- Follow us:
Friday, February 24th, 2017
Hooker Furniture Dining Room Treviso Ladderback Side Chair
The Shakers were a religious people and their sect was founded in the late 1700s in England. This design’s philosophy centers on functionality, even necessity. The Shakers also believe that design can also be achieved through proper use of beauty. They believed strongly, too, in common ownership as well as communal living. They were widely persecuted for these beliefs, though.
Officially known as the United Society of Believers in Christ’s 2nd Coming, these people were a break away from the Quakers from England. They created their religious society and granted equality to both men and women. The Shakers have greatly diminished by the 20th century with only a few practicing communities still in existence.
The Shakers latter immigrated to the Americas and they lived peaceful lives centered on celibacy and abstinence. Since they lived celibate lives, their community did not grow and so the only way they could add to their numbers was through conversion.
Styling It Like the Shakers
Shaker furniture was the chief element of the Shaker design. With too much persecution going around, it was necessary to make functionality the main concept of their furniture design and décor. This also meant that they focused on the quality of their craftsmanship. This resulted into perfected pieces that are natural, uncluttered and simple.
When it comes to colors, the Shakers loved everything that’s dark and rich. So say yes to forest green, blue and ruby red. Heavy damask patterns are also welcome.
The Shaker color palette should not be restricted to these hues, though. You are welcome to use magentas, raw pink, violets and peacock greens. Have those fabrics highly patterned. For winter, use damask and velvet pieces. You can then shift to chintz and cotton during the cooler summer months.
Wallpaper was widely embraced during the Shakers’ time because it was mass-produced. With this, the masses took on the hint and wallpapered their walls according to the patterns that they chose. Paper evolved from skirting board to dado line and then patterned in damask, flock or water silk.
Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Damasque Demi Console 638-85027
Shaker Style Today
Since the Shakers looked at simplicity yet perfected craftsmanship as forms of prayer, many traditional furniture lovers still like their style.
The ladder-back chair is the perfect way to get into the Shaker vibe. This chair did exist even before the Shakers but it was these people that made the furniture piece more comfortable. They chose to remove the ornate designs and just create the straight, simple designs with a much leaner look.
There are also modern versions of the Shakers’ ladder-back chair such as the elongated look complete with slender legs. There are also those well-known Shaker style ladder-backs that are now used in bars. These come in counter-heights.
The Shaker peg rail is also a famous Shaker element. It is a simple board that’s affixed to the wall complete with equally-spaced pegs. These can then be used as a hook of sorts for tools or clothes. Traditionally, it was the ladder backs of chairs that were hung onto the peg rails so they can be taken out of the way when someone is sweeping the room.
Going Shaker also means using cabinetry and baskets for storage. Use sturdy and simple baskets, preferably the ones that are handmade. As for your cabinets, you will find some of the best options here.
Find cabinets that have round knobs, simple and are unadorned. These have to be traditionally made from hardwood and polished to perfection. Shakers have also designed other storage units for homes such as nesting boxes.
As for your flooring, be sure to use untreated wooden planks. The walls have to be muted and bare which is in line with the Shaker interiors.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Shaker, Shaker furnishings, Shaker furniture, Shaker interior design, Shaker interiors, Shaker Style, Shakers
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on The Shaker Style Explained
Follow us on our social media
© McCreery's Home Furnishings | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy
