10 Furniture Books That Define Design and Craftsmanship

When Mateo Kries, editor of the Vitra Design Museum, curated this atlas, he aimed to capture the full sweep of furniture design history through an unparalleled collection. Spanning over 1,700 objects from 237 years, the book offers you detailed insights into iconic pieces and their cultural contexts, from early industrial bentwood to postmodern works by Starck and Grcic. You'll find not just images but essays, patents, and designer biographies that deepen your understanding of design evolution. This volume is tailored for collectors, scholars, and enthusiasts ready to explore furniture design with rich historical depth and visual rigor.

David A. Bossert draws on his extensive Disney animation career to explore the unique furniture designs crafted by Kem Weber for the Walt Disney Studios. You gain insight into how Weber’s specialized pieces, such as the famed Air Line chair, were tailored to the distinct needs of animators and creative staff, blending form with function to support productivity. The book walks you through concept sketches, archival photos, and interviews with legendary artists, offering a layered understanding of mid-century California modernism in a professional studio context. It's well suited for enthusiasts of design history, animation professionals, and those curious about the intersection of creative workflow and environment.

This tailored book explores the art and science of furniture design and craftsmanship, focusing on your unique interests and background. It covers fundamental principles, materials, and construction techniques while delving into stylistic expressions and functional innovations. By aligning with your specific goals, this personalized guide reveals pathways through complex expert knowledge, making the learning process engaging and relevant. Whether you seek to master classic joinery or modern design aesthetics, the book examines each topic with enthusiasm and clarity, ensuring a rich, hands-on understanding. This tailored approach helps you synthesize collective craftsmanship knowledge into skills that resonate with your personal vision and expertise level.

After years running a furniture redesign studio in Austin, Amanda Brown developed a hands-on manual that demystifies upholstery through clear instruction and vivid visuals. You’ll find detailed guidance on stripping down old sofas, stuffing ottomans, and revamping chairs, all supported by more than 900 photographs that make techniques accessible even if you’re new to the craft. The book’s five carefully chosen projects offer deep dives rather than scattered tips, providing a strong foundation in upholstery skills and design sense. If you're eager to personalize your home with fabric and texture but intimidated by the tools and process, this guide breaks it down into manageable, creative steps.

When Dominic Bradbury turned his journalist's eye to mid-century modern furniture, he uncovered a treasure trove of design innovation spanning from the late 1930s to the early 1970s. This book immerses you in hundreds of pieces, from iconic armchairs to lesser-known cabinets, each examined for its formal creativity and manufacturing ingenuity. You learn to appreciate the materials, techniques, and cultural shifts that shaped this explosive era of furniture making, with detailed essays and vivid photography bringing each object to life. Whether you're a seasoned collector, design professional, or enthusiast, this volume offers a rich reference that sharpens your understanding of mid-century craftsmanship and style.

What started as Christian Holmstedt Olesen's deep fascination with Danish design became a detailed exploration of Hans J. Wegner’s legendary chairs. You get a thorough look at about 500 of Wegner's creations, from the elegant Y Chair to the functional Round Chair favored by John F. Kennedy, learning how traditional joinery techniques blend with modern aesthetics. The book captures Wegner’s dedication to balancing comfort, ergonomics, and humor in design, showing you the craftsmanship behind his iconic pieces like the Peacock and Ox chairs. If you appreciate furniture that combines artistry with practicality, this book offers insights that enrich your understanding and appreciation of midcentury modernism.

This tailored book explores a focused, month-long journey into furniture refurbishing and renewal, designed to match your specific background and goals. It covers essential restoration techniques, project planning, material selection, and finishing touches, all aligned with your unique interests. By honing in on your skill level and desired outcomes, this personalized guide reveals practical steps to breathe new life into worn or outdated pieces. Through carefully chosen projects, it offers an engaging way to develop hands-on skills and deepen your understanding of furniture craftsmanship. This tailored approach ensures you receive a learning experience that emphasizes your priorities, making furniture restoration both accessible and rewarding.

Nathan Smith's journey from crafting concrete countertops for his home to leading a creative team at Set in Stone shapes this book's hands-on approach to colorful concrete projects. You learn not only how to mix and dye concrete but also how to integrate various materials for textured effects, with step-by-step guides for pieces ranging from quaint planters to a fire pit perfect for gatherings. This book suits you if you're eager to add personal style to your garden furniture without the high cost, and if you appreciate detailed illustrations that make complex projects approachable. The inclusion of projects like an old-world candle holder alongside modern furniture showcases practical diversity that can fit many outdoor aesthetics.

Drawing from his expertise as a design historian, Lars Dybdahl unpacks the Danish Mid-Century Modern furniture movement with precision and insight. You’ll gain a deep understanding of how postwar social changes shaped iconic designs like Hans J. Wegner’s Y Chair and Finn Juhl’s Chieftain Chair, exploring not just the pieces but their cultural and industrial origins. Thirteen chapters guide you through innovations in materials and styles—from laminated wood to plastic and steel—highlighting the breadth of Danish creativity for homes, offices, and institutions. If you’re passionate about design history or furniture craftsmanship, this book offers a rich, contextual perspective that goes beyond aesthetics to reveal the era’s transformative impact.

When Brian D. Hingley realized the complexities involved in restoring wooden furniture to its original charm, he set out to create a detailed, hands-on guide that demystifies the process. This book walks you through over 500 precise instructions and vivid photos, covering everything from removing old finishes and fixing broken joints to refurbishing warped wood and repairing stains or burns. You gain practical skills to handle structural repairs and refinishing techniques that help preserve the integrity and beauty of heirlooms or bargain finds. Anyone interested in DIY furniture restoration, whether a hobbyist or a professional, will find the step-by-step explanations and shop-tested methods particularly useful.

Drawing from extensive research into mid-20th century Brazilian creators, this book explores the innovative furniture designs that emerged between the 1940s and 1970s. It presents detailed reproductions of works by key figures like Lina Bo Bardi and Sergio Rodrigues, illustrating their unique approaches to form and function. You’ll gain insight into the cultural and aesthetic forces shaping Brazilian modern design, including architectural influences and biographical context for each designer. This volume suits anyone interested in design history or looking to understand how regional identity shapes furniture innovation, though it leans toward readers comfortable with art and design analysis.

Mike and Debbie Schramer, artists celebrated for their nature-inspired miniatures featured in prestigious museums and major publications, invite you into an imaginative craft journey. You learn to create intricate fairy furniture and tiny structures using natural materials, guided by more than 350 vibrant photos and whimsical instructions. From crafting acorn pod cups to delicate flower beds, the book encourages you to develop your artistic eye and patience with detailed projects like the Princess Canopy Bed and the Fairy Garden. If you enjoy hands-on creativity and fantasy miniatures, this book offers both inspiration and practical techniques, though it may not suit those seeking conventional furniture design.