In the realm of heirloom wooden furniture, Amish craftsmanship stands out as the epitome of classic style and enduring quality. There are two main aesthetics under the umbrella of Amish furniture: Shaker and mission. Each has unique characteristics and timeless appeal, making them ideal for anyone who wants to bring a bit of rustic charm to their interior designs.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the nuances that distinguish these two types of Amish furniture and the exquisite craftsmanship that goes into creating these heirloom pieces.
The Shaker Aesthetic: Simplicity as a Virtue
The Shaker style of Amish furniture gets its name from the Shakers, a religious group that left the Church of England in the 1770s and came to America. They lived by a strict moral code and distanced themselves from wider society, creating small, self-sufficient communities and depending on the land to survive.
The Shakers’ philosophy promoted simplicity, honesty, and humility, which is reflected in the furniture style they pioneered. For example, excessive ornamentation was considered sinful, so they stuck to clean, simple designs. They believed faux finishes, including veneers and inlays, were deceitful, so they used durable, solid wood. These values can still be seen in the Shaker furniture of today.
Identifying Shaker Furniture
The Shaker style has endured over the past 250 years due to its ageless appeal and ability to stand the test of time, both in terms of durability and design.
The Shakers’ belief in simplicity is evident in every piece, and this simplicity allows Shaker furniture to blend seamlessly with other interior design styles. From minimalist modern to rustic farmhouse, these simple Amish pieces remain a popular choice for those seeking a clean, practical, uncluttered look.
If you’re in the market for Amish furniture and are wondering how to identify the Shaker style, look for these identifying features:
- Tapered legs
- Straight lines
- Lack of unnecessary embellishments
- Impeccable craftsmanship with keen attention to detail
- High-quality, locally sourced materials
- Wooden pulls and knobs
- Emphasis on functionality and versatility — hidden storage compartments and built-in features that maximize utility without sacrificing style
The Mission Style: Craftsmanship with a Purpose
In contrast to the simple Shaker aesthetic, mission furniture embraces more visually intricate designs. This style was developed in the Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th century as a response to the period’s ornate art nouveau aesthetic, which some saw as excessive, and the Industrial Revolution, which popularized mass-produced furniture.
Mission furniture aimed to bring back craftsmanship and simplicity — although not to the extent of the Shaker style — and showcased the beauty of natural materials, especially wood.
Identifying Mission Furniture
Mission Amish furniture has endured for many of the same reasons as the Shaker style — its clean lines, functionality, quality materials, and timeless appeal that resonated with the people of the late 19th and early 20th centuries remain attractive to the 21st-century homeowners of today.
We’ve already discussed the defining characteristics of mission furniture in a previous blog post, but we’ll summarize them here. One of the key attributes of mission furniture is its use of solid wood — usually oak or cherry — with traditional joinery techniques such as mortise and tenon. This ensures the structural integrity of these pieces, maximizing their longevity while creating a balance between form and function.
If you’re searching for mission furniture, be on the lookout for these design features:
- Strong, sturdy lines
- Parallel slats and panels
- Decorative elements such as inlays, metal hardware, and subtle geometric patterns
- Hand-applied finishes that highlight the natural wood grain
- Square legs
- Occasional use of leather
- Exposed joinery
Choosing Between Shaker and Mission: Finding Your Style
As you shop for Amish furniture, the choice between the mission and Shaker styles ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the ambiance you want to create. Consider the existing decor in your home. If you appreciate timeless simplicity, versatility, and functionality, Shaker furniture may be perfect for you. On the other hand, if you’re a fan of intricate details, the warmth of natural materials, and a bit of artistic flair, mission furniture may be an ideal fit.
Handcrafted Amish Furniture in Salt Lake City, UT
At Sugar House Furniture, we specialize in mission furniture, perfect for the bungalow-style homes popular in Northern Utah. Our products exemplify the exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail that define Amish furniture. When you choose to furnish your home with our heirloom pieces, you are investing in quality and durability.
To see what we have to offer, browse our wide array of products online or come visit our showroom in beautiful Salt Lake City.
