG TABLE...
Category
Early 20th Century American Adirondack Primitives
Materials
Wood, Willow
19th Decorated Blue Tin Tole Water Kettle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fantastic tin blue paint decorated tole ware water kettle is in amazing as found condition. It has a blue ground with painted flowers on both sides. ...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Adirondack Primitives
Materials
Tin
$476 Sale Price
60% Off
Early 19th Century New England Child
s Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 19th century ladder back child's chair from New England in fantastic condition. This early chair is mortised and square nail construction.
Category
1870s American Antique Adirondack Primitives
Materials
Wood
$716 Sale Price
40% Off
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Early 18th Century Italian Carved and Dovetailed Walnut Alms Box
Located in San Francisco, CA
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Large dovetails and old handwrought nails give this small scale box a hea...
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Mid-19th Century Child’s Grain Painted Miniature Chest of Drawers
Located in Nantucket, MA
Mid-19th century Benchmade child’s grain painted Miniature chest of drawers. A country piece in the American Empire style, with a step-back drawer and backsplash, above the case with...
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Primitive Cupboard Two-Door Farm House Jelly Rustic 19th Century
Located in Newfoundland, PA
Another wonderful early Rustic two-door original blue/gray cupboard with a great amount of storage space. It has four shelves inside. True antique pieces...
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Native Kiowa 19th Century Pictorial Child
s Teepee
Located in Coeur d
Alene, ID
Child's teepee depicting highly graphic battle scene painted on brain tanned deer skin. This piece was acquired from Wilma Silvey, age 89, in 2005, white woman, was handed down through her husband's family, Joseph Silvey (Silverfish). His father was "Long Hair Hanging" (Kiowa Comanche) and his mother...
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Pine and Oak Rocking Cradle
Located in Baltimore, MD
This is a charming, very rustic hooded rocking cradle with an interesting and unusual “bird house” with a circular opening, built into the shallow hood,...
Category
Late 19th Century Irish Antique Adirondack Primitives
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Late 19th Century Danish Primitive Folk Art Tape Heddle Band Loom
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Impressive Danish folk art tape loom, also known as a heddle or band loom. It is a traditional tool used for weaving narrow bands of fabric, such as belts, s...
Category
Late 19th Century Danish Antique Adirondack Primitives
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Child
s American Painted Pine Cupboard Completely Original and Quite Very Rare
Located in Chicago, IL
Child's American Painted Pine Cupboard Completely Original and Quite Very Rare
Our American Pine Original Paint Child's Cupboard is finished in a stunning Georgian Blue with real antique glass knobs...
Category
Early 20th Century American Adirondack Primitives
Materials
Pine, Paint, Glass
$2,400
H 46.5 in W 32 in D 17.5 in
Early 20th Century Handmade Folky Carved Menu Board Adirondack
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous hand painted and handcrafted Adirondack carved menu board. Fantastic classic example of an early 20th century piece of an woodsy menu board from an upstate New York restaura...
Category
1940s American Vintage Adirondack Primitives
Materials
Hardwood, Paint
$796 Sale Price
20% Off
H 13.75 in W 29.75 in D 0.75 in
19th century Primitive Painted Early American Floor Lamp
Located in Savannah, GA
Rare painted iron standing floor lamp made to burn oil but converted to electricity. Nice lines and detail with upturned feet, scroll work and finial at top. See measurements below.
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Adirondack Primitives
Materials
Iron
Original 19th C Sleigh Bells - Extra Long - Perfect Jingle Bells Sound 39 Bells!
Located in Red Lion, PA
19th Century Extra-Long Brass Sleigh Bells on Leather Belt: 39 Jingle Bells, Nearly 8 Feet Long
A spectacular and highly authentic set of original 19th-century brass sleigh bells, featuring an impressive 39 hand-cast bells mounted on a nearly 8-foot-long leather strap. This exceptional antique offers not only a beautiful historic presence, but also the perfect traditional “Jingle Bells” sound, bright, rich, and unmistakably festive, just as sleigh bells should be.
Each bell is solid brass, tightly fastened and fully functional, producing that magical tone that modern reproductions rarely achieve. The leather strap retains its original metal buckle and remains surprisingly supple and pliable for its age. With simple annual conditioning, it should continue to remain strong and flexible for years to come. The strap appears handmade and hand-stitched, and while there are small areas of thread loss consistent with age, the original workmanship was so solid that these minor imperfections do not compromise the structural integrity of the piece. The leather has developed a beautifully worn patina that speaks to more than a century of use, adding depth and authenticity to its appearance.
In the 19th century, long straps of sleigh bells like this were affixed to horse harnesses so travelers could be heard approaching through winter snow, helping prevent collisions on narrow rural roads. Over time, this cheerful sound became woven into the imagery of the holiday season and ultimately inspired the classic Christmas carol, “Jingle Bells.” Today, authentic sets like this capture the warmth and romance of Victorian winter travel and embody the nostalgia of an old-fashioned Christmas.
Because of its impressive length, this sleigh bell strap lends itself beautifully to holiday decorating. Many collectors enjoy hanging it on a door so it jingles each time someone enters or exits, while others drape it across a mantel for a warm, traditional seasonal moment. It also looks wonderful wrapped around a staircase railing, stretched along a festive tablescape as a conversation piece, or even displayed on a wall as a piece of functional folk art. However it’s arranged, the authentic sound and historic character bring instant Victorian holiday charm to any space.
Original 19th-century sleigh bell straps in this size and condition have become increasingly difficult to find, especially with such a full complement of bells still attached. Modern reproductions, while decorative, seldom replicate the deep, resonant sound of genuine antique brass or the rich patina only time and use can create. For lovers of Americana, equestrian history, Victorian Christmas...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Adirondack Primitives
Materials
Brass
$1,624 Sale Price
30% Off
H 1.63 in W 95.75 in D 1.5 in
19th Century French Rustic Pottery Pitcher
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century French pottery pitcher.
Pottery from Normandy.
Category
1880s French Antique Adirondack Primitives
Materials
Pottery
19th Century French Rustic Pottery Pitcher
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century French pottery pitcher.
Pottery from Normandy.
Category
1880s French Antique Adirondack Primitives
Materials
Pottery
Previously Available Items
-9Thc Original Mustard Painted Furkin From NE
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This original chrome yellow original painted firkin or bucket, with lid, was found in New England.The the condition is very good. Nice strap bands or fingers with copper nails.
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Adirondack Primitives
Materials
Wood
19thc Hand Carved Dough Bowl from New England
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine hand carved dough bowl has amazing Undisturbed patina and aged burn marks on the interior. This hand carved dough bowl is in fine cond...
Category
19th Century American Antique Adirondack Primitives
Materials
Pine
19th Century Early Pine Saddle/Saddle Blanket Rack
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th century handmade of pine and square nail construction. This fantastic rack was found in Montana on a ranch and has amazing undisturbed surface. The condition is very good with n...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Adirondack Primitives
Materials
Pine
Collection of 19th Century Horse Blanket Pillows / 5 Pieces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These fine 19th century horse blanket pillows are in fine condition and all have tobacco colored cotton linen backings. There are a total of five pillows in this collection. Fantasti...
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Late 19th Century American Antique Adirondack Primitives
Materials
Wool
Hubbley Iron Dog Door Stop
By Hubbley Iron Works
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This original painted Hubbley cast iron door stop is in Fine condition and retains a old leather dog collar around its neck. This is smaller then th...
Category
20th Century American Adirondack Primitives
Materials
Iron
19th Century Original Painted Tin Coal Bucket
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th century original floral painted tin lidded coal bucket. This was found in Pennsylvania. Minor dings or small dents consistent from age and use.
Category
1890s American Antique Adirondack Primitives
Materials
Tin
Iron Painted Bull Door Stop
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine handmade Folk Art bull has a amazing untouched surface and is very heavy. It is in very good condition.
Category
1890s American Antique Adirondack Primitives
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Iron
Hot Water Tin Canister in Original Paint, 19th Century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th century hot water canister in original cream or oyster painted surface. The top of the canister it reads ”HOT WATER" in original gilded letters. Th...
Category
19th Century American Antique Adirondack Primitives
Materials
Tin
Hickory
Birch Bark Adirondack Side Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Adirondack hickory rustic twig side table. This cool little birch bark covered twig table is in good sturdy condition.
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1940s American Vintage Adirondack Primitives
Materials
Hickory
One of a Kind, Hand-Crafted Two-Tier Rustic Wood Stand from France, circa 1920
Located in Houston, TX
Primitive one of a kind wooden folk art piece constructed of logs. Sculptural stand with two tiers and three legs. Charming, rustic and handmade. Is ...
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1920s French Vintage Adirondack Primitives
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H 37.75 in W 27.75 in D 24 in
Pair of Rustic 19th Century Hand-Forged Copper Pans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These fine and rustic handmade copper and iron hand-forged handles pans were found in a cabin in the mid-west. They are in good condition and have the origi...
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Early 19th Century American Antique Adirondack Primitives
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Early Leather Hat Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This large leather hat box is in great condition. Minor wear and scratches consistent with age and use.
Category
Early 20th Century American Adirondack Primitives
Materials
Leather
Adirondack primitives for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Adirondack primitives for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 19th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage primitives created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, more furniture and collectibles, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, tin and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Adirondack primitives made in a specific country, there are North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 primitives differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $595 and tops out at $775 while the average work can sell for $685.
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