Shaker Design: An Enduring Legacy of Simplicity and Serenity

Strikingly simple yet timelessly elegant, Shaker design has become one of the most universally compelling styles of American design. That emphasis on simplicity stems from the premise of Shaker beliefs that associate such clean functionality with a peaceful existence. In this article we dive into Shaker design to trace its origins in the 18th century to the development of the design style that by the 20th century was a global favorite for its minimalist aesthetic and spiritual resonance.

Shaker Origins and Beliefs

The origins of the Shakers can be traced to 1747, when a subset of the Protestant “Group of Friends” in England called the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing broke away to form their own sect. Originally they were closely allied with the Quakers, who formed in the seventeenth century and professed the capacity for everyone to have a direct divine connection without the pomp and ritual characteristic of many Catholic masses. To that end, they espoused the values of simple, communal living. While the Quakers professed more introspective worship, the Shakers differed in that they believed in the power of some outward expression of their faith. They also believed overall in gender equality and afforded women leadership roles in their community. 

This separation grew geographically several decades later when Ann Lee encouraged a substantial portion of the Shaker community to relocate to America. Lee had joined the Shakers in the 1750s after several personal tragedies, and a series of divine revelations in the years following would transform her role in the community. One such vision led her to becoming the leader of the Shakers. Then in 1774, she reported another divine intervention that instructed her to re-establish the community in the United States. By the end of the 1770s, Lee and her acolytes had decamped to New York and established the first Shaker community on the continent. With this continental divide, Shaker principles would be come infused into the American design landscape. 

Shaker Design Principles

Given their simplified and communal approach to life, Shaker design inherently followed in step. Specifically, Shaker design shares several core principles:

Straightforward Simplicity

Shaker wares often assumed a streamlined profile. Decorative flourishes were set aside in favor of humble presentation and maximum efficiency of materials.  

Universal Utility

Closely aligning form and function, Shaker designs needed to reflect ultimate utility. This tenet meant that Shaker wares were only those most necessary for daily life and the most accessible to all members of the community. 

Connection to Nature

Much of Shaker design tended to rely upon natural materials like oak, maple, cedar, and birch. Shaker craftspeople often ensured that the tonalities of woods were enhanced in their finished creations to celebrate such natural beauty.

Durability

In addition to functionality, Shaker designs need to stand the test of time. Accordingly, Shaker designers only incorporated high-quality materials and durable styles. With these central tenets in mind, let’s take a closer look at some examples of Shaker art and architecture.

Architectural Design

Central to Shaker architectural design was the concept of communal living, which deeply influenced the layout and function of Shaker buildings. Shaker communities were designed to support a self-sufficient, collective lifestyle, with structures arranged to facilitate communal activities and shared responsibilities. For example, the dwelling houses featured large common rooms for dining and worship, reflecting the Shakers’ emphasis on unity and togetherness. Buildings such as workshops, barns, and meeting houses were strategically placed to ensure ease of access for all community members. The design of these spaces underscored Shaker values of equality and cooperation, providing equal amenities and spaces for both men and women. This architectural approach fostered a strong sense of community, where every member contributed to and benefited from the collective prosperity and well-being. Let’s highlight a few of the communities standing today that showcase the best of Shaker architectural design:

Mount Lebanon Shaker Village

The first Shaker commune established in the United States, New York’s Mount Lebanon accommodated more than 500 residents in its heyday. Of the many structures that supported this community, one of the most impressive was the Wood House of the North Family (families being subsets of the Shaker community usually numbering between 50 and 100 people). In addition to accommodating an internal grist mill, The house also featured a laundry room – the Shakers are credited with having patented the first popular washing machine – both of which were powered by forced-pressure plumbing.

Hancock Shaker Village

Visitors to Hancock, Massachusetts, can step back in time at the Hancock Shaker Village. Established in 1791, and thus one of the oldest Shaker settlements in the United States, this Shaker commune grew into the 19th century until it disbanded in 1893. While all of its structures shared the Shaker vision of simple lines and utilitarian applications, the Round Stone Barn is perhaps the most spectacular. Built in 1826, this structure is the only circular barn built by the Shakers and exemplifies the practicality of the Shaker architecture: its round shape was designed to accommodate a large herd of dairy cows, and its access points were positioned to facilitate efficient movement of wagons through the space to supply fresh hay when needed.

Canterbury Shaker Village

The Canterbury Shaker commune was established in New Hampshire in 1782 by Israel Chauncey and Ebenezer Cooley, who had left the Mount Lebanon Shaker community to expand the Shaker reach. The inaugural structure on the site was the Meeting House, which comprised two levels. The upper left was a loft space for sleeping, while the ground level served as a gathering space. One staircase was situated on either end of the house to accommodate separate entrances by gender.

Shaker Furniture

Shaker furniture exemplifies the principle of functional beauty, blending form and function to create pieces that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing. This approach ensured that Shaker furniture was not only durable and utilitarian but also visually harmonious, reflecting the Shakers’ belief in the beauty of simplicity. Some examples that typify Shaker furniture design include: 

Wash Stand

Signed by James Calver, a member of the New Lebanon Shaker commune, this hardwood wash stand features a clean profile. It combines an ample and unobstructed surface to accommodate a wash basin and also includes three drawers with simple round pulls.

Bench

Made in Enfield, New Hampshire around 1830, this extended bench was crafted in pine and birch wood and was constructed from a seat consisting of a solid wooden plank resting on tapered dowel legs. The back of the bench is built from an array of wooden spindles that pairs the unitarian need for a backrest with an ultimately streamlined design. 

Rocking Chair

A prime example of Shaker design from the Midwestern commune of Union Village, this maple rocking chair features a similar use of back slats as seen on the pine bench, however, the horizontal orientation reflects the “Ladder Back” style of furniture popularized by Shaker makers. 

Trestle Table

Nearing nine feet in length, this cherry trestle table was one of the last pieces of Shaker furniture to be conserved from Union Village. The simple framework provided the needed stability for the ample tabletop while also ensuring room for everyone at a large gathering. 

Enduring Shaker Influence

Today the Sabbathday Shaker Community in Maine represents the only remaining Shaker commune in the United States; the remaining centers have long since disbanded or died out. That said, the premise of their design aesthetic can be sensed across modern and contemporary art and design. Their reach can be sensed in the subsequent trends and movements.

Arts and Crafts Movement

Similarly emphasizing the importance of hand craftsmanship, the major designers of the American Arts And Crafts movement like Gustav Stickley also exalted natural material and organic motifs.

American Craftsman Movement

Specifically within American circles, the ideas of Shaker design must have proven foundational to the rise of the American Craftsman tradition. Characterized by makers like George Nakashima, this field also celebrated natural materials in sparing designs.

Mid-Century Modern Movement 

The push for designs that were as streamlined as possible was also echoed in 20th-century minimalist movements like that of the Mid-Century Modern makers. Though embracing a wider array of materials – particularly those made by machines – designers like Charles and Ray Eames as well as Eero Saarinen also espoused the core principle of form following function.

Farmhouse Modern Interior Design

The enduring legacy of Shaker design is in large part owed to its simplicity and utility, two elements that have proven part of timeless taste. Add in the durability of their material and it becomes clear why Shaker design still captivates designers and has contributed to the popular farmhouse modern décor trend.