During small spaces month on Apartment Therapy, we thought we'd turn to one of the originators of efficient, space-saving design: the Shakers. Shaker Workshops in Arlington, MASS, is an affordable source for reproductions of this simple, classic furniture.
We've long loved Shaker furniture for its bare-bones aesthetic, craftsmanship, and ability to fit in with modern or traditional decor. Shaker Workshops carries a full line of Shaker reproductions online and in-person through their Arlington showroom.
One of the things that sets this retailer apart is the fact that they sell DIY kits, which cost about half the price of a fully assembled piece. (The idea is the same as flat-packed IKEA assembly, but with really well made parts and DIY staining.) Shaker furniture tends to be pricey due to solid construction from hardwoods like maple and cherry. This is one way of getting similar quality at lesser cost.
For more information, check out Shaker Workshops' online catalog.
FIRST ROW
• 1 Elder Chair, $210 - $420, and Straight Chair, $150 - $300
• 2 Shaker Pegboard and Accessories, various prices
• 3 Lebanon Bench, $210 - $420
• 4 Step Stool, $133 - $265 and Utility Stool, $97 - $193
• 5 Enfield Shaker Meeting House Bench, $400 - $800
SECOND ROW
• 6 Shaker Serving Table, $355 - $710
• 7 Enfield Dining Chair, $260, and Counter Chair, $193 - $385
• 8 Shaker Drop Leaf Tables, $585 - $1,610
• 9 Cherry Table Lamp, $192, and Floor Lamp, $200 - $350
• 10 Maple Cutting Boards, $45 - $94, and Striped Cutting Boards, $28 - $122
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Comments (4)
It seems funny to call these reproductions. Haven't Shakers been producing this style of furniture pretty much continuously for many years?
I really like Shaker Workshops, but if anyone buys their kits thinking it's "the same as flat-packed Ikea assembly" as you say, they're in for a big surprise. These are serious DIY projects.
drblanc, the term "reproduction" is in there to clarify that these aren't original Shaker pieces or antiques, which would be much more expensive.
Liana, thanks for the note - yes, depending on the kit, the projects can be complex.
I have 6 of the chairs to go with my antique table, and they are wonderful. They've lasted over 20 years, and still look great. They did take a bit of work to assemble, but they don't require any master carpentry skills.