Gustav Stickley was one of the principal figures in the American Arts and Crafts movement and the creator of the Craftsman style. As a furniture designer and publisher of the magazine The Craftsman, he adopted many of the ideals of the British design reform movement and popularized both its philosophy and its aesthetics in the United States.
Born in Wisconsin, Stickley moved with his family to Pennsylvania when he was a teenager and began working in his uncle’s chair factory in the town of Brandt. There, he learned the techniques of late-19th-century furniture making at a time when the vogue was for Victorian revival furniture, which was characterized by extensive ornamentation.
In 1883, Stickley established a furniture company called Stickley Brothers with two of his brothers, Albert and Charles (Gustav’s other siblings, Leopold and John George, would later form L & J.G. Stickley Inc.). When Stickley Brothers foundered, he partnered five years later with salesman Elgin Simonds to form a new firm, Stickley & Simonds, which produced traditional furniture that appealed to the burgeoning American middle class. The success of this venture enabled Stickley to travel to Europe, where he discovered the writings of John Ruskin and William Morris, the two preeminent thinkers of the British Arts and Crafts movement. Stickley also traveled to France, where the Art Nouveau movement impressed him with its imaginative designs and skilled craftsmanship.
Stickley parted ways with Simonds at the turn of the 20th century and decided to focus his creative energies on producing furniture in what became known as the Craftsman style, incorporating some of the elements of the designs and movements he had encountered in Europe.
The pieces Stickley created, which he stamped with the logo of a joiner’s compass, were rectilinear, largely free of ornament, made of oak, and built in such a way that the nature of their construction was plainly visible — all reflections of the tenets of the Arts and Crafts movement. While some people referred to Stickley’s furniture as Mission furniture — a term that references the furnishings of the Spanish missions in California — Gustav commonly called his work “Craftsman” owing to the inspiration he found in the British Arts and Crafts movement.
Stickley benches and rocking chairs were popular, and his leather-upholstered armchairs combine practicality, comfort and an understated silhouette. He also made side tables — an unusual example designed during the early 20th century was adorned with an octagonal Grueby Pottery tile in a cool shade of green, which made it an ideal piece for an art pottery collector.
In 1901, Stickley launched The Craftsman magazine, which contained articles on all manner of domestic topics, from gardening and cooking to art and design, as well as poetry and fiction. In addition to popularizing Stickely’s own designs, the magazine acquainted Americans with the Arts and Crafts style in all its forms through its graphic design and the bungalows, art pottery, and hammered-copper lamps pictured in its pages. It also encouraged readers to practice craft themselves, promoting an early form of the do-it-yourself ethos.
In 1904, Stickley founded the Craftsman Home Builders' Club, which allowed subscribers to his magazine to order architectural plans for the Arts and Crafts–style structures that were featured in its pages; eventually, this became one of its most popular features.
An ill-timed attempt to set up a New York showroom led to Stickley’s filing for bankruptcy in 1915. The outbreak of World War I, waning interest in the Arts and Crafts style, and increased competition all conspired to thwart Stickley's efforts. The Craftsman ceased publication a year later. When he died, in 1942, Arts and Crafts had been replaced by modernism as the favored aesthetic. It enjoyed a resurgence, however, in the 1970s, and Stickley is now regarded as one of the most important American designers in the first half of the 20th century.
Find antique Gustav Stickley tables, seating and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Secretary Desk, Circa 1902
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period "Chalet" drop front secretary desk By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1902 Gorgeous quarter sawn oak, with brass studded...
Brass
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Secretary Desk, Circa 1910
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period drop front secretary desk By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1910 Gorgeous quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copp...
Copper
Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Bow Arm Reclining Morris Lounge Chair
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mission or Arts & Crafts bow arm reclining Morris lounge chair with ottoman Designed by Gustav Stickley Produced by Warren Hile Studio...
Leather, Oak
Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Sideboard, Circa 1900
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts sideboard or bar cabinet with plate rack By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Quarter ...
Copper
Harvey Ellis for Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Sideboard
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period sideboard, buffet server, or bar cabinet Designed by Harvey Ellis for Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1910 Beautiful quarter sawn oak...
Copper
Gustav Stickley Large Oak Bookcase with Glass Doors, c. 1910
By Gustav Stickley
Located in San Francisco, CA
American Arts and Crafts bookcase by Gustav Stickley featuring clean lines and functional design. The two glass doors open to reveal four interior shelves. Retains original red “Als...
Iron
Imperial Furniture Grand Rapids Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Sideboard, Circa 1900
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period strap hinge eight-leg sideboard, buffet server, or bar cabinet In the manner of Gustav Stickley By Imperial Furniture Co. US...
Copper
Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Gustav Stickley Craftsman Two Door Bookcase
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Spectacular simple be yet so elegant. A beautiful piece from the Arts and Crafts and the premier Craftsman Gustav Stickley. Still in its original fumed oak finish and with it all the...
Iron
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Drop Front Secretary Desk
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts drop front secretary desk By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copper hardware. Mea...
Copper
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Strap Hinge Sideboard
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period strap hinge sideboard, buffet server, or bar cabinet with plate rack By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1910 Quarter sawn oak, wi...
Copper
Early Gustav Stickley Ebonized Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Writing Desk
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission oak Arts & Crafts writing desk By Gustav Stickley (original label present) USA, Circa 1900 Solid qua...
Copper
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Strap Hinge Sideboard
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period strap hinge sideboard, buffet server, or bar cabinet with plate rack By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1910 Quarter sawn oak, wi...
Copper
$3,040Sale Price|20% Off
Arts and Crafts Settee Bench signed Gustav Stickley c 1905 -1912
By Gustav Stickley
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional, rare signed Mission, Arts and Crafts, Gustav Stickley settee, bench in original condition. The bench features a slatted back, and drop in, inner spring cushion ( needs reupholstery ). The wood frame is in original finish, and is fully and correctly marked with an early red clamp mark, please see images. We have had many pieces of Stickley furniture, this is the first time we have seen this rare form. Similar to Model 219...
Upholstery, Oak
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Sideboard, Circa 1910
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period strap hinge sideboard, buffet server, or bar cabinet with plate rack By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1910 Quarter sawn oak, wi...
Copper
Roycroft Oak Tabouret End Table Arts Crafts Mission Style Stickley circa 1990s
By Roycroft, Gustav Stickley
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural Roycroft Tabouret Table, designed circa 1910s, this example is circa 1990s and made by Stickley. It is signed with the Roycroft brand on the side and the Stickley label un...
Wood, Oak
Gustav Stickley Morris Reclining Lounge Chair Mission Arts & Crafts
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Fraser, MI
Please feel free to reach our for efficient shipping quote to your zip. Gustav Stickley Morris Chair. Leather Seat and Backrest Cushion.
Leather, Oak
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Leather Top Center Table
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Mission or Arts & Crafts center table or breakfast table By Gustav Stickley (signed with red decal) USA, Circa 1900 Solid ...
Leather, Oak
Stickley Harvey Ellis Inlaid Bookshelf Mission Oak Arts Crafts
By Gustav Stickley, Harvey Ellis
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean Lined Mission Oak Bookcase, designed by Harvey Ellis for Stickley, originally designed in the 1910s, this is example was made by Stickley in the 1990s. Retains the Stickley lab...
Oak, Wood
Stickley Mission Oak Dining Table
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean Lined Mission Oak Dining Table, made for Stickley Audi, American, circa 2000s. It is heavy and well made with pinned mortise-and-tenon and butterfly joinery and beautifully qua...
Metal
Gustav Stickley Harvey Ellis Queen Size Bed Mission Arts and Crafts Style
By Harvey Ellis, Gustav Stickley
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Mission Style Bed, originally designed by Gustav Stickley and Harvey Ellis, circa 1910s, this example is made by Stickley in the 2000s. It is believed to be constructed of ch...
Metal
Exceptional Gustav Stickley Arts and Crafts Oak Center Table with Grueby Tiles
By Grueby Faience Company 1, Gustav Stickley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This design is a great example of the collaboration between Gustav Stickley and the Grueby Faience Company. The top is 2 1/2 in. thick and the little shelf on the bottom is 8 in. fr...
Ceramic, Oak
Stickley Mission Oak Mirror Arts and Crafts
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean Lined Stickley Mirror, originally designed in the 1910s by Gustav Stickley, this example is part of the authorized line produced by Stickley in t...
Metal
Gustav Stickley Solid Oak Extendable Dining Table, Early 20th Century
By Gustav Stickley
Located in New York, US
Gustav Stickley Solid Oak Extendable Round Top Dining Table Early 20th Century Includes Six Leaves
Oak
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts H-Back Dining Chairs
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare set of eight Mission oak Arts & Crafts period H-back dining chairs By Gustav Stickley USA, Early 20th Century Solid quarter sawn oak, with rush seats and upholstery. Measu...
Upholstery, Rush, Oak
Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Rocking Chair, Circa 1910
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mission or Arts & Crafts period V-back rocking chair By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1910 Solid quarter sawn oak, with brown leather upholstered seat. Measures: 26"W x 3...
Leather, Oak
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Dresser, Circa 1910
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period four-drawer dresser or chest of drawers with mirror By Gustav Stickley (signed with red decal) USA, Circa 1910 Gorge...
Copper
Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Rocking Chair, Circa 1910
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mission oak Arts & Crafts rocking chair By Gustav Stickley (signed with red decal) USA, Circa 1910 Solid quarter sawn oak, with upholstered seat. Measures: 27.13"W x 2...
Upholstery, Oak
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Dining Chairs, Set of Six
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of six antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period ladder back dining chairs By Gustav Stickley USA, Early 20th Century Solid quarter sawn oak frames, with yellow l...
Leather, Oak
Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Spindle Writing Desk or Library Table
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts quarter sawn oak spindle writing desk or library table By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Measures: 48"W x 29.75"D x 28.88"...
Oak
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Pedestal Dining Table
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mission or Arts & Crafts quarter sawn oak split pedestal extension dining table By Gustav Stickley (signed with Craftsman paper label, partially covered by re...
Oak
Antique Signed Gustav Stickley BOW ARM Morris Chair - W7884 SALE NOW 20% OFF
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
Antique SIGNED Gustav Stickley Bow-Arm Morris Chair ( recliner)- W7884 This is a great looking antique Gustav Stickley Bow-Arm Morris Chair. The chair is signed with Red decal as p...
Leather, Cotton, Upholstery, Oak
Antique Gustav Stickley Arts & Crafts Oak China Cabinet, Ca. 1910
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An antique Gustav Stickley China Cabinet circa 1910, made in Eastwood, NY and signed on the label. The cabinet features quarter sawn white oak ...
Glass, Oak
Bahut - Variante du modèle 814
By Gustav Stickley
Located in LAMBLORE, FR
Ce bahut de Gustav Stickley se distingue par sa structure en chêne aux lignes solides et fonctionnelles. Les multiples tiroirs et panneaux sont animés par une quincaillerie en métal ...
Copper
$3,920Sale Price|20% Off
Extremely Rare Model 238 Gustav Stickley Table - W7996
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
Extremely Rare Gustav Stickley Table Model # 238- This is a RARE antique Gustav Stickley table MODEL #238 in very good condition. The top has been refinished. The table is sturdy and strong and ready for your home. The piece is signed with a Gustav Stickley box decal under the top as pictured. This is a very rare model! Few were made! 1st sibs want us to ship to your HOME and its $799.00 to the lower 48 states BUT we will ship for less with freight for you to pick up YOURSELF in the freight terminal NEAR you. We will provide you the terminal address and the tracking number for you so you know where your table is every day. The freight terminal will call you when the table arrives for you pick it up. WE DO HAVE SEVERAL GUSTAV STICKLEY LAMP...
Oak
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Dining Chairs, Set of Eight
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of eight antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period ladder back dining chairs By Gustav Stickley USA, Early 20th Century Solid quarter sawn oak frames, with yellow...
Leather, Oak
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Rocking Chair, Circa 1910
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period rocking chair By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1910 Solid quarter sawn oak, with leather upholstered seat. Measures: 19.25"W ...
Leather, Oak
Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Writing Desk or Library Table
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period writing desk or library table By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1910 Quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copper hardware. ...
Copper
$5,460Sale Price|30% Off
Antique GUSTAV STICKLEY One-Door China Cabinet/ ON SALE
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is a SUPERB Antique Gustav Stickley One-Door China Cabinet with excellent original finish. The case has an excellent selection of quarter-sawn oak - .perhaps the best we’ve ever seen! Great original hardware w/ original patina. Gustav Stickley used two larger hinges on the doors to make them easier to open. There are three (3) fixed shelves, along with the bottom of the cabinet. The shelves are also solid, quarter sawn oak. The piece is signed with a red Stickley decal, and an original Gustav Stickley paper label. The door has 12 separate panes of glass, not just one large one. The back is in good condition. Often, inexpensive or auction pieces...
Bronze
$6,230Sale Price|30% Off
Antique GUSTAV STICKLEY Bookcase, signed with' paper with RED DECAL w7983
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is an antique Gustav Stickley Two-Door Bookcase. Good original finish in excellent condition with real thru tenon construction twice on each side. Has original glass. The case...
Wrought Iron
Stickley Mission Arts and Crafts Oak Desk
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean Lined Stickley desk, originally designed in the 1910s by Gustav Stickley, this example is part of the authorized line produced by Stickley in the 2...
Metal
Gustav Stickley Style Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Settle Sofa, Circa 1900
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period bench, settle sofa, settee, or love seat In the manner of Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Gorgeous quarter sawn oak, with up...
Upholstery, Oak
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Sideboard, Newly Refinished
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period sideboard, buffet server, or bar cabinet with plate rack By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1910 Gorgeous quarter sawn ti...
Copper
Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Writing Desk or Library Table
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copper hardware. Measure...
Copper
$45,000Sale Price|50% Off
IMPORTANT Antique Desk/Bookcase by Gustav Stickley -W7794 MUST SELL
By Harvey Ellis, Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is an extremely important Antique Desk/Bookcase by Gustav Stickley and Harvey Ellis. This is one of the most important pieces made by Gustav Stickley. It was designed in 1902...
Glass, Oak
Early Harvey Ellis for Gustav Stickley Mission Mahogany Sideboard, Circa 1905
By Gustav Stickley, Harvey Ellis
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period sideboard, buffet server, or bar cabinet Designed by Harvey Ellis for Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1905 Mahogany, wit...
Copper
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Rocking Chair, Circa 1910
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period rocking chair By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1910 Solid quarter sawn oak, with leather upholstered seat and back cushions. Meas...
Leather, Oak
Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Trestle Library Table or Writing Desk
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission oak Arts & Crafts trestle library table or writing desk By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Measures: 48.25"W x 29.75"D x 28.25"H. Professio...
Oak
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Dining Chairs, Set of Four
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of four antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period ladder back dining chairs By Gustav Stickley USA, Early 20th Century Solid quarter sawn oak frames, with yellow ...
Leather, Oak
Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Writing Desk or Library Table
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Solid quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copper hardware. M...
Copper
Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Trestle Library Table or Writing Desk
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission oak Arts & Crafts trestle library table or writing desk By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Measures: 48"W x 29.63"D x 29.38"H. Professional...
Oak
$9,520Sale Price|20% Off
Set Of (6) Gustav Stickley “RABBIT EAR” Dining Chairs, Circa 1901 - W7180
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
Set Of Six (6) GUSTAV STICKLEY “Rabbit Chairs” Dining Chairs Circa 1901 - SIZE H 38 in H 18 in from floor to seat. W 18.75 D15 in Add a touch of vintage charm to your dining tabl...
Oak
Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Desk or Library Table, Circa 1900
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission oak Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Solid quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copper har...
Copper
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Drop Front Secretary Desk
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mission or Arts & Crafts drop front secretary desk By Gustav Stickley (signed with paper label) USA, Circa 1900 Quarter sawn oak, with original hammered cop...
Copper
Gustav Stickley “Tom Jones” Oak Drink Stand + Lower Shelf, circa 1900
By Gustav Stickley
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Arts & Crafts drink stand is a strong example of early 20th-century American design and is attributed to Gustav Stickley, corresponding to the celebrated “Tom Jones” model p...
Oak
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Sewing Rocking Chair
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Mission or Arts & Crafts sewing rocker By Gustav Stickley (model #2627) USA, Circa 1900 Solid quarter sawn oak, with brown leather seat. Measures: 18.25"W x 24...
Leather, Oak
Signed Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Desk, Newly Restored
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk By Gustav Stickley (original label present) USA, Early 20th Century Solid quarter sawn oak, with original hamm...
Copper
Mission / Craftsman Style American Quarter Sawn Oak Waste Basket by Stickley
By Gustav Stickley
Located in San Diego, CA
A very well constructed mission / craftsman style American quarter sawn oak waste basket by Stickley, circa 2004. The waste basket is in very good condition and measures 13"W x 13"...
Oak
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Dining Chairs, Pair
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period ladder back side chairs or dining chairs By Gustav Stickley USA, Early 20th Century Solid quarter sawn oak frames, w...
Leather, Oak
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Ladder Back Dining Chairs
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of six of Mission or Arts & Crafts dining chairs By Gustav Stickley USA, Early 20th Century Solid quarter sawn oak, with rush seats. Measures: 17"W x 18"D x 36...
Rush, Oak
Early Gustav Stickley "India Seat" Stool or Ottoman, Circa 1900
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Arts & Crafts stool or ottoman By Gustav Stickley (#797 "India Seat" in the 1900 catalog) USA, Circa 1900 Turned mahogany legs, with needlepoint uph...
Upholstery, Mahogany