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.
Rare 1952 George Nakashima Walnut Chairs, American Craftsman Style
Located in Hopewell, NJ
An iconic pair of early circa 1952 George Nakashima "New Chairs" masterfully constructed out of walnut. Letter of authenticity included.
Walnut
Sculptural Side Chair with Woven Leather Seat
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Side chair, leather, stained wood, United States, 1950s Admirable handcrafted side chair from the 1950s. This chair features a combination of diverse shapes that create a wonderful ...
Leather, Wood
Walnut Wood and Cork Chair, Dining or Writing Desk Chair, Porto Chair
Located in Birmingham, AL
The Porto chair embraces the fusion of timeless elegance and functional minimalism. This streamlined chair complements your urban wood dining table or writing desk in the office. Wit...
Wood
Antique Wood Ladder Back Rush Seat Child's Accent Chair Painted Orange
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A children's American Arts and Crafts ladder back chair with a rush seat. We love a good ladder back chair, and this piece is perfect for a kid's room. Created from wood, the back fe...
Rush, Wood
Ebonized Oak Wood and Cork Chair Dining or Writing Desk Chair Porto Chair
Located in Birmingham, AL
The Porto chair embraces the fusion of timeless elegance and functional minimalism. This streamlined chair complements your urban wood dining table or writing desk in the office. Wit...
Wood
White Oak Wood and Cork Chair Dining or Writing Desk Chair Porto Chair
Located in Birmingham, AL
The Porto chair embraces the fusion of timeless elegance and functional minimalism. This streamlined chair complements your urban wood dining table or writing desk in the office. Wit...
Wood, Oak
Signed Studio Chair by American Woodcraftsman Mike Bartell, 1993
Located in Berlin, DE
Studio craft chair with great wood connections and a black leather seat.
Leather, Wood
Karl Seemuller Studio Craft Stool, USA, 1973
By Karl Seemuller
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
Sculpted freeform American Craft stool by Karl Seemuller, USA, 1973. Fast shipping worldwide.
Wood
David N. Ebner, American Studio Craft Artist, "Brookhaven Chair"
Located in Bellport, NY
"The Brookhaven Chair" by American studio Craft artist, David N. Ebner, appears to dance, the legs are so graceful, yet very strong. Pigmented maplew...
Maple
Mid 20th Century Vintage Painted Wicker Chair
By Wicker Works
Located in Pasadena, TX
Adorable wicker chair with the cutest details. We painted it this lovely neutral color, great to mix into any space. Color is Smokey Beige. Would be a fun touch to add to a bedroom! ...
Wicker
$12,000 / item
David N. Ebner, Twisted Stick Ladder Back Chair
Located in Bellport, NY
One of a kind tall twisted stick ladder back chair by renowned artist and craftsman David N. Ebner. Please see the newly published book "David Ebner: S...
Wood
Nichols & Stone Hitchcock Style Rocking Chair in Honor of U.S. Gen. Thayer
Located in Germantown, MD
Stunning Hitchcock Style Rocking Chair crafted by Nichols & Stone. Splendid black, gold and tan with intricate hand painted flowers. This fabulous chair was crafted by Nichols and Stone in Honor US Civil War General...
Oak
19th Century American Walnut Childs Chair with Provenance
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting an absolutely stunning and historic 19th century American walnut childs chair belonging to Lida Calvert Hall 1867. This Chair has impeccable provenance: It is part o...
Walnut
Antique Craftsman Quarter Sawn Oak Dining or Single Desk Chair Upholstered Seat
Located in Monrovia, CA
This Is An Antique Craftsman Quarter Sawn Oak Or Tiger Oak Wood Single Dining Chair or Single Desk Chair With An Upholstered Black Vinyl Seat. The Tiger...
Upholstery, Wood, Oak
Incredible Late 19th Century Steer Horn Chair and Ottoman
Located in St. Louis, MO
Incredible late 19th or early 20th century rustic steer long horn chair and ottoman. This chair is in great condition, has spring seat and is very stur...
Horn
George Suyeoka Studio Prototype Walnut Chair
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A studio crafted oiled black American walnut sculptural chair designed and made by Japanese American George Suyeoka, furniture builder, artist, writer. ...
Wood, Walnut
Modern Solid Oak Chair with Clear Oil Finish for Dining / Writing Height Seating
Located in Birmingham, AL
The Bowtie chair by Alabama Sawyer is a modern solid oak chair with clear oil finish for dining or writing height seating. It combines elements of Minimal...
Wood
$950Sale Price|50% Off
Antique Roycroft oak Side Chair, leather seat, Stickley era - W7738 SALE
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is a rare Roycroft side chair from the early 1900s. In excellent condition. The leather seat is in good condition and is most likely original. The chair is marked (as seen in ...
Oak
$1,568Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Set of Four Folding Theater Seats
Located in Freehold, NJ
This antique set of theater chairs feature hardwood construction, original dark finish, four individual folding seats, and complete folding frame. Dimensions: 71.25w 21d 33.5h 16sh ...
Wood
Craftsman Campaign Prayer Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-20th century, craftsman, Campaign or prayer chair features a carved cherry frame with newly upholstered luggage tan leather seat and back.
Leather, Cherry
David N. Ebner. Studio Craftsman, Sassafras Wood Book Chair
Located in Bellport, NY
Master craftsman David N. Ebner's sassafras wood book chair with his exclusive graphite Finish. Please see the newly published book "David Ebner: Stu...
Wood
$321Sale Price|35% Off
Vintage Red Upholstered Wingback Chair with Wood Base
Located in Freehold, NJ
This vintage wingback chair features original red patterned upholstery, removable cushion, and solid wood base with original finish. Dimensions: 27w 24d 48h 23ah 20.5sh Condition: ...
Upholstery, Wood
David N. Ebner, Studio Craft Artist, Slatted Bamboo Bench
Located in Bellport, NY
A wonderful David N. Ebner bamboo bench. Shown in amber; the bamboo collection can be crafted in both natural or amber finish. Through the use of stripped down Classic forms, Davi...
Bamboo
$3,000
H 30 in W 22 in D 19.5 in
George Nakashima N19 Side Chair for Knoll, Walnut, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by master craftsman George Nakashima for Knoll in 1946, the N19 chair was intended as a mass-produced counterpoint to the Nakashima Studio’s popular “Straight Chair...
Walnut
Bonacina Sculptural Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant pair of rattan and bamboo chairs. Made in Italy. Very good vintage condition. Great scale.
Bamboo, Rattan
George Nakashima Mira Chair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
George Nakashima Walnut Mira Chair Original Surface Marked Showroom on underside of Chair Seat
Walnut
David N. Ebner. Studio Craftsman, Sassafras Wood Book Chair
Located in Bellport, NY
Master craftsman David N. Ebner's sassafras wood book chair with his exclusive graphite Finish. Please see the newly published book "David Ebner: Stu...
Wood
George Nakashima Straight Back Chair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
George Nakashima Straight Back Chair Walnut and Hickory Construction Single Board carved Sap Grained Seat Signed George Nakashima to underside of chair Seat
Walnut
$2,900 / item
H 33 in W 18 in D 21 in
Hypatia Side Chair With Unglazed Leather Seat And Back On Walnut Frame
Located in Toronto, Ontario
The Hypatia side chair is beautifully Minimalist in design. Subtle and thoughtful details highlight the implicit characteristics of the materials, ultimately working in harmony to cr...
Brass
$2,400
H 30 in W 22.5 in D 18 in
Early Mid-Century Modern Spindle Back George Nakashima Straight Chair for Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A classic & very early George Nakashima design, the spindle back straight chair. This 1940's example is made of solid Birch with signature saddle seat. Probably refinished at some po...
Wood
$2,950
H 29.25 in W 16 in D 17.5 in
George Nakashima Studio Straight Back Chair Mid Century American Craft
Located in Atlanta, GA
Vintage Original "Straight Back" Model Chair, made by George Nakashima Studio, American, circa 1961. The chair features a multi-plank seat. Signed with client name to underside ‘Gelf...
Hickory, Walnut
Antique Ladder Back Rush Seat Chairs set of Six
Located in Antwerp, BE
A beautiful set of 6 high back ladder chairs in solid oak and rush seats, 1950s made in South of France. All 6 chairs are in original good condition.
Oak
Midcentury Craftsman Style Lounge Chair
By H.T. Cushman Manufacturing Company
Located in Las Vegas, NV
A perfect example of early mid century craftsmanship at it's finest. Constructed of solid maple wood with a beautifully angled back, large dowel joints and hand carved legs, no deta...
Maple
Orange Baby Rabbit Chair by Stefano Giovannoni
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. (2.2) The idea of the rabbit, a gentle, lovable and shy animal, comes from the association of its silhouette with that of a seat, where the rabbit's ears become the backrest of the chair. The smaller version is conceived for children's fun: the Rabbit chair...
Plastic
George Nakashima Captain's Chair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
George Nakashima Captain's Chair Beautiful original Dark Surface wonderful spline details Clients name to underside of the chair
Walnut
Sold
H 42 in W 16 in D 18 in
Walnut Wood and Cork Barstool, Porto Chair Style Bar Seating Set of Four (4)
Located in Birmingham, AL
A modern and environmentally-friendly bar seating solution, the Porto Barstool offers versatility and sophistication to complement your interior design style. Pair them with a beaut...
Wood, Walnut, Cork
Antique braided wooden side chair, early 20th century
Located in View Park, CA
An antique wooden chair with braided seat, early 20th century. A wonderful little example of the early American craftsman movement. Signs of wear include scuffing but overall this ch...
Wood
Gardner & Co. Pierced Bent Ply and Oak Frame Arm Chair c.1872
By Denton & Gardner Ltd.
Located in London, GB
This iconic bent ply arm chair is incredibly comfortable with it's ingenious ergonoic design. (an example of this chair can be found at The Brooklyn Museum of Art, United States and one example at the Victoria & Albert Museum United Kingdom. This chair bears a makers mark with the maker's name and the date of 21 May 1872. This refers to the patent number, 127,045, that the firm had taken out for a 3-ply veneer chair seat. The firm of Gardner and Co. was active from 1863 to about 1887. It manufactured plywood seat furniture on a vast scale, establishing a new industry. This chair is a typical Gardner product. It is comparable to examples that were shown at the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition of 1876. Gardner's selling agents, Hutchins & Mabbett, advertised it as the strongest chair made for its weight. They recommended it highly as a church, Sabbath school or reception chair...
Birch, Oak
Pair of George Nakashima New Chairs
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of rare and early model 271 or New Chairs, the iconic Windsor spindle back chairs reimagined by Japanese-American Master Woodworker, George Nakashima in 1956. East Indian Laurel wood...
Hickory, Walnut
Late 18th Century New England Ladder Back Armchair
Located in New York, NY
American shaker ladder back armchair, circa 1800, origin: New England, America, With distinctively carved arms, ring-turned details on front and b...
Wood
Paint Decorated Cane Seat Chairs
Located in Bradenton, FL
Set of six American grain painted and pin striped stenciled chairs. This is a great looking set of mid 19th century chairs in very good condition. All...
Maple
American Steer Horn, White Hide Chair
Located in New York, NY
Artsian made armchair featuring American steer horns and new white hide upholstery.
Horn, Hide
Sold
H 41.25 in W 27.5 in D 39 in
American Studio Craft Sculptural Walnut Rocking Chair, Hand Crafted, Marked
Located in Kansas City, MO
Wonderful studio craft rocker made of solid walnut. Organic, sculptural design. Retains the original leather seat pad that is not attached but sits...
Walnut
Walker Weed Lounge Chair
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Leather sling and walnut lounge chair designed by New Hampshire craftsman Walker Weed. In 1964, he was selected as Director of the Crafts Progr...
Leather, Walnut
Sold
H 37.25 in W 39.75 in D 38.5 in
1910s Pair of Westport Lounge Chairs by Thomas Lee for Harry Bunnell
By Harry Bunnell, Thomas Lee
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Profoundly innovative and original, the ‘Westport’ Adirondack chair a century after its introduction remains a tribute to the creativity of A...
Wood
Sold
H 32 in W 18 in D 20 in
Modern Solid Oak Chair with Black Oil Finish for Dining / Writing Height Seating
Located in Birmingham, AL
The Bowtie Chair by Alabama Sawyer is a Modern Solid Oak Chair with Black Oil Finish for Dining or Writing Height Seating. It combines elements of minimal...
Wood
Walnut Conoid Chair, by George Nakashima
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
A single walnut conoid side chair. The seat has beautiful grains is inscribed with client's name "Lucas" under seat. Recently restored by Nakashima Studios. Provenance includes...
Walnut