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 Early Library Table with Leather Top
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Northport, MI
An exceptional example of early American Arts and Crafts design, this rare hexagonal library table by Gustav Stickley dates to circa 1902. Crafted in solid quarter-sawn oak with a wa...
Brass
Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Writing Desk or Library Table
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and 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 ...
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 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 ladder back rocking chair By Gustav Stickley (signed with red decal) USA, Circa 1910 Gorgeous quarter sawn oak, with leather...
Leather, 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
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
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
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 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
Early Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Dining Table, Circa 1901
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period quarter sawn oak round dining table or center table By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1901 Measures: 60"W x 60"D x 30"H....
Oak
$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 Harvey Ellis Queen Size Bed Mission Arts and Crafts Style
By Gustav Stickley, Harvey Ellis
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
Pair of Model 300 Footstools by Gustav Stickley
By Gustav Stickley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pair of Model 300 Footstools by Gustav Stickley Pair of footstools made of oak, leather, and brass nailheads. Each footstool has a red manufacturer’s decal on the stretcher reading ...
Brass
Roycroft Oak Tabouret End Table Arts Crafts Mission Style Stickley circa 1990s
By Gustav Stickley, Roycroft
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 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 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
Early Harvey Ellis for Gustav Stickley Mission Mahogany Sideboard, Circa 1905
By Harvey Ellis, Gustav Stickley
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
Exceptional Gustav Stickley Arts and Crafts Oak Center Table with Grueby Tiles
By Gustav Stickley, Grueby Faience Company 1
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
SUPERB Antique CIRCA 1900 Gustav Stickley Bench from "The New Furniture"
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is a great Gustav Stickley antique bench from 1900. This is from the first group of furniture Gustav made and he called it " The New Furniture" When you look at the design of ...
Leather, Oak
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
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
Antique Gustav Stickley Arts & Crafts Mission Oak Two Drawer Library Table Desk
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Antique Gustav Stickley Arts & Crafts Mission Oak Two Drawer Library Table Desk. ...
Oak
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Buffet Server, Refinished
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period sideboard buffet or server By Gustav Stickley (signed with red decal) USA, Circa 1900 Gorgeous quarter sawn oak, wit...
Copper
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
$3,675Sale Price|25% Off
SIGNED Antique Gustav Stickley Library Table #637 W5209
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is an antique circa 1908 trestle table in good condition with two through tannin construction with keys on each side with shelf. This model is the heavy duty version of this tab...
Oak
Harvey Ellis for Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Arts & Crafts Buffet Server
By Harvey Ellis, Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period sideboard buffet or server Designed by Harvey Ellis for Gustav Stickley (signed with red decal) USA, Circa 1900 Gorg...
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 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
Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Sideboard, Circa 1900
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission oak Arts & Crafts sideboard or credenza with plate rack By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Quarter sawn oak, with ooze leather lined t...
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 quarter sawn oak rocking chair By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1910 Measures: 27"W x 29.25"D x 37.5"H. Seat height: 18.5". Arm hei...
Leather, 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
Gustav Stickley Sideboard Model #814 with Original Bronze Hardware C1905
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Spectacular early (1905) Gustav Stickley mission oak arts & crafts sideboard with the most desirable hardware, bronze strap hinges & door , drawer pulls. All hand hammered exclusive...
Bronze
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 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
ANTIQUE EARLY GUSTAV STICKLEY Lounge day bed c1902-04 - W7327 SALE
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is an extremely nice Gustav Stickley Lounge Model #216, made c 1902-04. The Lounge is in pristine condition with a cane seat as pictured. It shows real through tenon constructi...
Leather, Upholstery, Cane, 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
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
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
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 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 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 brass s...
Brass
Signed SUPERB Fumed Gustav Stickley Table W7463
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is a great lamp table by Gustav Stickley from the early 1900’s. Made around 1908, and it’s marked with the 1907 stamp. Each leg has true tannin construction which meets in the m...
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 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
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 30"D x 29"H. Very good original...
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 Quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copper hardware. Measure...
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
Gustav Stickley Arts & Crafts Extending Oak Dining Table no. 632 c. 1910
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shippensburg, PA
ARTS & CRAFTS FUMED OAK EXTENSION DINING TABLE Gustav Stickley, model no. 632 label remnants mostly gone from underside and illegible handwritten "10131 632" on underside of exten...
Oak
Important Rare Gustav Stickley Sideboard (Harvey Ellis Design) Model# 800 W2443
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
Important Rare Gustav Stickley Sideboard. This is one of the nicest Sideboards designed by Harvey Ellis for Gustav Stickley! This piece has several instances of true Through Tenon ...
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 Desk, Newly Refinished
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table with built-in bookcases By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1910 Quarter sawn oak, with original hammered c...
Copper
Antique Gustav Stickley Tabouret, Marked - W7243 ON SALE NOW.
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is an antique Gustav Stickley Small Table, or Tabouret, from the early 1900s. It is in excellent condition and is marked with a Stickley dec...
Oak
Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Extension Dining Table, Refinished
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mission oak Arts & Crafts extension dining table By Gustav Stickley (signed with paper label) USA, Circa 1900 Measures: 54"W x 54"D x 30.25"H. Extends up to...
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 Oak Rocking Chair
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Cambridge, US
USA, ca. early 1900s. A handsome and quite comfortable Model 323 rocking chair by Gustav Stickley. Features solid oak frame with classic Mission details. Slightly curved high back an...
Leather, Oak
ANTIQUE signed GUSTAV STICKLEY Two-Door Bookcase Model 716 - W7984
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is an antique Gustav Stickley Narrow 2-Door Bookcase model #716 circa 1914. The bookcase has EXCELLENT original finish, very crisp with NO DROP of overcoat, original hand hamme...
Glass, 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"W x 30"D x 29"H. Professionally res...
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
Antique an EARLY cir 1902 GUSTAV STICKLEY Arm Chairs - W7378 SALE 40% OFF
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
Antique Early Gustav Stickley Arm Chairs circa 1902 w7378 SALE This is an early GUSTAV STICKLEY Arm Chairs in Excellent condition circa 1902...
Leather, Oak, Cotton