You may have heard of mission-style furniture before and are not entirely sure what this style of wood furniture exactly entails.
Let this short guide serve you.
What Is Mission-Style Furniture?
One of the chief focuses of mission-style furniture is in the simplicity of design. Mission-style furniture makes use of hardwoods, primarily oak and cherry, and consists of simple designs that incorporate rectangular forms and flat panels.
In this design style, right angles are common, as are simple horizontal and vertical lines. Mission-style furniture is generally not ornamented with engravings and other accents and is usually built heavily, creating a focus on function, austerity, and durability.
This style of furniture accentuates the grain and places the emphasis on the natural beauty of solid wood; quartersawn white oak wood panels are frequently used in the construction of mission furniture. This enables it to create a traditional aesthetic in interiors in which the design is showcased.
When Did Mission Style Furniture Originate?
The origins of mission furniture are debated. Some claim that the production of mission-style furniture and the name “mission” are a nod to the designs prevalent in Spanish missions.
One of the early pioneers of the mission style was Gustav Stickley, of Stickley furniture, who was strongly influenced by the English Arts and Crafts movement but may have also been influenced by the simple, functional furniture he observed in California missions.
Nonetheless, mission-style furniture likely arose between the late 1800s and early 1900s. It also re-emerged in popularity in the later years of the 21st century.
Are Mission and Craftsman the Same?
Mission, Craftsman, and the Arts and Crafts movements all share a lot of common ground, to the point that some people use the terms mission and craftsman interchangeably.
Mission and craftsman style furniture, specifically, are very similar, with both styles making use of clean lines, wood panels, dowelled or mortise and tenon joints, and an overall focus on simplicity and austerity.
Both styles place the emphasis on the innate beauty of the wood and the inherent value of quality furniture-making techniques that result in heirloom-quality furniture that lasts.
Decorating an Interior with Mission-Style Furniture
Mission-style furniture was, in effect, a rejection of the mass-produced, mechanical influences of industrialization. While it does have a certain austere air, it also prizes the work of the craftsman.
Therefore, mission-style interiors typically offer a warm atmosphere that invites displays of heritage and other high-quality furnishings and decorations.
Natural materials, such as leather, woven textiles, iron, and of course, wood, that show the marks of workmanship, are welcome in and compatible with mission-style interiors.
Since mission-style furniture hinges on the naked beauty of wood, the mission-style palette is composed chiefly of warm earth tones, such as light and dark browns.
Some brighter colors, such as reds, blues, and greens, can be used in mission-style interiors, but should be employed sparingly as they do create an impression of stark contrast.
Want to Learn More? Visit Stickley.com
If you’re interested in learning more about the virtues of mission-style furniture and how it can be best employed to grace your home, there is no better place to look than Stickley.com.
For over 120 years, Stickley has been a pioneer in the furniture industry and has produced furniture that is, in a word, timeless.
Handcrafted chiefly by teams of skilled, experienced artisans in Stickley’s facilities in Upstate New York and North Carolina, their furniture is built to last a lifetime.
To learn more about their unique offerings, craftsmanship, and processes, visit their website at Stickley.com.
