How to Make Arts & Crafts Furniture

The Arts and Crafts Movement started in the late nineteenth century and continued into the early twentieth. It began as a rebellion against the ornate Victorian style that was popular at the time, as well as against the Industrial Revolution. The basic tenets of the movement were simple designs made by master craftsmen. In general, the use of modern manufacturing processes and division of labor was avoided. The design and manufacture of Arts and Crafts furniture follows in the spirit of these tenets.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Solid wood Woodworking tools Quality finish materials

Building Arts and Crafts Furniture

1. Study Arts and Crafts designs from the movement. The Arts and Crafts movement was so broad, covering many designers across the U.S., Canada and Great Britain. Designs by the American Gustav Stickley and William Morris, an Englishman, epitomize the Arts and Crafts style. Both designers focused more on quality and simplicity than on extravagance.

2. Choose a style and then choose a design or develop one of your own. Once you have a design, choose your materials. Solid oak is common today, but woods such as mahogany or cherry can be used. Choose a natural finish that highlights the features in the wood rather than covering them.

3. Build your furniture according to your design. Take your time while doing this. The spirit of the Arts and Crafts Movement is in the quality of the product. Even if the design is simply, make sure that each joint is put together with precision and care.

4. Apply the finish, carefully and evenly. Quality and elegance add value to the simple design.

Tips & Warnings

• In the U.S., Arts and Crafts style was also called "Mission-style." When looking for designs, do not forget to include Mission-style furniture in your list of choices.

Resources

• Arts & Crafts Society
• The Stickley Museum