Emerging in reaction to industrialization and mass production, the Arts and Crafts movement celebrated handcrafted design as a part of daily life. The history of Arts and Crafts furniture has roots in 1860s England with an emphasis on natural motifs and simple flourishes like mosaics and carvings. This work is characterized by plain construction that showcases the hand of the artisan.
The earliest American Arts and Crafts furniture dates back to the start of the 20th century. Designers working in this style in the United States initially looked to ideas put forth by The Craftsman, a magazine published by Wisconsin native Gustav Stickley, a furniture maker and founder of the Craftsman style. Stickley’s furniture was practical and largely free of ornament. His Craftsman style drew on French Art Nouveau as well as the work he encountered on his travels in England. There, the leading designers of the Arts and Crafts movement included William Morris, who revived historical techniques such as embroidery and printed fabrics in his furnishings, and Charles Voysey, whose minimal approach was in contrast to the ornamentation favored in the Victorian era.
American Arts and Crafts work would come to involve a range of influences unified by an elevation of traditional craftsmanship. The furniture was often built from sturdy woods like oak and mahogany while featuring details such as inlaid metal, tooled leather and ceramic tiles. The style in the United States was led by Stickley, whose clean-lined chairs and benches showcased the grain of the wood, and furniture maker Charles Rohlfs, who was informed by international influences like East Asian and French Art Nouveau design.
Hubs in America included several utopian communities such as Rose Valley in Pennsylvania and the Byrdcliffe Arts and Crafts Colony in New York, where craftspeople made furniture that prioritized function over any decoration. Their work would influence designers and architects including Frank Lloyd Wright, who built some of the most elegant and iconic structures in the United States and likewise embraced a thoughtful use of materials in his furniture.
Find antique Arts and Crafts chairs, tables, cabinets and other authentic period furniture on 1stDibs.
Chinese 19th Century Handcrafted Lounge Chair
Located in Hilversum, NL
Original antique Chinese 19th century handcrafted adjustable yoke back wooden reclining lounge chair. Adjustable backrest and uniquely curved armrests. Good color and patina. Adjusta...
Wood
011_mei_seat -- hand-crafted low seat with arm for cats and human
Located in hong kong, HK
<011_mei_seat> is an exquisitely designed, handcrafted low seat that embodies the perfect fusion of elegant design and practical functionality, catering to the needs of both hu...
Papercord, Walnut, Hardwood
011_kin_seat -- hand-crafted low seat for cats and human
Located in hong kong, HK
<011_kin_seat> is a beautifully handcrafted low seat that offers a unique blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal, designed thoughtfully for the shared comfort of both huma...
Papercord, Ash
Mid Century Knoll 2328 Morrison Hannah Task Office Armchairs Pair 1970s Pair
By Bruce Hannah & Andrew Morrison, Knoll
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible pair of vintage Mid Century model 2328 chairs by Bruce Hannah and Andrew Morrison for Knoll. This pair dates to the 1970s and is in great structural condition. This pair...
Aluminum
Javanese Arts & Crafts Teak Table with Recessed Legs and Distressed Appearance
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Javanese Arts & Crafts teak low table / bench from the early 20th century, with carved recessed legs. Created in Java during the early years of the 20th century, this Arts & Crafts...
Teak
Gdansk Wardrobe Oak from 1900
Located in Kraków, Małopolska
We present a unique Gdansk wardrobe. Prepared to order. This type of furniture was made in Gdansk Elblag and Torun, oakwood was used to make this lib...
Oak
$3,120Sale Price|20% Off
Antique "FLINT" A&C table stickley era W8397
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
this is a great looking antique Arts and crafts by the artist Flint from the 1900s in good condition made of quarters sowned oak with original finish no repair or replaced parts ...
Oak
Libido Ritual Form Solid Oak Sculptural Dining Table with Copper Accents
By Dahua Yin
Located in London, GB
Libido – Ritual Form is a handcrafted sculptural dining table by Chinese designer Dahua Yin, presented by SOTACA. Made from solid oak or walnut in a deep black finish, it rests on acid-etched copper or chemically colored aluminum legs. The design merges Chinese joinery traditions with modern minimalist craftsmanship, expressing both structural strength and meditative calm. Its expansive surface and pure geometry evoke the ritual presence of ancient altars...
Copper
003_kin -- Compact Memorial Altar & Incense Holder for pets
Located in hong kong, HK
This elegantly crafted mini altar, the <003_kin>, offers a serene and intimate space for remembrance, allowing you to cherish the memory of your pets in a peaceful setting. It ...
Ash, Oak, Hardwood
003_mei – Compact Walnut Memorial Altar & Incense Holder for Pets
Located in hong kong, HK
This elegantly crafted mini altar, the <003_mei>, offers a serene and intimate space for remembrance, allowing you to cherish the memory of your pets in a peaceful setting. It ...
Wood, Walnut
Gdansk Wardrobe Oak from 1900
Located in Kraków, Małopolska
We present a unique Gdansk wardrobe. Prepared to order. This type of furniture was made in Gdansk Elblag and Torun, oakwood was used to make this libra...
Oak
$1,575 / set
H 46 in W 38 in D 1.5 in
Mid-20th Century Tortoise-Bamboo and Rattan Headboards -- A Pair
Located in Austin, TX
Timeless chic! I love LOVE these headboards! A palette of browns, khakis, ochres and a touch of black, these one-of-a-kind headboards will bring a beaut...
Bamboo, Rattan
Pair of 19th Century Chinese Huanghuali Horseshoe Back Armchairs
Located in Water Mill, NY
Pair of 19th century Chinese Huanghuali horseshoe back Armchair, with very good patina. Some restoration. Contact dealer for more information.
Chinese Low Kang Table, C. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
During winter in the colder provinces of China, life revolved around the kang, a heated brick platform that household members would sit or recline upon. Low tables placed atop the kang provided a convenient surface for dining, drinking tea, or playing games. Crafted of beautiful hardwood, this low kang table...
Hardwood
$3,675
H 63.75 in W 30 in D 17 in
Indian 19th Century Gujarat Armoire with Iron Braces and Carved Half Columns
Located in Yonkers, NY
An Indian Gujarat rustic hand-carved wooden armoire from the 19th century, with iron braces and half-columns. Created in Western India during the...
Iron
$2,290Sale Price|20% Off
H 47.84 in W 30.71 in D 14.97 in
Small Chinese Black Lacquered Wardrobe 19th Century
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Pretty XIXth century Chinese wardrobe in black lacquered wood decorated with court scenes, opening with two doors. The interior has a shelf with two drawers decorated with golden plant motifs, the handles of the drawers are decorated with burnt perfume vases.
Wood
$1,675
H 13 in W 24 in D 24 in
Indian 19th Century Low Coffee Table with Hand-Painted Dancers and Musicians
Located in Yonkers, NY
An Indian low coffee table from the 19th century, with hand-painted floral motifs and dancers. Created in India during the 19th century, this low coffee table features a square top a...
Wood
$4,025
H 36 in W 29 in D 38 in
Dutch Colonial Early 20th Century Plantation Lounge Chair with Brown Leather
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Dutch Colonial period Indonesian wooden plantation lounge chair from the early 20th century with leather upholstery and nailhead trim. Created in I...
Brass
$5,625
H 14 in W 79.5 in D 33 in
Antique Low Kang Opium Bed Coffee Table with Chow Legs and Hand Carved Frieze
Located in Yonkers, NY
A large antique Ming Dynasty style kang opium bed from the early 20th century, with bulging chow legs and hand-carved frieze in scroll pattern. Created in northern China during the e...
Wood
$2,850Sale Price / set|25% Off
H 35 in W 19.5 in D 15 in
19th Century Chinese Lady's Chairs, Hand-Painted Wood, Matched Pair
Located in Somis, CA
A rare and exceptional pair of 19th century Chinese lady’s chairs, preserved in remarkable original condition—an increasingly uncommon find, especially as a matched set. Elegantly pr...
Wood
$3,900
H 69.5 in W 43 in D 24 in
Chinese Wedding Cabinet Black on Red Lacquer with Circular Brass Medallion
Located in Hanover, MA
Chinese Qing Dynasty wedding cabinet in black lacquer with red accents featuring large circular brass medallion hardware on two 45 inch high doors above two drawers. The interior is...
Brass
$3,375Sale Price|25% Off
H 102 in W 44 in D 20.5 in
Early 20th Century Chinese Compound Wedding Armoire/Wardrobe
Located in Pomona, CA
Of rectangular form, the well-figured, matched door panels fitted flush within the solidly constructed frame, simple flat door panels with natural wood grain on the front. This weddi...
Wood
$1,275Sale Price / set|50% Off
H 36 in W 27 in D 15 in
19th Century Chinese Horseshoe Round Back Chairs All Original a Pair
Located in Somis, CA
A pair of large, sold wood, all original, early 19th century Chinese Provincial Horseshoe Chairs. The solid, 2" thick, rounded crest rail is constructed with one single continuous be...
Wood
Original Arts & Crafts Wicker & Rattan Easy Chair By Dryad & Co
Located in RANDWICK, AU
A striking 1920s Arts & Crafts armchair by Dryad & Co., the celebrated English rattan manufacturer. This piece exemplifies the period's commitment to handcrafted quality, wit...
Wicker, Rattan
Mid Century Stickley Fayetteville Rush Seat Ladder Back Chairs
Located in San Diego, CA
Stickley Fayetteville Vintage Rush Seat Ladder Back Chairs - Set of 4 chairs - Mid 20th Century. Incredibly classic, these pieces are class, style and quality. Craftmanship exudes th...
Rush, Wood
Mid Century Stickley Fayetteville Rush Seat Ladder Back Chairs
Located in San Diego, CA
Stickley Fayetteville Vintage Rush Seat Ladder Back Chairs - Set of 4 chairs - Mid 20th Century. Incredibly classic, these pieces are class, style and quality. Craftmanship exudes th...
Rush, Wood
Late 19th-Early 20th Century Set of 4 Windsor Arm Chairs
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Late 19th-early 20th century set of 4 arm chairs, English. Low back tavern Windsors with well turned spindles, boldly turned legs & double stretchers. Ash & beech woods with elm sadd...
Ash, Beech
Late 19th Century English Oval Dining Table or Library Table
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Late 19th century English oval dining table or library table. Oak. An interesting and architectural design for the base with 4 square columns over a plinth with low arches. A combina...
Oak
Arts and Crafts oak dresser by Heal & Son
By Heal's, Ambrose Heal
Located in Petworth, GB
A beautiful early Arts and Crafts "Cottage" oak dresser, two drawers above two cupboards with an upper section with curved shaped front apron and shelf above, brass ring pull handles...
Oak
Sold
H 15.5 in W 39.25 in D 13.75 in
Javanese Arts & Crafts Teak Table with Recessed Legs and Distressed Appearance
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Javanese Arts & Crafts teak low table / bench from the early 20th century, with carved recessed legs. Created in Java during the early years of the 20th century, this Arts & Crafts...
Teak
Sold
H 59.89 in W 56.38 in D 0.79 in
Japanese Vintage Folding Screen / Byobu / Abstract Painting / Partition
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
I couldn't identify the author, but it is a folding screen art by a Japanese artist made in 1998. This folding screen is one piece. And this has a different front and back design. Bo...
Other
Etnic Wood Twist Table Base
Located in Sofia, BG
Etnic wood twist table base.
Wood
Bamboo Hall Tree
Located in Hixson, TN
Bamboo constructed hall tree with a mirror surrounded by script suspended with wooden dowels. Hat and coat supports. Wonderful patina and aging of the mirro...
Vintage Set of Eight Mahogany Asian Inspired Armchairs
Located in Hixson, TN
A set of eight dining chairs. Two are taller and six sides are the same size. These are handmade from solid mahogany. Exceptional detail and shape to each chair. Set into the splat of the backs are carved dragons (fine detail). Each seat is cut to give a panel seat look. This design is repeated to the angled head rest. Shape apron and legs. Rich mahogany color. These are from the Japanese arts and crafts...
Mahogany
Gt Atelier Trestle Leg Extension Dining Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Solidly built and comprised of clean straight lines this extension table has two leaves that can be added to either end.
Elm