A style of furniture developed in America in the late eighteenth century by members of the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing (the “Shakers” or “Shaking Quakers”). The style is characterized by extreme simplicity, reflecting the Shaker ideal of plain living. Tables, chairs, rocking chairs, and cabinets were made from locally available woods, such as cherry, maple and pine. The simple functionality of Shaker furniture influenced twentieth-century design movements such as the Bauhaus. Web resources here and here. Video here.

Church family, Mount Lebanon, NY.  Work table. Ca. 1835. Shaker Museum, Chatham, NY.