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.
$6,500 / item
Hana Walnut Trestle Dining Table in Stock
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Hana Trestle Dining table is our take on the classic trestle form, beloved by both the shakers and their distant woodworking cousins, the Japanese-who have reinterpreted the desi...
Walnut
$6,500 / item
Hana Walnut Trestle Dining Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Hana Trestle Dining table is our take on the classic trestle form, beloved by both the shakers and their distant woodworking cousins, the Jap...
Walnut
Claire Table, Shaker Modern Cherry Dining Table with Sculpted Joinery
By Carter Ellis
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Featuring modern sculpted joinery paired with a traditional shaker form of clean lines and tapered legs, the Claire table is a blend of old form and new styling. We call the look sha...
Wood, Cherry
$7,800 / item
East End Trestle Table in Walnut
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Initially designed for a client with a summer home out in East Hampton, the East end trestle is made with large dinner parties in mind. It is sturdy, yet light, and the base can be disassembled should you decide to set it out on the porch for a night or a season. Shown in oiled walnut in a nod to the numerous black walnut trees...
Walnut
Adair Table, Refined English Rustic Dining Table in Walnut
By Carter Ellis
Located in Chattanooga, TN
The Adair table is our tribute to English Rustic. Warm and inviting but raised to a more elegant modernity with rich Walnut instead of the traditional Scottish Pine. While more contemporary in appeal, the Adair Table is still constructed traditionally from solid wood with a beaded apron...
Walnut
Bonnin Ashley Custom-Made Dining Table in Black Walnut w/ Hand Rubbed Oil Finish
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
This table as show is available for immediate delivery Enjoying a minimalist design, this Bonnin Ashley custom-made dining table evokes the sense of a beautiful slab of wood floating in space being anchored by three legs without an apron or a stretcher. Our design is inspired by the simple aesthetic and ingenious joinery of the American Shakers. This two-plank dining table in American bookmatched black walnut with a traditional linseed oil finish can be ordered to suit in various lengths & widths. Table can also be made using other woods like maple, cherry or mahogany. This particular table is in stock & ready to ship. Table disassembles into four sections to facilitate shipping & installation. Measurements: 11' 8" long x 36" wide x 30" high. Note: We source all of our wood from a small mill on the Susquehanna river in Pennsylvania that specializes in cutting old growth trees that are in distress and need to be removed for safety reasons. These trees yield lumber that can no longer be found commercially. The boards are wide and the grain is tight with superb figuring and modeling. We also have the opportunity to purchase sequential boards from the same log giving us spectacular book...
Walnut
Black Lacquered Pine Trestle Base Farmhouse Dining Table, Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Shaker style trestle base farmhouse extension dining table USA, late 20th century Solid pine, in black lacquered fini...
Pine, Lacquer
Adair Table, Refined English Rustic Dining Table in Pine
By Carter Ellis
Located in Chattanooga, TN
The Adair table is our tribute to English Rustic. Warm, inviting and a love letter to old world craftsmanship, featuring a hand-planed spruce top, pegged t...
Pine
New England Farm Table, Shaker Modern Dining Table in Blackened Ash
By Carter Ellis
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Our modern take on a classic shaker farm table. The New England Farm Table features slim rails, neat but bold reveals, and a chunky tapered leg. When...
Wood, Ash
Shaker Trestle Dining Table c. 1830
By Shakers
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Shaker trestle dining table c. 1830. Pine and cherry. Harvard, MA community. Early repair to base dating to early 20th century. Provenance: Adelaide...
Pine, Cherry
12' Long Bonnin Ashley Custom-Made Dining Table/ Sideboard in Fumed Black Walnut
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
This table as shown is available for immediate delivery or ask us to quote a custom size A Hancock Village-inspired (Shaker), Bonnin Ashley custom-made dining table or sideboard in A...
Walnut
Shaker-Inspired Steel Round Dining Table
Located in Chicago, IL
An incredible artist-made steel round dining table oozing Shaker design principles of honesty, utility, and simplicity, with four gently curve...
Steel
New England Farm Table, Shaker-Modern Dining Table in Walnut
By Carter Ellis
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Our modern take on a classic shaker farm table. The New England Farm Table's features slim rails, neat but bold reveals, and a chunky tapered leg. Wh...
Wood, Walnut
Bullet Table, Country Shaker Table with Walnut and Exposed Joinery
By Carter Ellis
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Our first design, the bullet table received its name when we found an antique fired round inside one of the boards we were milling. Featuring a classic ta...
Wood, Walnut
$9,800 / item
East End White Oak Trestle Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Initially designed for a client with a summer home out in East Hampton, the East End Trestle is made with large dinner parties in mind. It is sturdy, yet light, and the base can be disassembled should you decide to set it out on the porch for a night or a season. Shown in whitewashed white oak in a nod to the silver toned deck boards lining the many docks of the Suffolk county coast. We begin each trestle table with scrupulously chosen lumber; straight grained and free of any large knots or defects. The boards are milled on our highly tuned machines, then the complex joinery for the base is cut by hand. The top and all the parts are polished with a well sharpened hand plane...
Cherry, Oak, Walnut
Bullet Table, Rustic Oak Shaker Table with Exposed Joinery
By Carter Ellis
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Our first design, the bullet table received it's name when we found an antique fired round inside one of the oak boards we were milling. Featuring a class...
Wood, Oak
In Stock - Bastogne Walnut Single Slab FIJN Dining Table
Located in Calgary, AB
A single slab of California exhibition-grade Bastogne walnut set atop oversized legs set in a brutalist stance. Handcrafted from one of our "unicorn"...
Steel
$30,027
H 31.89 in W 118.12 in D 39.38 in
Italian 17th Century Walnut Rustic Trestle Refectory Dining or Library Table
Located in Firenze, IT
This charming 17th Century massive scale rectangular refectory table, dating back to Baroque period, is a magnificent example of Tuscan rustic craftsmanship. The top consists of four large solid warm brow walnut planks capped on either end with matching pieces of walnut wood slabs. The 3 meters long and 1 meter wide tabletop rests on a trestle base composed of six massive turned baluster legs joined by a simple molded stretcher running the distance on either side making the seat even more comfortable. The simple and clean line of the top is wonderfully harmonized by the roundness of the legs, all with exceptional wood grain and texture and rich, warm great original patina throughout. In typical Tuscan fashion, this farm table is long and narrow, featuring a very rustic but clever construction: two wooden pegs and thick joints on each side allow the top to easily separate from the base for easy transportation. This is "The Table" solid and sturdy a wonderful and warm piece, rich in history and rare. The four plank cleated detachable top is of superb color and figuring. This versatile antique refectory table can be used as a hall, dining or serving table. It has character and is simply stunning from every angle making a fabulous statement in any room both in your countryside home or in the most elegant setting. A number of early solid walnut pieces which we have sold have harmonized very well with modern interiors. Any kind of dinner service will be enhanced by the sobriety of this table that will stand up to no end of use. This rustic and lasting table can be free-standing or would be perfect also leaned on the wall as a huge console...
Wood, Walnut
Colorway, Modern Dining Table, Multicolor
By Nice Condo
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Colorway Table is a 1980s-inspired form that blends clean modern lines with playful curves and color options. Constructed from high-quality baltic birch plywood and surfaced in F...
Plywood
Rustic Round Dining Table, Walnut
Located in Westwood, NJ
A round dining table finished in a warm walnut color with a rustic finish showing exposed saw marks and set on a bracketed country kitchen base, the table also has a built-in self-st...
Wood
$4,800
H 30 in W 35 in D 70 in
Walnut Epoxy Resin River Table - Custom Made Dining Table - Dine Table For 6
Located in İnegöl, TR
Custom Epoxy Resin Dining Table This table is made of 500 years old Walnut Wood. The grains and texture of the wood describe what a natural walnut woods looks like. It can be used ...
Steel
Italian Walnut Trestle Table
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Wonderful early 20th century Italian walnut trestle table with a 2-inch thick top, carved trestle ends and a very good colour. 1920. Code: 8909 Dimensions: W: 118" (299.7 cm) H: 3...
Walnut
$38,400Sale Price|20% Off
H 30 in W 132 in D 49 in
In Stock Claro Walnut Bookmatched FIJN Dining Table
Located in Calgary, AB
A bookmatched pair of incredibly figured California Claro walnut set atop oversized turned legs. The table top has been meticulously patched with inlays and the occasional bowtie to...
Steel
Antique Spanish Renaissance Revival Walnut Trestle Dining Table
Located in Astoria, NY
Late 19th century Spanish Renaissance Revival walnut trestle table, sourced in Provence, France. The rectangular top is crafted from solid walnut with a rich warm finish, its surface...
Walnut
$7,800
H 30 in W 98.5 in D 35.5 in
Country English Provincial Walnut Farmhouse Trestle Dining Table 8 Ft.
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Massive rustic country English provincial style farmhouse dining table or harvest table measuring over 8 feet long. The table features a 2.5 inch thick plank top with breadboard ends...
Brass, Iron
Modern Round Natural Wood Dining Table with Brass Base
Located in Riga, LV
Gather your friends at your next dinner party in style with the New Luxury Round Dining Table Supero. Sculpted by skilled craftsmen, this designer table features a solid oak rounded table...
Brass
Custom Made Reclaimed Hana Elm Wood Round Dining Table
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Bloom Home inc has over 2000 items in stock ready for immediate shipping, scroll down to view all of our items! Size: 59” rd. X 29-1/2”h Custom made reclaimed elm wood dining table...
Elm, Reclaimed Wood
Custom English Walnut and Burl Walnut Dining Table
Located in Woodbury, CT
Regency style two-pedestal, two-leaf walnut dining table with burl walnut crossbanding, beaded edge, and walnut apron. Cannon turned single column pedestals with reeded legs ending ...
Walnut, Burl
East End White Oak Trestle Table in Stock
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Initially designed for a client with a summer home out in East Hampton, the East End Trestle is made with large dinner parties in mind. It is sturdy, yet light, and the base can be d...
Oak
Early 20th Century Danish Shaker Dining Table
Located in Southampton, NY
Early 20th Century Danish Shaker Dining Table A simple and elegant design, a rectangular top sitting on double T legs and stretcher. You could spaciously seat six or comfortably se...
Wood
Sold
H 29.75 in W 59.75 in D 34 in
Artisanal Shaker Style Tiger Maple Dining Table by Gary Adriance, Massachusetts
Located in Peabody, MA
Vintage late 20th century studio craft Shaker dining table fashioned in tiger maple made the noted artisan Gary Adriance of South Dartmouth, MA. His studio and custom work is highly ...
Maple
Shaker Dining Table, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This versatile Shaker dining table dates to the mid-19th century and boasts a beautiful patina with a smooth texture that calls to be touched. The table has a rich, dark brown finish...
Hardwood, Oak
Hand Crafted Shaker Style Pine Drop Leaf Table XL Seven Feet
Located in West Hartford, CT
Meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans, this Shaker Style Drop Leaf Table embodies the essence of the Shaker tradition. Each detail, from the tapered legs to the clean lines, r...
Pine
Sold
H 30 in W 70 in D 48 in
Thomas Moser Shaker Studio Crafted Cherry Wood Dining Table, Newly Refinished
By Thomas Moser
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional studio crafted Shaker style solid cherry wood extension dining table By Thomas Moser Cabinetmakers USA, 1989 Measures: 48" W x 48" D x 30"H. Extends up to 70"...
Cherry
Sold
H 29.73 in W 91.34 in D 27.56 in
French Farmhouse Table Refectory Shaker Style Stone Tiled Top Mid Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
French farm table inset stone tiles vintage 20th century Shaker style one of a kind Single drawer one end Unusual Artisan made table with French ...
Stone
Adair Table, Refined English Rustic Dining Table in Spruce
By Carter Ellis
Located in Chattanooga, TN
The Adair table is our tribute to English Rustic. Warm, inviting and a love letter to old world craftsmanship, featuring a hand-planed spruce top, pegged t...
Walnut
Sold
H 30.5 in W 48 in D 36 in
Amish Handmade Extendable Rectangular Cherry Dining Breakfast Table Shaker
Located in Dayton, OH
Amish made handcrafted cherry dining table. Rectangular form with turned legs. Features (3) 11" leafs for extension and table pads.
Cherry
Hana Trestle Dining Table in Walnut in Stock
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Hana trestle dining table is inspired by time spent on the east coast of Maui; an enclave of 'back to the land' types who settled there in the 1960s. The homes are all built by h...
Maple, Walnut
David T Smith Primitive Early American Round Pine Shaker Farmhouse Dining Table
By David Smith
Located in Dayton, OH
David T Smith shaker style American pine painted breakfast table, circa 1980s. Features a round planked top over square tapered legs. David T Smith out o...
Pine
Spanish Colonial Long Table with H-Form Stretcher
Located in Kastrup, DK
Long tables from the Philippines, circa 1860-1880. Legs and frame made of Balayong wood, center top plate in one piece of Molava wood. Both types of wood are tropical hardwood and ve...
Hardwood