Different Types and Styles of Amish Furniture

Though all Amish furniture is equally well-made and is crafted with amazing expertise, not all Amish furniture is of the same style. All of the styles of Amish furniture are still popular today, though some do go in and out of fashion through the years. You might have grown up with a living room or dining room filled with furniture in one of these styles, though it might not be Amish made furniture.

 

Mission Style Furniture

Generally made out of oak, this style of Amish wood furniture is timeless and all-American. This style can be used to make anything from Amish bathroom vanities to Amish dining room furniture. Since it’s made of oak, the wood is generally dark and heavy.  Oak has been known to make very sturdy bedframes and even children’s furniture because it can be used every day for years and it’s not as delicate as other wood, so it doesn’t break down quickly. The style was first popularized by a German American artisan who first created the style, though now many people – including the Amish – have begun to produce the style as well.

 

Queen Anne Style Furniture

This style is much older than the Mission style furniture and was first created in the 1700’s. The Queen Anne style is very elegant looking and favors wingback chairs and thinly carved wood. Think about furniture that you would see in a formal dining room and you’ll have a pretty good idea. This type of furniture is typically seen more in formal living rooms and dining rooms rather than in outdoor furniture. Cherry wood with a dark finished is a popular wood for Queen Ann furniture.

 

Shaker Style Furniture

The Shakers began during the 18^th and 19^th centuries in America and they are a separate religious group from the Amish, but they developed their own style of furniture that the Amish have adopted, like the other styles. The furniture made in the shaker style, like Shaker dining room furniture, is made from light wood and is unadorned with straight lines. It works well in wide open rooms with lots of light and windows. The simple style still manages to produce sturdy and stylish furniture.

 

Windsor Style Chairs

The oldest of the styles that the Amish have picked up, the Windsor began in the late 1600’s in England. It is more sturdy than the Queen Anne style, but also more elegant and formal than the Mission style. Even though they have graceful and willowy curves, the first specimens were found in a commoner’s home. Another difference between this style and the others is that the Windsor generally only applies to chairs.