Inspired by the Arts & Crafts style in England, which rebelled against the mechanization of the Industrial Revolution with a proud emphasis on handcrafted design, American Craftsman style similarly pushed against the lavishness of the Victorian era. Coined by Wisconsin-born Gustav Stickley, a furniture designer and publisher of The Craftsman magazine, American Craftsman furniture would influence homegrown styles that followed, such as Mission and the Prairie School.
Like the popular early 20th-century Craftsman houses — which feature meticulous woodwork on everything from built-in bookcases in the living room and cabinetry in the kitchen to earth-toned exteriors with exposed rafters — American Craftsman furniture was all about handmade storage cabinets, bedroom furniture, chairs and other pieces built with organic materials. “Simplicity and straightforwardness of construction has always been the leading characteristic of Craftsman furniture,” Stickley stated. And while he is often credited with most of the designs at the Craftsman Workshops in Eastwood, New York, others such as Harvey Ellis were influential in shaping the straight-backed chairs, beds with vertical slats and tables with exposed joinery that came to define the style.
Highly utilitarian with no unnecessary flair, American Craftsman furniture was designed to emphasize the essence of its modest construction and promote the natural beauty of the wood. Solid oak, cherry, walnut and mahogany were all favored by the movement’s principal figures. Another attribute commonly associated with the style is the integration of subtle details like tooled leather, inlaid metal and hammered iron handles.
Owing to the outbreak of World War I, the popularity of American Craftsman style waned as consumer spending dropped and furniture companies shifted to the production of wartime materials and goods specified in government contracts. Yet, by the 1960s, there was a renewed appreciation for this foundational modern American style, with Stickley and his contemporaries in demand for the clean, simple lines and sturdy construction of American Craftsman furniture.
Find a collection of antique American Craftsman chests, nightstands, seating, decorative objects and more furniture on 1stDibs.
Hand-Crafted Solid Walnut Paperweight by Sam Maloof
By Sam Maloof
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice hand-crafted solid walnut block paperweight by Sam Maloof, circa 2000s. The piece was crafted in the Maloof wood shop with his classic joinery and is in like new conditi...
Walnut
$7,104Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Brass Cash Register by National Cash Register Co., USA
Located in Brea, CA
Antique National Cash Register Co. Brass Cash Register, it is a very beautiful cash register, you can't find another better condition th...
Brass
Mission / Craftsman Style American Quarter Sawn Oak Waste Basket by 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
Hand-Crafted Walnut Bookmark by Sam Maloof, American Design, 2000s
By Sam Maloof
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice hand-crafted solid walnut book mark by Sam Maloof, circa 2000s. The piece was crafted in the Maloof wood shop and is in like new condition. The piece measures 1.75"W x ...
Walnut
$300Sale Price|75% Off
Polished Geode Specimen Ash Tray or Desk Top Dish
Located in Ferndale, MI
Beautiful natural form polished Geode possibly rock crystal specimen bowl.
Agate
$539Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Scrambled Glass Paperweight, New England Glass Co., 1852
By New England Glass Company
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a fine example of a scrambled Glass Paperweight by the New England Glass Company, dating to 1852. The weight includes latticinio twists and vari...
Glass
Hand-Crafted Ash Wood Bookmark by Sam Maloof, American Design, 2000s
By Sam Maloof
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice hand-crafted solid ash wood book mark by Sam Maloof, circa 2000s. The piece was crafted in the Maloof wood shop and is in like new condition. The piece measures 1.75"W ...
Ash
Vintage Murano Glass Paperweight, Hand Blown, Italy, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian Murano glass paperweight hand blown with intricate white, light blue, and dark blue ribbons / Made in Italy, circa 1960s Origina...
Murano Glass
$932
H 13.23 in W 1.19 in D 0.28 in
Antique 1920s Silver & Tortoise Shell Page Turner by Grey & Co. London, England
By Asprey International Limited, Grey & Co., Chester
Located in Andernach, DE
Antique English page turner from sterling silver and tortoise shell. Most rare piece, made and stamped by Grey & Co. London, possibly for Asprey London. The Stamp is the London Lion,...
Sterling Silver
$341
H 18.71 in W 18.71 in D 2.37 in
Italian Postmodern Wall Perpetual Calendar by Della Beffa for Ring a Date, 2000s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian post modern wall perpetual yellow calendar by Giorgio Della Beffa for Ring A Date, 2000-2010s Wall perpetual calendar in yellow plastic. The cale...
Plastic
White Rock Quartz Crystal Geode Natural Specimen Sculpture
Located in Miami, FL
White Rock Crystal Geode Natural Specimen Sculpture its divided into two parts.
Rock Crystal
Midcentury Waste Bin in Solid Teak, Made in Denmark
Located in Lejre, DK
Waste bin in solid teak. Designed and made in Denmark, great condition.
Teak
Polished Brass Waste Bin or Magazine Rack
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Polished brass waste can - Uniquely designed waste can in the shape of a shopping bag with an Asian motif... perfect for the bedroom or office - disguised ...
Brass
$230 / item
H 5.91 in W 5.91 in D 5.91 in
Geometric Sculpture in Polished Resin Color Grape by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Geometric sculpture made in polished resin in variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space. This sculpture is ve...
Resin
Geometric Sculpture in Polished Orange Resin by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Geometric sculpture made in polished resin in variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space. This sculpture is very versatile and fun! You can cr...
Resin
Smoke Semi Sphere Sculpture in Polished Resin by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
This Geometric sculpture is handmade in polished resin in a variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space. Our Se...
Resin
Carl Auböck Model #5371 'Heart' Polished Brass Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #5371 'Heart' Polished Brass Paperweight Designed in the 1950s, this beautifully refined Viennese paperweight is hand-fabricated in polished brass by Werkstätte Ca...
Brass
Desk Register from Buffalo Bill's Hotel in the Rockies
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Buffalo Bill's desk register used at the Irma Hotel, including a double inkwell, hotel bell, envelope holder, pen holder, two envelopes, baggage claim tag, ...
Wood
$230 / item
H 5.91 in W 5.91 in D 5.91 in
Geometric Sculpture in Polished Tangerine Resin by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Geometric sculpture made in polished resin in variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space. This sculpture is very versatile and fun! You can ...
Resin
Geometric Sculpture in Polished Pearl Resin by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Geometric sculpture made in polished resin in variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space. This sculpture is very versatile and fun! You can cr...
Resin
$2,500 / set
H 0.88 in W 8 in D 4.63 in
English "Grand Tour" Derbyshire Specimen Marble Plaque Paperweights, circa 1850
Located in Kinderhook, NY
A collection of three 'Grand Tour' English / Italian polychrome marble plaques or paperweights, one rectangular; two of cartouche form, the 'Derbyshire' or 'Belgian Black' marble slabs inset with native English stones 'Blue John' (Derbyshire Spar), 'Duke's Red', 'Bird's-Eye', and foreign Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, and Jasper in 'ovoid' and 'kidney' form inlays. Measurements : Rectangular plaque: 8" by 4.63" by .88" Cartouche plaque...
Marble
$1,000
H 9.44 in W 7.5 in D 7.5 in
Christian Dior Desk Waste Basket in Metal, Lucite and Rattan, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning wastebasket was designed for the Christian Dior Interior Collection. The rare piece was meticulously crafted in France circa 1970. The geometric shape features a gilded...
Metal, Brass
Sam Maloof Handcrafted Studio Signed Walnut Paperweight
By Sam Maloof
Located in San Diego, CA
Sam Maloof hand signed paperweight in solid walnut. Classic Maloof joinery. Crafted in the Maloof woodshop. This was created in the 1990s or early 2000s when Maloof was alive and s...
Walnut
1970s Herringbone Design Exotic Mixed Wood Butcher Block Clipboard
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Exotic Mixed Wood / Wood Butcher Block Clip Board Herringbone Design "Thickness of Clip Board Base is 3/8"
Hardwood
Mission / Craftsman American Quarter Sawn Oak Waste Basket Art Deco
Located in San Diego, CA
A very well constructed mission / craftsman style American quarter sawn oak waste basket great detail and craftsmanship solid oak edges tall elegant and rare. circa 1940's.
Oak
Mission / Craftsman Style American Quarter Sawn Oak Waste Basket
Located in San Diego, CA
A very well constructed mission / craftsman style American quarter sawn oak waste basket, circa 1940s. The waste basket is in good condition and measu...
Oak, Leather
Mission / Craftsman Style American Quarter Sawn Oak Waste Basket
Located in San Diego, CA
A very well constructed mission / craftsman style American quarter sawn oak waste basket, circa 1940s. The waste basket is in good condition and measu...
Oak
Mission / Craftsman Style American Quarter Sawn Oak Waste Basket
Located in San Diego, CA
A very well constructed mission / craftsman style American quarter sawn oak waste basket, circa 1990s. The waste basket is in very good condition and ...
Oak
Pair of Vintage Polished Cast Brass Art Deco Swan Bookends, circa 1950
By Sarried Ltd.
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage pair of polished cast brass Art Deco Swan bookends, circa 1950. Pair of midcentury vintage cast metal polished decorative brass swan bo...
Brass
Pair of Vintage Polished Cast Brass Art Deco Swan Bookends, circa 1950
By Sarried Ltd.
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage pair of polished cast brass Art Deco Swan bookends, circa 1950. Pair of midcentury vintage cast metal polished decorative brass swan bo...
Brass
Pair of Vintage Polished Cast Brass Art Deco Swan Bookends, circa 1950
By Sarried Ltd.
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage pair of polished cast brass Art Deco Swan bookends, circa 1950. Pair of midcentury vintage cast metal polished decorative brass swan boo...
Brass
Antique Double Inkwell with Owls, circa 1920
Located in Petaluma, CA
This very cute little inkwell is American and circa 1920. We believe it was made by Jennings Bros. The warm brown patina certainly points to them. The hole in the middle of the owls ...
Metal
Pair of Vintage Polished Cast Brass Duck Bookends, circa 1950
By Sarried Ltd.
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage pair of polished cast brass duck bookends, circa 1950. Pair of polished decorative brass duck bookends in Sarried style. Very sturdy and heavy. Pair of midcentury vintage cast metal brass duck sculpture...
Brass
Pair of Vintage Polished Cast Brass Duck Bookends, circa 1950
By Sarried Ltd.
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage pair of polished cast brass duck bookends, circa 1950. Pair of polished decorative brass duck bookends in Sarried style. Very sturdy and heavy. Pair of midcentury vintage cast metal brass duck sculpture...
Brass
19th Century Counter Top Wooden Globe File Cabinet
Located in Surrey, BC
Small wooden oak multi drawer cabinet used for counter top setting with functional sliding tambour door. This item was used for invoice filin...
Oak
Miniature Desk Ladder
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Vintage staircase for desk or shelf decorations.
Wood
American Studio Craftsmen Inlaid Wood Cone Forms
Located in Rochester, NY
A pair of mid-20th century modernist finely turned two tone inlaid wooden cone forms of very graphic design. A terrific desktop item for the architect.
Wood