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.
$525Sale Price|30% Off
2 Antique Shaker Style Mahogany Ladder Back Dining Side Chairs Rush Seat
Located in Dayton, OH
2 antique Shaker style side chairs. Mismatched set with different ladder back styles. Made from mahogany with rush seat over ring turned legs. Dimensions: 19.5" x 19.5" x 39"h, se...
Rattan, Mahogany
W.F. Whitney design Ladder Back Shaker Farm House Chairs with Rush Seating 4
Located in Las Vegas, NV
A set of 4 (1 captain and 3 sides) rush seated ladder back chairs from W F Whitney. circa 1920's. These chairs have a unique soulfulness to them from years of use but not abuse. Wond...
Rush, Wood
Mt Lebanon Shaker Side Chair
By Mt. Lebanon Shaker Community
Located in Sharon, CT
An early Shaker 'Tilter' side chair, This is a tilter that has lost its tilters.
Cane, Maple
$2,500
Rare Shaker #4 Rocker
By Mt. Lebanon Shaker Community
Located in Sharon, CT
An extremely rare Shaker (most likely Mount Lebanon) #4 Armless Rocker. Maple with original 'mahogany' finish. Original Splint Seat. Unusual lack of Pommels. Though stamped #4 on th...
Maple
Set of Four Velvet Chairs by Willy Rizzo, Chrome Frame, Circa 1970
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A sublime set of four chairs with a refined design typical of the 1970s, attributed to Willy Rizzo, renowned for his style blending modernism, luxury, and clean lines. Each chair fea...
Chrome
$4,620Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 30.32 in W 18.9 in D 18.51 in
Set of 4 pcs. Mid-Century Italian Chrome Chairs by Willy Rizzo
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Vilnius, LT
Set of 4 pcs. Mid-Century Italian chrome frame chairs by Willy Rizzo from 1970's. The chairs are with olive green color upholstery. Very good/excellent vintage condition.
Chrome
$1,556 / set
H 33.08 in W 22.05 in D 20.48 in
1970s Set of Four Chrome and Leather Tubular Chairs, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- Very good original condition with minor signs of use - Height of seat 45 cm.
Chrome
On Hold|$1,872 / set
H 29.14 in W 22.05 in D 18.51 in
Mid-century modern six wooden chairs by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, Italy 1970s
Located in Nicolosi, IT
Mid-century modern six wooden chairs by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, Italy 1970s Set of six chairs by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, 1970s. The combination of clean lines, high-quality...
Fabric, Wood
$3,040Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 37.5 in W 21.25 in D 17.75 in
Set of 4 George III Ladder Back Side Chairs with Slip Seats
Located in Huntington, NY
Covered in horse hair.
Mahogany
$325
H 38.75 in W 18 in D 18.25 in
Single Quaker Style Ladder Back Dining Chair with Rush Seat and Bible Shelf
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Single Quaker style ladder back dining chair with rush seat and Bible shelf. One left from group of many. In original condition, with visible patina and heavy wear, including some br...
Rush, Wood
$1,800 / item
H 44 in W 20 in D 18 in
SHAKER Swivel Bar Chair by AMBROZIA, Cowhide, Leather, Black Metal & Walnut
By AMBROZIA
Located in Drummondville, Quebec
The Shaker swivel bar chair is made to order from our unique Ambrozia black textured steel tubing frame. This contemporary / modern swivel armchair i...
Steel
$2,245 / item
H 41 in W 20 in D 18 in
SHAKER Swivel Counter Chair by AMBROZIA, Shearling, Leather, Brass & Walnut
By AMBROZIA
Located in Drummondville, Quebec
The Shaker swivel Counter chair is made to order. This contemporary / modern swivel armchair is available in a large variety of genuine leathers,...
Steel
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
$3,116Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 43 in W 21 in D 21 in
Vintage Ladder Back Rush Seat Dining Chairs Set of 8
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on "Read More" or "View More Details" below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing is from 1st Dibs and they normally s...
Rush, Oak
$2,621Sale Price|25% Off
H 29.25 in W 26 in D 31 in
Scandinavian Modern Teak Model 120 Rocker Ole Wanscher France & Son John Stuart
By Ole Wanscher, France & Søn, John Stuart Inc.
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous Scandinavian Modern teak rocker model 120 designed by Ole Wanscher for France & Son and sold by John Stuart Co. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use & wear. The sprung cushions will need new padding & the original brown nubby fabric has no rips or holes but has faded and will need reupholstered, it has been priced accordingly. Has a couple of repairs where the screws were put all the way through leg assembly at some point in their lives. We have repaired & replaced hardware to match. One hole was plugged, and the plug is still slightly visible. It has been sanded, stained & a teak oil finish. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, 1950s-1960’s. Let’s Rock… Everybody, Let’s Rock! Everybody in the whole cell block… Oh ya, you’re singing it!! Nothing like a song from the late King of Rock to introduce this Awesome vintage Rocker!!! We have a wonderful Scandinavian Modern rocker Model 120 made by France & Son, for John Stuart Co & designed by Ole Wanscher!! It wears its original brown nubby fabric and as you would expect with age and wear, it has faded, there are no holes or rips, it just looks its fabulous age. Also, its wonderful sprung cushions will need some new padding. The springs are great, just the padding. With just a bit of TLC this vintage beauty will be your new favorite Scandinavian Modern piece!! It has a gorgeous teak frame and will look marvelous rocking in your living room, bedroom, or sitting room. Maybe you have a young child or a new baby? There’s no better place to cuddle your precious child and there are tons of location possibilities with this beauty! Get ready to sit back, relax, and rock!! British businessmen Charles France and his Danish partner...
Fabric, Teak
Beautiful Biedermeier Side Chair
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful 19th century Biedermeier style side chair in walnut with leather seat. After a model by Joseph Danhausser.
Walnut
Five Italian Side Chairs
Located in Albany, NY
Side chair from the 1930s with early example of plywood seat. Chairs can be sold separately. $1500.00 per chair.
Plywood
Sold
H 41.5 in W 19.5 in D 19.5 in
6 Vintage Shaker Style Farmhouse Ladderback Maple Dining Chairs Rush Seat
Located in Dayton, OH
6 Shaker style ladderback dining chairs, circa second half 20th century. Made from maple with an arched ladderback and rush seat. The chairs are supported by ribbed front legs with...
Maple
Sold
H 39 in W 19 in D 14.25 in
Antique Pair of Shaker Chairs from the Enfield Community, Circa Mid 1800s
Located in Peabody, MA
A fine pair of authentic American Shaker chairs from the Enfield, NH village. These examples were made for the community’s own use and not market...
Ash, Maple
Sold
H 42.75 in W 18.75 in D 15.5 in
Pair of Original Shaker Chairs from the Enfield Community, circa Mid 1800s
Located in Peabody, MA
An original matched pair of Shaker high back chairs from the Enfield, Connecticut Community of Believers, circa. 1840-1860s.
Cotton, Wood
Sold
H 34.5 in W 19 in D 18.5 in
4 Antique Primitive Shaker Maple Farmhouse Country Ladderback Rush Dining Chairs
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage American Shaker maple and pine rush seat ladderback farmhouse dining chairs. 18.5" x 19" x 34.5" / Seat Height - 17" (Width x Depth x Height)
Rush, Maple
Sold
H 41 in W 21.5 in D 30 in
20th Century Shaker Style Farmhouse Ladderback Rocking Chair Rush Seat Black
Located in Dayton, OH
20th Century shaker style rocking chair. Features a black finish with gold trim along the back rails and a rush seat.
Rush, Hardwood
Sold
H 45 in W 23.25 in D 19.25 in
Vintage Early American Style Oak Rustic Ladderback Rush Seat Shaker Arm Chair
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Early American style shaker ladderback chair. Made from oak with black painted finish, naturally distressed allowing the oak to show th...
Rush, Oak, Paint
Sold
H 34 in W 18 in D 17 in
4 Antique Amish Shaker Solid Maple Ladderback Dining Chairs Reed Woven Seats
Located in Dayton, OH
4 solid maple shaker dining chairs. Feature a ladderback and reed woven seats.
Reed, Maple
Sold
H 39 in W 17.5 in D 18.75 in
4 Antique Early American Shaker Pine Ladderback Rush Side Dining Chairs
Located in Dayton, OH
Four vintage pine early American style Shaker ladderback dining chairs featuring rush seats and tall finials.
Rush, Pine
Sold
H 33.5 in W 120 in D 16.5 in
Exceptional 19th C. Hand Made Quaker Meeting House Bench, New England/Cape Cod
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Exceptional 19th c. Hand made Quaker Meeting House bench, New England/Cape Cod (Shaker) Pine, Iron Measures: H: 33.5, Seat H: 17.5 D: 16.5, Seat D: 15...
Pine
Sold
H 16.5 in W 120 in L 16.5 in
Exceptional 19th C. Hand Made Quaker Meeting House Bench, New England/Cape Cod
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Exceptional 19th C. Hand made Quaker Meeting House bench, New England/Cape Cod (Shaker) Pine, Iron Measures: H: 33.5, Seat H: 17.5 D: 16.5, Seat D: 15 W...
Pine
Sold
H 36 in W 18.5 in D 16 in
4 Vintage Stickley Maple Shaker Farmhouse Ladder Back Rush Dining Side Chairs
Located in Dayton, OH
Set of four vintage original Stickley side dining chairs. Made of maple featuring serpentine ladderback and rush seat. Marked on base, Stickley, Fayetteville Syracuse. This mark was ...
Rush, Maple
Sold
H 33.5 in W 120 in D 16.5 in
Exceptional 19th C. Hand Made Quaker Meeting House Bench, New England/Cape Cod
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Exceptional 19th C. Hand made quaker meeting house bench, new england/cape cod Pine, Iron Measures: H: 33.5, Seat H: 17.5 D: 16.5, Seat D: 15 W: 120 in.
Pine