A Brief History of Antique Mission Furniture

The antique mission furniture that has come to be known as the classic mission style in the United States originally began with a man named Gustav Stickley. With the help of his brothers, Albert and Leopold, Stickley started the company known as United Crafts which evolved into Craftsman Workshops. The inspiration for this company came after Gustav Stickley traveled to Europe, where he was greatly influenced by the arts and crafts style of furniture that was so popular at the time. He brought the ideas and designs back to the United States with him to utilize in his own furniture making endeavor, and the result was the mission or arts and crafts style of furniture that is know today.

There is also a heavy influence in antique mission furniture from the old Spanish missions that dotted the landscape of California and the southwestern region of the United States, which was developed early in the twentieth century. This style originally began when the cultures of Spain and Mexico merged, bringing the crude but functional furniture designs of the Spanish missions to this side of the world. Since that time, the looks have be redesigned and refined to reflect a sophisticated, European flair that lends itself well to many types of home decors today. Both designs tend to follow the same types of lines and styles that make antique mission furniture such a valuable item for collectors today.

Characterizations of Antique Mission Furniture

The most recognized element of antique mission furniture is the clean and straight lines that it offers. This design lends itself well to minimalist decorating styles, as well as a rustic country design. Some pieces of antique mission furniture even work quite well in a contemporary setting, warming an otherwise sterile type of environment. Depending on the stain of the wood, you can use this type of furniture with rich colors and patterns as well as neutrals and earth tones quite effectively. Antique mission furniture lends itself well to rooms like dining rooms, bedrooms and offices, where there is a broad range of choice in pieces available.

Antique mission furniture is usually found in oak, and is often stained a dark color. However, depending on where you live, you might find antique mission furniture constructed of a wood that is common to the area that is was crafted in. In more recent years, reproduction antique mission furniture has been created in lighter tones and with plenty of function for today’s world. This is exemplified in pieces like computer desks and entertainment systems that come in designs to coordinate with your authentic antique mission furniture pieces.

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