Emerging in reaction to industrialization and mass production, the Arts and Crafts movement celebrated handcrafted design as a part of daily life. The history of Arts and Crafts furniture has roots in 1860s England with an emphasis on natural motifs and simple flourishes like mosaics and carvings. This work is characterized by plain construction that showcases the hand of the artisan.
The earliest American Arts and Crafts furniture dates back to the start of the 20th century. Designers working in this style in the United States initially looked to ideas put forth by The Craftsman, a magazine published by Wisconsin native Gustav Stickley, a furniture maker and founder of the Craftsman style. Stickley’s furniture was practical and largely free of ornament. His Craftsman style drew on French Art Nouveau as well as the work he encountered on his travels in England. There, the leading designers of the Arts and Crafts movement included William Morris, who revived historical techniques such as embroidery and printed fabrics in his furnishings, and Charles Voysey, whose minimal approach was in contrast to the ornamentation favored in the Victorian era.
American Arts and Crafts work would come to involve a range of influences unified by an elevation of traditional craftsmanship. The furniture was often built from sturdy woods like oak and mahogany while featuring details such as inlaid metal, tooled leather and ceramic tiles. The style in the United States was led by Stickley, whose clean-lined chairs and benches showcased the grain of the wood, and furniture maker Charles Rohlfs, who was informed by international influences like East Asian and French Art Nouveau design.
Hubs in America included several utopian communities such as Rose Valley in Pennsylvania and the Byrdcliffe Arts and Crafts Colony in New York, where craftspeople made furniture that prioritized function over any decoration. Their work would influence designers and architects including Frank Lloyd Wright, who built some of the most elegant and iconic structures in the United States and likewise embraced a thoughtful use of materials in his furniture.
Find antique Arts and Crafts chairs, tables, cabinets and other authentic period furniture on 1stDibs.
Jas Shoolbred. Arts & Crafts Mahogany Rosewood Chair With stylized Floral Inlay
Located in London, GB
An Arts and Crafts Mahogany and Rosewood nursing chair made by Jas Shoolbred with stylised floral inlaid details to the back and head rest. Original label to the underneath.
Mahogany, Rosewood
Liberty and Co., Arts & Crafts High Back Ladder Back Rush Seat Armchair
Located in London, GB
Liberty and Co., Arts and Crafts high back ladder back armchair with newly laid rush seat.
Rush, Oak
Liberty and Co, Arts & Crafts Nursing or Bedroom Chair with Inlaid Heart Details
Located in London, GB
Liberty and Co an Arts & Crafts nursing or bedroom chair with inlaid heart details and newly laid rush seat.
Rush, Oak
$1,560Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 29.93 in W 20.87 in D 25.99 in
1860S French Fireside Chair and Matching Footstool
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A pretty Napoleon III fireside slipper chair, with deep-buttoned back rest, luxurious yellow velvet upholstery and a plush sprung seat. Dating f...
Wood, Velvet
Arts and Crafts Style Mahogany Metamorphic Library Chair
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome solid mahogany metamorphic library chair that converts into a step ladder made in the English Arts and Crafts style. The chair is sturdy and solid with brass hardware and lo...
Brass
$296Sale Price|20% Off
H 37.01 in W 16.15 in D 16.15 in
English Antique Inlaid Mahogany Arts & Crafts Side Chair Bedroom Chair
Located in Leicester, GB
An absolutely stunning Arts & Crafts spindle back chair from the early 1900s. Made in England. The chair has delicate legs and shaped spindles on the decorative backrest. The back of...
Mahogany
$4,900
H 44.5 in W 20.75 in D 29 in
Victorian Walnut & Needlepoint Nursing Chair, United Kingdom, Mid-19th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
High Victorian walnut framed nursing / occasional chair with original needlepoint tapestry and decorative gimp cord - exceptional bench made hand carved quality frame with warm aged patina - featuring tapestry upholstery with flowers and tobacco leaves - finished with the original brass casters with ceramic wheels - polished finish to the frame - United Kingdom - mid 19th century. Excellent / near mint antique condition - minor loss to the seat tapestry...
Tapestry, Walnut
Arts & Crafts Armchair
Located in London, GB
A handsome Arts & Crafts armchair of beautiful proportions. 91cm tall, 59cm wide, 47cm deep. C1890, England.
Wicker, Wood
$3,704Sale Price|20% Off
H 27.96 in W 30.71 in D 29.53 in
Contemporary Isabella Channelled Slipper Chair in Red Velvet with Legs in Walnut
By Stuart Scott
Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire
The Isabella slipper chair is one of our signature pieces. The exquisite tailored fluting and distinctive lines give a shapely feminine edge. Th...
Velvet, Walnut
Antique Dutch Ladder Back Carved Oak Rush Seat Armchairs
Located in New Orleans, LA
These charming antique Dutch carved oak ladder back chairs featuring rush seats make an excellent choice for enhancing the ambiance of any living space. Combining style, comfort, and...
Rush, Oak
$1,329Sale Price|30% Off
H 37.8 in W 27.56 in D 33.47 in
Antique Victorian Mahogany Spoon Back Slipper Armchair
Located in Wisbech, England
Antique quality Victorian mahogany spoon back slipper armchair C1870. Solid, no loose joints and no woodworm. Full of age, character and charm. A...
Wood
$463
H 35.44 in W 16.15 in D 17.72 in
Exceptional English Inlaid Mahogany Arts & Crafts Side Chair Bedroom Chair
Located in Leicester, GB
Exceptional Arts & Crafts chair from the early 1900s. Made in England. The chair has delicate legs on pad feet, a hand carved backrest and the most beautiful floral inlay. The seat i...
Mahogany
Ebonized Arts and Crafts Style Dining Chairs
Located in Sheffield, MA
Set of six vintage mahogany dining chairs including two armchairs and four side chairs. Newly re-upholstered in handsome black and white...
Linen, Mahogany
$1,800 / item
H 31 in W 25 in D 19 in
Camelback Skirted Slipper Chair with Contrast Outside Back, Customizable
By Jhon Ortiz, The Tailored Home
Located in Greenwich, CT
Pricing reflects COM (Customer's Own Material); fabric shown for inspiration only. A gently arched camelback top rail crowns the tight back of this made-to-order slipper chair, its f...
Upholstery, Velvet
$1,992Sale Price|20% Off
H 29 in W 16.5 in D 24 in
British Colonial Teak Slipper Chair With Leather Upholstery
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Circa 1920's Hand carved Victorian Slipper chair constructed from Teak wood and re-upholstered in brown leather.
Teak
Liberty & Co Arts & Crafts Low Ladder Back Armchair with Rush Seat
Located in London, GB
Liberty and Co. A fine quality Arts and Crafts nursing or bedroom ladder back armchair with newly laid rush seat. An image is shown in The House of Liberty. Masters of Style and Deco...
Rush, Oak