Shaker Style Furniture: Beautiful Amish Furniture Simplicity

Hi! I’m Beth Rice with DutchCrafters. It’s time we dive in to learn all about a furniture style closely associated with Amish furniture—Shaker style.

What are the characteristics and features that define Shaker furniture? Where did that name come from? And is it a good fit for your home? Let’s take a look.

Characteristics & Features of Shaker Furniture

Shaker style is one of the most well-known forms of American furniture design. It may be summed up in the phrase, “Beauty in simplicity.” No frills, no embellishments, just a quality build, rich with function.

Expect clean, smooth lines, simple designs and high-quality craftsmanship to back this look. Shaker furniture is practical, minimalist, and simple. It’s lightweight yet built durable enough for everyday use.

History & Origins of Shaker Style

Shaker style furniture developed in the 18^th century by followers of the religious sect known as the Shaking Quakers. This faith community originated in England and were called Shakers due to their expressive movements or “shaking” as they worshiped. The Shaker religion stressed the importance of living a lifestyle that reflected their values of plainness, honesty and hard work—the standard upon which Shaker furniture was built.

Amish Connection & Shared Values

Though Amish woodworkers make all styles of furniture, Shaker is one of the most distinctive styles associated with Amish furniture. Shaker style’s emphasis on simplicity and strength without excessive ornamentation is in perfect alignment with Amish woodworking principles.

Distinctive Features of Shaker Furniture

Wondering about the difference between Shaker & Mission style? Though both feature mortise and tenon joinery and flat panels, the shape and feel of the two are quite distinct. Where Mission furniture is thick and heavy with square legs, vertical slats, and oak or quarter-sawn white oak wood, you’ll find Shaker designs look lighter and softer with smoother wood grain.

Maybe the most distinctive feature of Shaker style is round, wooden knobs. This may be paired with a square, boxy appearance and unadorned flat panels.

Shaker often uses narrow, turned legs and tapered legs to carry less visible weight. There may be subtle decorative elements, such as chair-top finials, small decorations in rounded braces, and curves in a chair’s back slats.

Is Shaker Right for Your Home

So, what do you think? With its simplicity, strength, high function, and versatility, is shaker style right for your home?

Shop Shaker Furniture at DutchCrafters

Thanks for watching this overview of Shaker style furniture! I hope you learned something new. Keep watching this series to learn about more furniture styles or go explore hundreds of Shaker furniture designs at dutchcrafters.com. Thanks for joining us.