The beginnings of Early-American furniture can be traced to European migrants who settled along the Eastern seaboard of the United States. There, they used their native trades, including woodworking, to create a sustained existence. In this way, classic European furniture styles were brought to the United States and began a slow transformation in style and design to suit the new surroundings.

Waves of Amish migrants would leave Switzerland to form communities in Pennsylvania and parts of the Mid-West. The Amish ethics of integrity, self-sufficiency and hard work would infuse their daily work, including the crafting of furniture. The Mission, Shaker and Queen Anne styles would come into being during the era of Early American Furniture, as well as a variety of distinct design features.

Careful, detailed craftsmanship, high quality wood selection and custom construction make our furniture special. Come visit us in Shipshewana to see why the legacy of Early American Furniture is still alive among the Amish.

Handcrafted American furniture enjoys a rich and storied history. The beginnings of Early American Furniture can be traced to European migrants who settled along the Eastern seaboard of the United States. There, they used their native trades, including woodworking, to create a sustained existence.

In this way, classic European furniture styles were brought to the United States and began a slow transformation in style and design to suit the new surroundings. Ornate styles began to lose their opulence in favor of simpler designs that better reflected the nature of the new American people.

Eventually, migrants from various regions and knowledgeable in various furniture designs, not only established a thriving furniture market, but a variety of distinct styles. The Mission, Shaker and Queen Anne styles would come into being during the era of Early American Furniture, as well as a variety of distinct design features.

HISTORY

Early-American furniture (1680-1840) is linked, in both style and construction, to the popular styles of Great Britain. As waves of migrants crossed the Atlantic in search of a new life on American soil, craftsmen relied on the styles and construction methods of their native land.

The “Jacobean”period, during which King James ruled in England, featured furniture with dovetailed construction (see image), solid Oak wood and heavy brass hardware. Once its influence was brought to American soil, this style would become known as the “Pilgrim Century” period.

Example of a Dovetailed Drawer Box

Similarly, the “William and Mary” period of Great Britain, featuring bun feet and turned legs, found its way to the new frontier to be known as the “Early Colonial” period.