The Shaker Style was a distinctive American design of the “United Society of the Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing” more commonly known as the Shakers.
Ornamentation was seen as prideful or deceitful. Their solution was to use asymmetrical drawers or other plain forms such as beaded moulding for “decoration”. Handles and drawer pulls are almost always wood.
An extensive collection can be found at https://www.shakermuseum.us. Some believe this style was the inspiration for Danish and Mid-Century Modern.
Design Elements
- Honest utilitarian simplicity
- Minimal decoration
- Native species of cherry, pine, or maple were used because of their self-sufficient lifestyle
- Paint colors were typically red, blue, yellow, or green
- Doors were flat paneled and used rail frames
- Chairs tended to be ladder back with cane seats.
Examples
Here are a few examples of Shaker furniture. Click on any image to zoom in.
View Member Made Shaker pieces from our Gallery >
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