In this top five list, I’ve collected five modern chairs inspired by the simple, honest and utilitarian approach of the Shaker movement. Down to the last detail, Shaker rooms and furnishings are known for their timeless simplicity and practicality. While only a handful of Shakers themselves remain today, their handiwork has become a standard of American furniture style and craftsmanship. Tis The Gift To Be Simple.
Don’t make something unless it is both necessary and useful; but if it is both necessary and useful, don’t hesitate to make it beautiful.
De La Espada, Neri & Hu
$1,105.00
Shaker is a dining chair, inspired by the simple, honest and utilitarian approach of the movement after which it is named. The ladder back allows the chair to be hung on the wall, as the Shakers would have done. Designed by Neri & Hu and manufactured by De La Espada for the neri&hu brand.
From The Future Perfect
Russell Pinch
$845
The Holland Park chair was designed for ercol by renowned British designer Russell Pinch. His brief was to give a modern interpretation to the classic Windsor chair construction. The chair is made from solid beech.
From Ercol
De La Espada, Matthew Hilton
$1,595.00
Kimble is a Windsor chair named after a neighboring village of High Wycome in Buckinghamshire, where the Windsor chair originated. The chair uses traditional Windsor chair making techniques in order to further the story, the evolution of the English Windsor chair. Designed by Matthew Hilton for his eponymous brand, and manufactured by De La Espada craftsmen.
From The Future Perfect
O&G Studio
The Colt line takes stylistic cues from both Scandinavian and Shaker design traditions. The scale, comfort and graphic presence make the Colt Low-Back a perfect selection for the dining room. The Colt line is a full suite offered as a rocker, settee, high-back arm and side chairs as well as a stools.
Mel Smilow
Originally designed by Mel Smilow in 1960 and officially reintroduced by his daughter Judy Smilow in 2016, the Classic Rocking Chair was featured in the American Pavilion at Expo 1967 and has withstood the test of time. The simplistic beauty, fine craftsmanship, and exceptional detail is present from every angle. Made in America since 1949 and made to last a lifetime.
From Smilow Design
Find out more:
The Metropolitan Museum of Art on Shaker Furniture.
A Quick History lesson on Shaker Chairs & Their Modern Influence
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