Authentic antique Shaker furniture is hard to come by, but not exceedingly rare. “Shaker style” describes furnishings and interiors that are both warm and simple, centered on unpretentious wooden chairs, tables and cabinets without ornament or embellishment.
The term derives from the popular name for an all-but-vanished American religious sect, whose members crafted modest household furniture and objects as part of their belief in purposeful living and simplicity in all things.
Members of the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing — called Shakers, derisively, because they writhed and danced in religious ecstasy during worship — arrived in the United States from England in 1774. Within 50 years, the sect had established 19 self-sufficient communities from Maine to Kentucky, where they lived pure, humble and industrious lives.
The furniture and objects the Shakers made reflected their strict rules of behavior. Pieces such as ladder- and slat-back chairs and trestle tables were painstakingly crafted from native woods like maple and cherry, using traditional methods such as mortise-and-tenon and dovetail joinery and lathe turning. They employed strong, straight lines and symmetrical proportions, and decoration of any kind — carving, veneers, inlays — was prohibited, as it would encourage the sins of pride and vanity.
The Shakers movement included some 6,000 members at its peak in the 1860s, but the group practiced celibacy and could attempt to sustain their flock only by recruiting new adherents. Modernity proved too alluring. Today only one tiny Shaker community, in Maine, still exists, though the sect’s heritage is preserved at several historical sites.
To support their communities, the Shakers sold furniture to outsiders, who appreciated its superb quality. While the “Shaker style” label is today given to many plain, simple wooden pieces, it should also denote superior construction and solid materials. As elements in interior design, Shaker furnishings work best in a quiet decor. Modest pieces such as these can become lost among more ornate works. The style is most suitable to a country home — although a Shaker chair or cabinet can make a striking counterpoint in a modernist, urban setting.
Shaker furniture and objects have a deep appeal for their warmth, honesty and graceful simplicity, which make them welcome almost anywhere.
Find antique Shaker furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
St Helena Walnut Cutting Board with Breadboard End in Stock
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The St Helena Tray is a piece that will complete your kitchen. Hang it from a pot rack, or simply lean it against the back splash and the warm walnut and hand shaped minimalist form...
Walnut
St Helena Walnut Cutting Board with Breadboard End in Stock
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The St Helena Tray is a piece that will complete your kitchen. Hang it from a pot rack, or simply lean it against the back splash and the warm walnut and hand shaped minimalist form...
Walnut
Mid Century Traditional Sea Shell and Brass Salt and Pepper Shakers - a Pair
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Beautiful pair of tall cylindrical sea shell-covered brass salt and pepper shakers. Sourced from a beautiful estate in Oklahoma. A gorgeou...
Metal
$179 / item
H 1.6 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Two-sided Maple Wood Cutting Board and Serving Plate, Quadrato, Made in Italy
Beauty meets function. This two-sided cutting board is made with European maple butcher block and carved at the corners with an ergonomic shape for easy lifting and handling. It’s a dinner party staple accommodating your laborious food preparation on the broad, flat side of the board while your appetizer compositions can take shape on the distinctly scalloped side. Designed in Brooklyn by Italian-born architect Ale Preda for Miduny, this artisanal product is made in Italy by master craftsmen. This board design comes in two versions. Quadrato, the square version featured in this listing, measures 15.75" x 15.75" x 1.6" thick. It feels large, heavy and professional. Food safe finish. Maple from an FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified mill. You’ll be confident to show off those German knife...
Maple
$575Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 3.15 in W 1.58 in D 1.58 in
Ghidini 1961 Omini Salt and Pepper Shakers in Polished Brass
By Ghidini 1961, Stefano Giovannoni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This playful brass condiment salt and pepper are decorated with tiny animate men on each.
Brass
Handmade White Carrara Marble Cutting Board
By Fiammetta V.
Located in Carrara, IT
White Carrara marble cutting board and hole on the handle to hang it. Each piece is in a way unique (every marble block is different in veins and ...
Marble
Decorative Cutting Board #1, Sculpted Oak
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Decorative cutting board #1 Sculpted solid oak Approximative size: from 20cm to 30cm (form 8'' to 12'') Custom size available. SÓHA design studio conceives and produces furniture d...
Oak
Pair of "Vertigo" Salt and Pepper Shakers signed Christofle
By Christofle
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your dining experience with a touch of contemporary elegance through the Pair of "Vertigo" Salt and Pepper Shakers signed Christofle France, 21st Century. This exquisite set ...
Silver Plate
Decorative Cutting Board #4, Sculpted Oak
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Decorative cutting board #4 Sculpted solid oak Approximative size: from 20cm to 30cm (form 8'' to 12'') Custom size available SÓHA design studio c...
Oak
Decorative Cutting Board #2, Sculpted Oak
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Decorative cutting board #2 Sculpted solid oak Approximative size: from 20cm to 30cm (form 8'' to 12'') Custom size available. SÓHA design studio conceives and produces furniture d...
Oak
$675Sale Price|27% Off
H 29.93 in W 18.12 in D 1.97 in
French 19th Century, Giant Wooden Chopping or Cutting Board
Located in Buisson, FR
Unique and very large wooden chopping-cutting board with a beautiful form. Great statement on your countertop, France, circa 1850-1900. Weathered. If needed items are treated against...
Wood
Chop, Handmade Oak Wood Serving and Cutting Board
Located in Orlando, FL
Chop is with you in preparing food in your kitchen. It is ergonomically redefined from a Classic cutting/chopping board. Durable and long-lasting. Each tree is different in pattern, ...
Wood, Oak
Ceramic Pair Salt and Pepper Shakers Cows Figurine
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Vintage pair of ceramic salt and pepper shakers - two cute cow figurines.
Ceramic
$92Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 1.5 in W 2.25 in D 2.25 in
Vintage Wood Sculpted Round Salt and Pepper Shaker Set
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and unique set of salt and pepper shakers. This pair is handmade in polished finished wood that shows beautiful grain. Each piece has fine details such as the "S" and "P" p...
Wood
$205Sale Price|52% Off
H 21.66 in W 11.82 in D 1.58 in
French 19th Century, Wooden Chopping or Cutting Board
Located in Buisson, FR
Unique wooden chopping-cutting board with a beautiful form. Great statement on your countertop, France, circa 1850-1900 Weathered. If needed items were treated against woodworm. H:55...
Wood
St Helena Cutting Board with Hand Turned Handle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This iteration of the St Helena Cutting Board is a solid walnut serving tray with a hand shaped handle that will do justice to your finest spread of cheeses, charcuterie and accompan...
Maple, Walnut
Vintage Pasta Rolling Pin
Located in Houston, TX
This vintage rolling pin has horizontal ridges and was likely used to make thin spaghetti noodles. The wood pin is in good condition and has a nice...
Maple
Sold
H 11.75 in W 17.25 in D 2.75 in
Oversized Antique Pennsylvania Earthenware Bowl with Combed Slip, 19th Century
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Pennsylvania Lancaster County oversized red ware (earthenware) bowl offers rectangular flared form with combed slip glaze stylized tassel decoration, 19th century Measu...
Earthenware
Sold
H 1.5 in W 19.5 in D 13.25 in
Oversized Pennsylvania Earthenware Tray with Combed Slip, Artist Signed
Located in Big Flats, NY
A Pennsylvania Lancaster County oversized red ware (earthenware) tray offers rectangular form with combed slip glaze decoration with ruffled rim and verso artist signed, 20th century...
Earthenware
Primitive Shaker Tray or Platter
Located in North Miami, FL
A beautifully worn Primitive tray in diamond shape. This is great for fruit, cheeses or keys catcher.
Wood