Amish-made furniture has expanded in style types over the past few decades and the selection continues to grow. While there are many sub-styles, we would like to focus on the five main Amish furniture styles that are in the hardwood furniture market today. These styles are Mission, Traditional, Shaker, Modern, and Rustic.
Mission Furniture
Main components: Simple edges without beveling, straight lines, 90-degree angles, slats, and exposed joints.
The first American era of Mission furniture occurred in the late 1800s. Mission furniture came as a change from the ornamentation of the furniture that was typical of the time. This is mostly due to the discovery of the furniture found in Western America from the Spanish Missions. These pieces were steeped in simplicity and were solid builds. However, this “Mission” furniture does not resemble much of the Mission furniture that is in demand today. Some bedroom sets heavily feature slats in the headboards and footboard of the bed, which is another clear sign the piece is made in Mission style.
The mid-1980s brought back the Mission style because of the functionality and sturdy elegance the furniture offered. The changes made to the style during this decade are the ones we are most familiar with. It is still one of the largest sections of any Amish furniture builder catalog.
A subset of this style is Arts & Crafts, which was an era of furniture that was initiated pretty quickly after the surge of Mission Furniture to explore the beauty of this new way of manufacturing. The Arts & Crafts style is still prominent under the Mission umbrella today.
Traditional Style
Main components: Graceful ornamentation, tapered legs, scallop/shell designs, and luxe upholstery. The feet or arms of furniture often are shaped as a bun, ball, or claw.
The complete opposite of Mission furniture, the Traditional style is rich in ornamentation. Many associate the Amish as “plain people” but they naturally excel at creating ornate furniture in rich finishes.
There is a rich history to Traditional furniture because it was prominent for so many periods of European and American furniture. Many antique pieces you can see in museums and thrift stores fall under this style. The most notable periods known for Traditional furniture are the Victorian and Edwardian periods. It was a staple in upper-class homes but now fills many homes due to inheritance. This is furniture that you see in old townhouses that were built before the 1950s.
Shaker Style
Main components: Wooden hardware, gentle curves, simplicity, tapered legs, and lighter stains.
This style, due to its simplicity, is often mistaken for Mission furniture. Despite their similarities, a good indicator that you are looking at a Shaker piece is the hardware. If the knobs are wooden, it’s Shaker. Take a good look at the bottom of the case goods, too. If the bottom gently curves, it is a Shaker piece. Some modern variations of this style will also put trim molding into the design.
This style was also popular in the 1800s. It came from the small religious sect of Quakers, also referred to as the “shaking Quakers.” Much like many groups of Amish people, they avoided many trends and styles to avoid looking prideful. The Shakers strayed away from the ornamentation of Traditional styles to design furniture that matched their convictions and lifestyle. Everything about Shaker furniture is practical and simple.
Modern Style
Main components: Sweeping curves, smooth surfaces, mixed materials, bold geometric shapes, strong lines, and neutrals with pops of color.
This is one style most people would not associate as one of the main styles of Amish furniture, but it has been making its way into many Amish businesses. It’s found its popularity through the mixing of materials such as metals, vinyl, and leather. The appearance this mixture gives does fit the Amish style more than people might realize.
Most recognized Modern furniture comes from post-WW2 America. The 1950s and 60s were decades for this furniture movement to gain speed. It took the simplicity of Mission and Shaker furniture and added a bit of extra character. (Some may even argue that the Modern style should fall under the Mission umbrella, but we feel that might be a bit of a stretch.)
Some common styles that fall under the “Modern” title are Contemporary, Minimalist, Boho-chic, Scandinavian Minimalism, Casual-Chic, and Mid-century Modern, Transitional, and Eclectic.
Rustic Style
Main components: Metal accents, blocky structure, distressing, natural wood, and rough textures.
The Amish have latched onto this trend since its surge in the 2010s. There has been a rise in reclaimed barnwood furniture over the years and highlighting the natural state of the wood. Rustic furniture tends to embrace knots and burls, rough textures, and creating a warm and worn aesthetic.
As a whole, the Rustic style tends to incorporate dark metals and warm-toned wood. It pairs well with shiplap, stone, and brick, and is instantly enhanced when paired with indoor plants. It doesn’t have to be limited to being placed in cabins and woodsy homes.
Which Style is Your Favorite?
While there are plenty of other styles of Amish furniture that fall under these five categories, which one is your favorite? There are plenty of options to browse for every room of your home, and the Amish craftsmanship will guarantee longevity. Whether you’re looking for a Modern bedroom set or a Rustic dining table, you’re bound to find something from Amish builders that you’ll love.