The 19th century saw the rise of furniture makers who became renowned for their innovation, craftsmanship, and distinctive styles. Their creations have influenced furniture design for generations.
Thomas Chippendale (1718–1779)
Though Chippendale’s most influential period was in the late 18th century, his designs heavily influenced early 19th-century furniture. The Chippendale style emphasized refined elegance, with ornate carvings and the use of dovetail joints in drawers. His The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker’s Director (1754) remained a design reference well into the 19th century.
George Hepplewhite (1727–1786)
Like Chippendale, Hepplewhite’s designs were published in the late 18th century but had a lasting impact. His focus on light, elegant furniture with curved lines influenced 19th-century makers. The use of mortise and tenon joints in chairs and settees allowed for the construction of Hepplewhite’s slender yet sturdy designs.
Duncan Phyfe (1768–1854)
An American cabinetmaker based in New York, Duncan Phyfe created neoclassical furniture that epitomized early 19th-century elegance. His works featured precise mortise and tenon joints and elaborate carving. Phyfe was known for integrating European styles, including Empire and Regency, into his designs.
Michael Thonet (1796–1871)
A pioneer of bentwood furniture, Michael Thonet transformed joinery with his innovative use of steam-bent wood. His iconic No. 14 chair—also known as the "bistro chair"—used minimal joints but relied heavily on precision dowels and screws. Thonet’s designs became synonymous with durability and mass production, bridging traditional craftsmanship and industrial methods.
William Morris (1834–1896)
As the founder of the Arts and Crafts Movement, William Morris emphasized handcrafted quality over industrialization. His furniture designs relied on traditional joinery techniques like dovetail and mortise and tenon joints. Morris & Co. produced pieces that celebrated natural materials and craftsmanship, standing in opposition to the mass-produced items of the late 19th century.
John Henry Belter (1804–1863)
A German-born cabinetmaker in the United States, John Henry Belter was known for his Rococo Revival furniture. He pioneered the lamination process, which allowed him to create intricate designs in bentwood. While his joints often followed traditional methods, his layered wood construction required extraordinary precision.
Gillow & Co.
The Gillow family of Lancaster, England, was renowned for their high-quality furniture throughout the 19th century. Their pieces often showcased impeccable mortise and tenon joints and dovetails. They were known for blending traditional craftsmanship with early industrial techniques, making them one of the longest-operating furniture makers of the period.