What is Antique Shaker Furniture?

Original antique Shaker furniture is known for its simpleShaker tables and chairs either have straight or slightly
and clean-edge features, which extends from itscurved legs, which were cylindrically-shaped and may
wooden structure up to its exterior finishing. Despiteor may not have cabriole legs. Padded upholsteries
the expensive price, it still remains one of the mostwere not also evident in most Shaker furniture.
sought-after antiquities today. In fact, some people areThe great thing about these Shaker furnishings is that
even willing to pay top dollar just to bring home theirthey were primarily built to be more functional and last
own antique Shaker furniture.for a long time. Some of the rare antique Shaker
Antique Shaker furniture came to be popularly calledfurniture available today would date back as far as the
as such because of the people who made it. Theearly 1820s. But, of course, rare and very old pieces
Shakers were members of a religious sect, Unitedcould have over-the-top price tags, which could range
Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, orfrom $20,000 and up to $30,000 a piece.
also called as the Millennial Church. They moved fromThe Shaker candle stand table from John Keith
England to America in the early 17th century andRussell, Inc. is estimated to be about170 years old.
started to make their own style of furniture, which wasBecause of the rarity factor and current condition of
intended for their personal use and for commerce asthe item, it is selling for $28,000. The Shaker candle
well. Their style of furniture making leans more on thestand has a circular table with rolled edges and is
minimalist side, which doesn't have intricate woodworkattached to a candle-like stand, which has three slim
or fancy geometric forms involved. This is a clearcabriole legs.
manifestation of their religious custom of ascetic living.Since this is clearly a big investment, you might want to
The different types of Shaker furnishings that werelimit your options to pieces that would really serve a
made include cabinets, tables, beds, infant beds, chairs,very important function in your home. And be careful
and clocks. All of these were constructed with slimof replicas or refurbished Shaker furniture. It might not
and compact structures that would fit perfectly inbe evident in the picture (assuming you're shopping
small-spaced rooms. There were no vibrant coloronline), so it is really best to review the description and
coatings, but, instead, Shaker furniture has a varnishrequest for further information from the seller of the
finish. The furniture has clean and plain appearanceantique Shaker furniture.
with only a small hint of geometric form for some.