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Trend Alert: Hand-Carved Tyrolean Folk Chairs (Plus 5 to Buy)

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Trend Alert: Hand-Carved Tyrolean Folk Chairs (Plus 5 to Buy)

January 9, 2023

Since we first reported on the classic carved-wood Tyrolean chair (also called the Swiss mountain chair or the folk chair) way back in 2014, we’ve noticed it cropping up in more and more places.

Tyrolean chair maker Don of NordicChairCo. on Etsy summed up the history best: “Centuries ago, hard-working peasants lived in the Tyrol region of the Austrian, Swiss, and Italian Alps. They built furniture for their small alpine chalets with only their hands and the primitive tools available to them. To bring some joy to their difficult lives, they crafted folksy and whimsical chairs, known today as Tyrolean chairs. These chairs were part of daily life when gathering with family for meals or sharing music and stories among friends.

“Using only local wood and ingenuity, they created these strong yet uniquely beautiful chairs. Although difficult to find, most of the chairs that remain today are as sturdy as the day they were made.”

Here are a few sightings of the Swiss mountain chair—plus five to buy.

Sightings

a classic example from swish chalet: an alpine remodel by jonathan tuckey. phot 17
Above: A classic example from Swish Chalet: An Alpine Remodel by Jonathan Tuckey. Photograph by James Brittain Photography.
tyrolean chairs in a holiday house by pedevilla architects (see more at the mou 18
Above: Tyrolean chairs in a holiday house by Pedevilla Architects (see more at The Mountain Rental: A Holiday House in the Italian Alps).
a peasant chair in the bedroom at chesa wazzau in st. moritz. 19
Above: A peasant chair in the bedroom at Chesa Wazzau in St. Moritz.
humble peasant chairs from new york antiques dealer paula rubenstein in the hom 20
Above: Humble peasant chairs from New York antiques dealer Paula Rubenstein in the home of Gardenista contributor Laura Silverman. Photograph by Michael Mundy. (See At Home in Sullivan County, NY for more.)

Five to Buy

venetian designer luca nichetto reinterpreted the traditional tyrolean chair fo 21
Above: Venetian designer Luca Nichetto reinterpreted the traditional Tyrolean chair for his collaboration with Casamania. The La-Dina Chairs are made of ash and available in a range of colors from Horm.
from jan kurtz shop, the stuhl vienna chair twin pack is €538 for the se 22
Above: From Jan Kurtz Shop, the Stuhl Vienna Chair Twin-Pack is €538 for the set of two. (The chairs are also available via Holz Design.)
the tyrolean chair in natural clover is carved from reclaimed pine wood with a  23
Above: The Tyrolean Chair in Natural Clover is carved from reclaimed pine wood with a clover cut-out; it’s $550 from Etú Home.
vintage and handmade versions can also be found via the likes of \1st dibs, eba 24
Above: Vintage and handmade versions can also be found via the likes of 1st Dibs, eBay, and Etsy; shown is a custom Tyrolean Chair, “sustainably handcrafted at a small atelier in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains in Quebec”; $606.46 from Etsy shop NordicChairCo.
elsewhere, a slightly more modern pair of vintage tyrolean chairs is \$\2,700 f 25
Above: Elsewhere, a slightly more modern pair of Vintage Tyrolean Chairs is $2,700 from The Future Perfect.

See what’s next by reading our Trend Alerts:

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on December 22, 2014, and has been updated with new finds and products to buy.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a peasant chair?

A peasant chair is a traditional wooden chair often made with simple materials and basic construction techniques. These chairs were originally made by rural farmers and are now popular in interior design for their simplicity and rustic charm.

Why are peasant chairs popular in interior design?

Peasant chairs are popular in interior design for their durability and timeless design. They add a touch of rustic charm to any space and can be paired with a variety of decor styles.

What are some characteristics of a peasant chair?

Peasant chairs are typically made of wood, have a simple and sturdy design, and may have a woven seat or back. They often have a natural, unfinished look and may feature subtle decorative details such as turned legs or carved embellishments.

Where can I buy a peasant chair?

Peasant chairs can be purchased from a variety of retailers, both online and in-store. Some popular options include home decor stores, furniture retailers, and artisanal marketplaces like Etsy.

What should I look for when buying a peasant chair?

When buying a peasant chair, it's important to consider the materials and construction quality to ensure that the chair is sturdy and durable. You may also want to look for chairs with a finish that complements your home decor and style preferences.

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