Purists hail Gustav Stickley as the creator of Craftsman furniture. Others view this style as a combination of Mission and Arts and Crafts styles that can be blended together into a bungalow style, accentuating wooden furnishings through accented joinery details. Lighter wicker pieces can also be purchased and customized with upholstery fabric or leather for further personalization.
Craftsman Style
Craftsman furniture was developed as an alternative to Victorian-era layers of decoration, placing emphasis on craftsmanship and natural materials such as oak, cherry and walnut wood pieces as well as other species such as ash, elm and maple. Featuring heavy proportions and accented joinery with heavy proportions favored pieces like quartersawn white oak pieces being often favoured. Ash, Elm & Maple species may also be included.
Gustav Stickley made America’s version of Arts and Craft style famous through his magazine that promoted home plans and craftsman-style furniture. Dubbed Bungalow, Craftsman or Mission style depending on who you ask, Stickley pushed back against mass-production of factory-made furniture that was in demand at that time; his emphasis on integrity and simplicity inspired other homegrown styles like Mission or Prairie styles to flourish as well.
To bring the beauty of craftsman furniture into your own home, look for pieces with multiple purposes. For instance, mission style coffee tables with glass tops make great additions for serving drinks or snacks and displaying decorative items, while solid hardwood living room sets with four distinct types of wood inlay may create unique heirlooms that last a lifetime.
Decorating with craftsman furniture should start in the living room as this was traditionally its intended use. With its mission-style design and simple elegance, craftsman pieces blend in well with any interior decor theme or theme easily. Choose colors which complement its wooden tones such as dark green, gold, or burgundy for best results; avoid excessive patterns that could disrupt its overall appearance.
Dining rooms can also benefit from craftsman patio furniture. While you may have to go for more subdued pieces than those featured in the living room, you can still achieve an excellent look by selecting wood tables with straight lines and no intricate carvings, vertical spindle inset chairs featuring square seating areas and light and vibrant wicker chairs for some added color pop.
Wicker
Wicker patio furniture pairs beautifully with homes designed in the craftsman style. Wicker furniture’s open latticework design complements the Arts and Crafts Movement’s emphasis on superior craftsmanship and clean lines, as well as other traditional design trends like Mission or Bungalow that share many characteristics with this trend.
Wood furniture offers natural beauty that cannot be replicated, while wicker is a lightweight and versatile alternative for any backyard retreat. When selecting high-quality wicker sets it is crucial that they don’t break down quickly or damage the environment; look for ones made with aluminum frames that won’t rust; plastic frames may bend and deform over time and should be avoided entirely.
Check the label when purchasing wicker furniture to determine its construction material. Most sets are constructed from Polyethylene, an eco-friendly synthetic resin infused with UV inhibitors to prevent sun damage and fade, which also stands up better against weather elements than rattan. More cost-effective PVC versions may feature lower production costs but could fade over time.
It is also essential when purchasing a wicker set to select a quality brand. Lower-cost sets typically use leftover strands from weaving the pieces together, leading to their unraveling over time. Look for brands using thicker strands with multiple wrappings around each end for added protection against unraveling.
Harmonia Living excels at crafting high-quality wicker furniture, using superior materials that withstand cracking and fading – such as HDPE wicker and thicker gauged aluminum frames – along with their unique weaving technique that keeps their wicker evenly spaced and oriented; cheaper wicker can appear uneven and cause the furniture to move up and down with every breeze.
Choose neutral colors when it comes to selecting wicker furniture to complement any design aesthetic. Contemporary spaces may favor darker finishes like smoky espresso or black; traditional spaces, however, might prefer muted neutral tones with classic silhouettes. You can further elevate your space by pairing your wicker furniture with wood accents, metal details and crisp cushions – remember, though, that wicker furniture is an investment with up to seven year lifespan with proper care!
Porch Swings
One of the most iconic outdoor furniture pieces is a porch swing. As an inviting place to sit back and unwind, porch swings serve as a gathering spot for friends or family to discuss events of the day or just take in some fresh air on sunny afternoons. While they’re most commonly associated with front porches, porch swings can also be enjoyed on patios, decks or lounges.
Classic swings are constructed from various materials, but wood – particularly cedar – is the best material choice. Cedar has proven durable enough to withstand moisture, rot, insects and other environmental threats while requiring less maintenance than softwoods such as pine or redwood that must be stained and varnished regularly to stay looking their best.
Cedar makes an excellent material choice for those seeking traditional wooden swings, as it naturally resists insects and the elements while offering relaxing aromatherapy properties. Furthermore, cedar outdoor swings will last many years when treated properly – using regular coats of cedar oil will maintain their beauty while shielding from external factors.
Other kinds of wood used to craft swings include cypress, white oak and teak. Each variety offers its own distinct look and durability level; all work well outdoors. Cypress stands out for being lightweight yet water resistant – ideal for hanging chairs in wet environments; white oak offers natural water resistance with resistance against insects; while teak provides long-term durability while withstanding even high winds.
Craftsman-style swings may also be made from metals. Metal swings tend to be more durable than softwoods but not as easy to care for as solid hardwoods like teak and acacia, although some metal models may even be rust-resistant so no regular painting or refinishing needs to be performed on them. Plus, there’s always sure to be one available that matches up perfectly with the decor of your home!
Cushions
Craftsman-style furniture and patio sets feature natural wooden finishes, which is versatile enough to accommodate various hues for cushions. Boldly colored fabrics can be interwoven with craftsman wicker furniture to make a bold statement on outdoor sofa sets, while matching outdoor pillows add color pops on porch swings or porch swings. Open latticework also adds visual interest by pairing Craftsman wicker furniture with open latticework; open latticework can add visual interest without taking over an area such as porches or sunroom.
Chat sets with slatted sides and backs offer an elegant alternative to Mission acacia furniture for sunroom or porch use, featuring a love seat, two chairs and coffee table that comfortably seat four people comfortably. Outdoor-safe polyester cushions in slate gray complete this mission-style acacia wood patio furniture set.
Sears offers a selection of patio furniture sets designed to suit every space imaginable, from bistro sets for compact front porches to expansive backyards requiring sofa seating and ottomans. When selecting outdoor furniture near pools, water-resistant materials like wicker or stainless steel may help prevent damage caused by environmental elements.