How to Identify Shaker Furniture

The Shakers, who formed their first community in the late 1770s, lived a simple life emphasizing equality, peace, and devotion to God. They carried these traits into their work, whether it be planting crops, making baskets or building furniture. Simplicity, utility and perfection are the main characteristics of all Shaker crafts. Identifying Shaker furniture is not difficult once you understand the Shaker philosophy.

Instructions

1. Look for simple design. If you see any signs of ornamental design the piece is not in the tradition of Shaker style. Shakers did not adorn their furniture with unnecessary ornaments. If it wasn't functional, it wasn't used.

2. Examine the lines of the furniture. Traditional Shaker style furniture has clean and classic lines. Legs on chairs, tables and stools are straight instead of curved.

3. Check what kind of wood was used to make the furniture. Shaker artisans used local, quality wood, such as maple, birch, cherry, walnut, poplar and honey pine. Mahogany and other exotic woods were not used.

4. Observe the stain and varnish. Shakers applied a lighter coat of stain and varnish to allow the natural tint of the wood to shine through. This is unlike the heavier coats of stain and varnish common in the period.

5. Look at the color of painted furniture. Shaker furniture was typically painted red, blue, green or yellow.

6. Watch for dovetail joints. While Shakers sometimes used nails and pegs, dovetail joints were common to their furniture style.

7. Identify the utility of the furniture. Shakers only produced furniture that served a purpose. If the piece you are looking at does not serve a good purpose, it is most likely not Shaker.

8. Evaluate the quality of the furniture. True Shaker furniture is made to perfection and represents high-quality craftsmanship.