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Shaker Wardrobes and Armoires

Shaker Style

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.

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Style: Shaker
Cupboard, 4 Doors, 2 Drawer Shaker Style in Steel with Natural Rusted Patina
Located in Chicago, IL
This Shaker inspired Four-door, 2 Drawer Cupboard is made of fully repurposed steel. This modern take on an old tradition uses naturally rusted steel to bring a warmth to this beaut...
Category

1990s American Shaker Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Steel

Armoire, Shaker Style in Steel with Natural Rusted Patina by Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
This Shaker inspired one-door armoire is made of fully repurposed steel. This modern take on an old tradition uses naturally rusted steel to bring a warmth to this beautifully const...
Category

1990s American Shaker Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Steel

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We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare one of a kind Pauly CIE Et stamped hand carved walnut armoire made by the genius that was Moses Michelangelo Guggenheim 1837-1910 Where to begin, this cabinet is stamped to the rear “Fabrique De Meubles Pauly & Cie Venise. Pauly & Cie” who were a world famous glass foundry and later equally famous furniture manufacturer. Their grotto furniture has an immense following across the world. This piece was most likely retailed through them as it was made by Moses Michelangelo Guggenheim who is a fellow venetian There is one other known example of his works which is very similar, it is currently retailing for no less than £900,000 however it is accompanied by a few other pieces from a drawing room suite. The suite came from Palazzo Papadopoli, a Renaissance palace on the Grand Canal in Venice built for the Coccini family by Giovanni de Grigi around 1560. 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Shaker wardrobes and armoires for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Shaker wardrobes and armoires for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage wardrobes and armoires created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fir, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Shaker wardrobes and armoires made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original wardrobes and armoires, popular names associated with this style include and Jim Rose. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for wardrobes and armoires differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,468 and tops out at $11,000 while the average work can sell for $6,234.

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