Shaker furniture is the one truly original American style of furniture. Its clear crisp lines and singular lightness unite and transcend both traditional and modern settings, and for that reason it has remained a major creative force in our decorative arts heritage for hundreds of years. For half a century, Shaker Workshops has worked to craft and faithfully reproduce it in the highest and finest quality.
We are proud to offer a wide range of Shaker furniture kits, pegboard, and Shaker chair tape.
We are proud to offer a wide range of Shaker furniture kits, pegboard, and Shaker chair tape.
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The Shakers came from England in 1774, and by 1850 grew from a membership of nine to approximately 6,000 in villages throughout the eastern and central United States. Today, membership is small again, but this does not take away from the lasting mark that generations of Shaker Brothers and Sisters have made on our American heritage.
The Shakers came from England in 1774 and grew from a membership of nine to approximately 6,000 by 1860, in villages throughout the eastern and central United States. Today, membership is small again, but this does not take away from the lasting mark which generations of Shaker brothers and sisters have made on our American heritage.
In all the Shaker communities, fabric tape was preferred over rush, wood splint, or cane because it is so functional. It does not dry out and break, nor does it pinch or snag clothing. It is stronger and longer lasting, and it is simple and quick to weave. In addition, it is more comfortable and colorful.
The Shakers used pegboard in nearly every room. They used it to hang coats, hats, brooms, and even chairs while the room was being cleaned. Our pegboard is made precisely like those in the 1830 Brick Dwelling at Hancock Shaker Village. Measuring 3 1/2 wide, it features beautiful beaded edges and is available in solid cherry or pine with maple pegs.
Produced by our own skilled craftspeople, our kits are based on specific Shaker pieces in museums and private collections. Whenever possible, we use the exact same species of wood used in the originals. Only common hand tools are needed to finish our kits--we strive to fashion each component to an accurate fit, leaving only the final hand sanding and finishing to you.
Reviews (8)
Laura T.
Jul 28, 2021
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Very impressed with both the quality of the stool I purchased and the customer service. I did not read the order confirmation email clearly so missed the notification that it would be 2-3 weeks until delivery so it would arrive at the wrong location. The owner responded to my email immediately, changed the shipping address and got the stool shipped out that day.
Barbara Sutcliffe
Mar 16, 2021
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Recently completed this Shaker rocking chair from a kit and it is wonderful. Beautiful maple, great quality and most importantly, we had excellent advice and customer service from Shaker Workshops all along the way. Thanks for making these kits available and preserving the original, timeless Shaker designs. This was fun!
Duke
Jun 11, 2020
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I recently purchased a Shaker Candle Stand table from Shaker Workshop. It is difficult to find authentic colonial furniture as most business have turned to Asia/China for cheap knockoffs. I am a woodworker and know quality furniture. First thing I look for is the joinery and my piece replicated the joinery invented by the shakers. Furthermore, I'm not just buying a piece of furniture, I'm looking to by a an heirloom, a piece of heritage I will hand down to my children. It has to be organically made by New England Craftsman in the same spirit the original piece was made. When I find that show piece
Harris S.
Feb 11, 2020
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Normally I don't write reviews, but with negative postings I saw for the last couple of years on Yelp, is contrary to the superb after-sales support I just received recently of a shaker dining chair I purchased during the transition of ownership. As a long term customer of Shaker Workshops, I have no hesitation in recommending giving the new owners a consideration for your future business. Excellent workmanship and honest dealings in my case. You may have to wait a bit longer for delivery of assembled furniture, but it is worth it.
William A.
Sep 02, 2019
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Beautiful products. I purchased, assembled, and finished two dining chairs and the trestle dining table around late 2014, early 2015 (not much free time).
Everything they sent was of high quality stock and craftsmanship; square, level, plumb, and true (and remaining so to this day); and thankfully undamaged. The boards for the table were well matched and joined. Most people would never notice the tabletop wasn't a single piece of stock; even I had to look closely. (Pro tip: it becomes noticeable if you botch the staining ;) The bottles of stain accompanying each item were consistent in color
Everything they sent was of high quality stock and craftsmanship; square, level, plumb, and true (and remaining so to this day); and thankfully undamaged. The boards for the table were well matched and joined. Most people would never notice the tabletop wasn't a single piece of stock; even I had to look closely. (Pro tip: it becomes noticeable if you botch the staining ;) The bottles of stain accompanying each item were consistent in color
Richard Y.
May 21, 2018
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Beautiful products. I was so happy to have found a source for the simple but elegant Shaker beds and headboards that I had been looking for. But then I had to deal with their customer service department and it all went downhill. I asked a few questions about the precise dimensions of and the placement of brackets on their queen-sized bed and headboard so that I could coordinate with an existing mattress and foundation. They said that they would get back to me after speaking briefly with their "shop." I waited several days, then called back. The person I reached didn't know
Annie S.
Feb 11, 2017
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Louise C.
Jun 29, 2013
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Two things I came across. I have never used water based stains and finishes before. At one point you say to use steel wool as the last treatment before the the poly- urathane coat, Of course you would try to get it all off but steel wool would rust with water based coat. The second trouble spot I ran into on my drop leaf table was the the hinges put into the mortised spots in the leaves did not fit . Everything else fit so beautifully I couldn't understand why they weren't wide enough for the hinge like the ones for the table top. I did not get them painted with stain or finish
