16 Highly Coveted and Valuable Pieces of Shaker Furniture
Shaker furniture represents a fusion of practicality and elegance, with a focus on clean, simple lines. Originating from the Shaker community in the 18th century, it has long been admired for its durable and functional designs. The Shakers focused on creating pieces that could serve everyday needs while looking elegant. Over time, their style has gained popularity, making Shaker furniture highly coveted by collectors. Today, owning a piece of Shaker furniture is a mark of appreciation for quality craftsmanship.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps keep this content free. Please read our disclosure for more info.
Shaker Rocking Chair
The Shaker Rocking Chair is a classic piece of furniture that became popular in the 19th century. It was made of maple or pine, known for their durability and strength. The chair’s simple design, with curved arms and a gently rocking motion, made it both comfortable and functional. These chairs are highly prized today, with some valued between $2,000 and $6,000 depending on their age and condition.
The handcrafted nature of the Shaker Rocking Chair adds to its value. It was designed for comfort and longevity, embodying the Shakers’ principles of practicality. Over time, this piece has become a symbol of understated elegance. Its timeless appeal continues to make it a sought-after item for collectors.
Shaker Candle Stand
The Shaker Candle Stand is a simple yet elegant piece produced in the 18th and 19th centuries. Typically crafted from maple or cherry wood, it was designed to hold candles for lighting purposes. The stand is characterized by a slender, balanced post with a round base for stability. These pieces are often valued between $3,000 and $7,000, depending on their craftsmanship and condition.
These candle stands are admired for their minimalism and functionality. They were created with attention to detail and made to last, which contributes to their value today. The fine quality of the materials used, like cherry and maple, enhances their appeal. Their historical significance and handmade construction make them prized among collectors.
Shaker Chest of Drawers
The Shaker Chest of Drawers is a functional and elegant storage solution that dates back to the 19th century. Made primarily from maple or pine, it reflects the Shakers’ focus on simplicity and durability. These chests feature clean lines and provide ample space for storing clothing or linens. Depending on size and condition, they can be valued between $4,000 and $10,000.
The timeless design of the Shaker Chest of Drawers makes it a highly collectible piece today. The use of high-quality materials, combined with expert craftsmanship, ensures their longevity. These chests are known for their utility and understated beauty, making them a desirable item for collectors. Their simple yet robust construction adds to their overall value.
Shaker Table
The Shaker Table is a hallmark of Shaker design, known for its minimalistic style and strong construction. It was often made from cherry or maple, offering both beauty and durability. The simple, sturdy design made it perfect for a variety of uses in Shaker homes, from dining to workspaces. Depending on the piece, Shaker tables can range in value from $5,000 to $12,000.
Shaker Tables are prized for their balance of function and form. They were designed to be practical, with clean lines and minimal adornment. Over time, these tables have become valuable collector’s items due to their craftsmanship and longevity. Their simple yet beautiful design ensures they remain in high demand today.
Shaker Bed
The Shaker Bed is known for its simple yet elegant design, focusing on comfort and durability. Produced primarily from maple or pine, these beds feature clean lines and a sturdy construction. They were created to be both practical and long-lasting, offering comfort without unnecessary decoration. Today, these beds are valued between $6,000 and $15,000 depending on their age and condition.
The quality materials used in Shaker Beds, along with their timeless design, make them highly sought after. These pieces reflect the Shakers’ emphasis on function and craftsmanship. Their sturdy construction and minimal aesthetic contribute to their lasting appeal. The high demand for these beds today is a testament to their enduring value.
Shaker Wall Clock
The Shaker Wall Clock is a functional and decorative item that was produced in the 19th century. Made from cherry, maple, or pine, these clocks were known for their simple design and reliability. They often featured a brass pendulum and basic timekeeping mechanisms. A Shaker Wall Clock can be valued between $3,000 and $8,000, with well-preserved pieces commanding higher prices.
The Shaker Wall Clock is prized for its clean lines and functional design. These clocks were built to last and designed with simplicity in mind, embodying the Shakers’ philosophy of practicality. Their historical significance and quality craftsmanship make them valuable collector’s items. The use of durable materials like cherry and maple ensures their longevity and desirability.
Shaker Chair with Rush Seat
The Shaker Chair with Rush Seat is a distinctive piece of Shaker furniture made from materials like cherry or maple. These chairs were often produced in the 18th and 19th centuries, featuring a handwoven rush seat that adds a touch of elegance. Their simple design, with straight legs and sturdy construction, made them functional and long-lasting. Today, a Shaker Chair with Rush Seat can be valued between $2,500 and $6,000, depending on its condition.
Shaker Chairs with Rush Seats are highly prized for their timeless design and practical construction. The handwoven rush seat is a testament to the craftsmanship involved in making these chairs. Their simplicity and durability make them an attractive addition to any collection. These chairs are sought after for their historical value and the quality of materials used.
Shaker Writing Desk
The Shaker Writing Desk is a simple, functional piece that became popular in the 19th century. Made from cherry or maple, these desks feature clean lines and ample space for writing or working. They were designed with both style and practicality in mind, making them ideal for small spaces. A Shaker Writing Desk can be valued between $4,000 and $10,000 based on condition and craftsmanship.
The design of Shaker Writing Desks emphasizes efficiency and simplicity. The use of high-quality materials ensures that these desks are built to last. Their compact design and minimalist features make them desirable today. These desks remain a favorite among collectors due to their timeless appeal and craftsmanship.
Shaker Dresser
Shaker Dressers are iconic pieces of Shaker furniture, known for their minimalist design and sturdy construction. Made primarily from cherry, walnut, or pine, these dressers were created to provide ample storage in a simple yet elegant form. They were produced in the 19th century and remain highly valued today. A well-preserved Shaker Dresser can range from $5,000 to $12,000, depending on its age and condition.
The Shaker Dresser is admired for its functional design, offering ample storage without unnecessary ornamentation. The quality of the materials and the craftsmanship are key reasons for its high value. These dressers embody the Shakers’ philosophy of simplicity and utility, which has made them popular among collectors. Their timeless appeal continues to drive demand in the market.
Shaker Hutch
The Shaker Hutch is a two-tiered piece of furniture featuring a top section with shelves and a bottom section with cabinets or drawers. Made from maple or cherry, these pieces were used to display and store dishes in Shaker homes. They were produced in the 19th century and are valued for their practicality and simple beauty. Depending on condition and craftsmanship, a Shaker Hutch can sell for $6,000 to $15,000.
The design of the Shaker Hutch reflects the Shakers’ commitment to simplicity and functionality. The use of solid, durable wood adds to its lasting value. Today, these pieces are prized for their historical significance and their ability to fit seamlessly into modern homes. Their straightforward design continues to make them highly desirable among collectors.
Shaker furniture continues to be highly sought after due to its timeless design and exceptional craftsmanship. Whether it is the durability of the materials or the minimalist beauty, these pieces remain a staple in both historical collections and modern homes. Their simplicity and practicality make them ideal for those who appreciate functional art.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.