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.
Unusual One of a Kind Pewter and Iron Pendant with Hand-made Chain
Located in Houston, TX
This charming and unusual hammered pewter and iron pendant is a one-of-a-kind piece. It has hand-made iron chain and has been newly wired in the US. This light is suitable for so m...
Iron, Pewter
American Galvanized and Brass Onion Lamp. New York, Circa 1910
Located in Charleston, SC
American brass cap onion lamp with galvanized protective cage surrounding the original ruby Perkins globe, . NY, Early 20th Century
Mid Century Bronze Lighthouse on the Rocks Table Lamp c1940
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous cast bronze tall lighthouse in the form of a lamp. Cast rocks at the base which sits above a hand turned stepped wooden base. In excellent vintage...
Bronze
Custom Made Iron Floor Lamp with Oak Shelf That Functions as as a Side Table
Located in Houston, TX
We make this lamp for our shop. It is made to order and we can adjust the height of the lamp to your desired height. It is nice for spaces where there is not room for a table and a l...
Iron
$630Sale Price|30% Off
1904 Antique Western Electric Converted Brass Candlestick Telephone Lamp
Located in Dayton, OH
Early 1900s Western Electric Candlestick Lamp. The lamp is turned on by lifting the earpiece off the handle. A unique timless design that will bring a smile after every use. Dimen...
Brass
$800 / item
Aperture Bare Pendant
By Allied Maker
Located in Glen Cove, NY
This petit single pendant features a 4.5" perforated mini dome. Excellent alone or in a grouping, this little pendant has a lot of presence. Featured in blackened brass, available in...
Brass
$1,440Sale Price|36% Off
Craftsman Harp Floor Lamp w/ Floral Base & Molded Glass Shade
Located in San Francisco, CA
A heavy, brass and wrought iron harp floor lamp with a dome shaped base with beautifully cast flowers. In Art Deco, Craftsman style, with a molded, ang...
Brass, Wrought Iron
California Craftsman Iron Ornate Sconces Pendant Lamps with Ruby Red Glass, Pair
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Pair of ornate wrought iron garden/patio sconces. 6 sided with original ruby red wavy glass. Circa 1950's.
Wrought Iron
Pair of American Brass Double Stacked Maritime Beacons Mounted on Bases. C. 1880
By Lovell Manufacturing Company
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of American brass double stacked maritime beacons with carrying handles, makers stamps, original red and blue 360 degree Fresnel lenses, and mount...
Brass
American Nautical Brass Perko Marine Lantern with Orig. Fresnel Lense NY C. 1920
By Perko Co.
Located in Charleston, SC
American Nautical brass Perko marine lantern with the original Fresnel lense, exterior side mounts, vents, and locking interior oil font. Stamped ...
Brass, Copper
Flushmount Texas Lightsmith Style Mica Vintage Drum Fixture - One Pendant
Located in Lomita, CA
Texas Lightsmith Style and Craftsmanship A combination of light and warmth combine to make this flushmount Mica shade drum fixture in wrought iron a great choice for a number of sett...
Wrought Iron
Large Scale Hand Turned Craftsman Table Lamp
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Beautiful, simple and large in scale, this lamp is a nice artist signed piece. Hand turned out of a single piece of birch wood. This lamp is the perfect addition to almost any spac...
Wood, Birch
$13,551Sale Price|20% Off
Palm Wood Arc Floor Lamp, American Craftsman, Leather Shade, 1980s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Palm Wood; Studio Craft; Arc; Floor Lamp; 1980s; American Craftsman; Craftsmanship; Ethnic Inspired; Lightning; Artist; Functional Art; Palm wood floor lamp, a testament to craftsm...
Leather, Palmwood
Outdoor Wall Lantern Craftsman-Colonial style with Antique Glass, Handmade in US
By Santa Barbara Lighting Company
Located in Santa Paula, CA
Timeless design meets handcrafted quality in this Transitional Colonial outdoor wall lantern, a fixture inspired by the classic charm of historic carriage lights and reimagined with ...
Wrought Iron
Exterior Lighting Handmade Wrought Iron Outdoor Wall Sconce Lantern
By Santa Barbara Lighting Company
Located in Santa Paula, CA
The Meridian Design is based on clean lines and simple geometry. The minimalist traditional style is sculptural and contemporary and compliments a rang...
Wrought Iron
Hexagonal Wrought Iron Wall Sconce by Steven Handelman Studios, 2001
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A custom-crafted wall sconce by Steven Handelman Studios, dated June 2001, combining classic form with durable materials. This handcrafted fixture features a hexagonal body made of b...
Wrought Iron
Globe Specialty Co., Art Deco Slag Glass Lamp Base, U.S.a., circa 1940's
Located in Chatham, ON
Globe Specialty Co. - Art Deco amber and white slag glass 'Boudoir' table lamp - pull chain on the socket (chain appears to be original) - remnants of the original Globe Specialty Co. label on the bottom (original Glolite label still attached - see photo) - U.S.A. (Chicago) - circa 1940's. Excellent vintage condition - no loss - no damage - no restoration - socket is likely a replacement - vintage electrical...
Art Glass
Vintage New England Lobsterman Figural Lamp
By Atlantic Pacific Manufacturing Corp.
Located in East Freetown, MA
Classic New England lobsterman in bright yellow slicker and hat with two red lobsters painted figural table lamp.
Resin
Hand-Crafted Spanish Revival Craftsman Style Exterior Outdoor Wall Sconce
By Santa Barbara Lighting Company
Located in Santa Paula, CA
The Monterey Claro Tall featuring a taller frame, has balanced proportions perfectly blending the Spanish Colonial Revival and Craftsman styles. Simple yet elegant, this lantern embo...
Steel, Wrought Iron
Lathe Turned Walnut Table lamp form TWLF by Michael Rozell, USA 2023
Located in Berlin, DE
Lathe Turned Walnut table lamp form TWLF by Michael Rozell. A similar, slightly smaller model is listed, too.
Wood, Walnut
Organic Natural Free Edge Style Hardwood Table Lamp with Original Shade
Located in Ferndale, MI
Free edge organic narural form driftwood style table lamp. Brass stem to socket is wrapped in leather. Original shade with wood ribbing included and shipped separately. Lamp to base ...
Driftwood
Handmade Coastal Craftsman Style Wrought Iron Exterior Outdoor Wall Lantern
By Britt Jewett
Located in Santa Paula, CA
In the 1940's, the Miramar hotel became a coastal landmark, as the weekend getaway for Los Angelinos looking to escape the city. With its cozy cottages and beachy clean appeal, the M...
Wrought Iron
American Solid Copper and Brass Naval Ships Binacle, Lionel Corp. NY, Circa 1942
Located in Charleston, SC
American solid copper and brass Navy ships binnacle with interior mounted compass, brass carrying handle, side mounted kerosene lantern, rear mounting bracket and brass plate inscrib...
Brass, Copper
$3,000Sale Price|21% Off
Art Glass Table Lamp by Wayne Husted for Blenko
By Wayne Husted
Located in Atlanta, GA
A blown art glass lamp Model 551 by Wayne Husted for Blenko 1970s. Made with his signature techniques, the bulbous body of a dark green color feature...
Blown Glass
Craftsman/ Victorian Style Wrought Iron Pier Mounts
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
The Garden Street Pier Mount Lanterns were inspired by a Historic house in Santa Barbara. This house was originally built in 1895 as a Queen Ann Vi...
Wrought Iron
$718Sale Price|20% Off
American Craft, Reclaimed Turned Wood Table Lamp, 1970s
Located in Delray Beach, FL
A table lamp. In finely turned reclaimed oak in a classic form. Designed and produced by an unknown studio craftsman who signed THP. Made in 1977. Beautiful patina to the wood and br...
Wood
$365Sale Price|59% Off
American Studio Mechanical Wood Specimen Table Lamp, Mid-Late 20th Century
Located in Miami, FL
American Studio mechanical wood specimen table lamp, Mid-Late 20th Century Offered for sale is an American Studio mechanical wood specimen table lamp with chunky sections of varie...
Metal
Ceramic Table Lamp by Nancy Wickham Boyd
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A beige and brown ceramic table lamp with incised decoration, signed 'Wickham,' with a base height of 17".
Ceramic
Organic Modern Black Lacquered Wood & White Alabaster "Moon" Table Lamp
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Handcrafted Black Enameled Wood & White Alabaster Table Lamp. Featuring a Black lacquered wood root like base with translucent, 8 D Alabaster Globe. Warm glow. Standard socket. Up to...
Alabaster
Japanese Style Grid Floor Lamp for Lightolier, 1970's
By Lightolier
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Four sided floor lamp evoking a Japanese Shoji screen. The frame of solid walnut set on an ebonized recessed plinth base with the frame having a...
Birch, Walnut
$3,800
Wood Table Lamp from USA
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An unattributed American Craftsman thick burled wood slab table lamp with rectangular base. Shade not included.
Brass