8 Best-Selling Furniture Books Millions Love

Rejecting the ornate excesses of late Victorian furniture, Gustav Stickley championed a design philosophy grounded in simplicity, utility, and craftsmanship. In this collection, you’ll find 62 detailed projects originally published in his magazine The Craftsman, complete with perspective drawings, mill bills, and precise measurements to build authentic mission-style pieces. Whether you’re crafting a sturdy bookcase or an elegant dining table, these plans offer a direct link to early 20th-century American design ideals. This book is ideal if you want to develop woodworking skills while creating durable furniture that blends functionality with timeless style.

Drawing from his deep involvement in the American Craftsman movement, Gustav Stickley offers a detailed look into furniture design that values honest construction and functional beauty over ornamentation. This book showcases nearly 600 illustrations from early 20th-century catalogs, featuring everything from rockers and settees to desks and tables, with precise measurements and pricing that provide a rare glimpse into that era's craftsmanship. You learn not only about design principles but also the practical aspects of furniture making and marketing in the Craftsman style. If you're fascinated by historical furniture, design authenticity, or the Arts and Crafts movement, this catalog serves as a rich reference and inspiration.

This tailored book explores the rich tradition of American Craftsman furniture building, combining classic techniques with your unique interests and background. It delves into the principles of design, joinery, and finishing that define authentic Craftsman style, while focusing specifically on your goals and skill level. The personalized content reveals how to select materials, master hand tools, and construct durable, timeless pieces that reflect the Arts and Crafts movement. By blending proven knowledge with your individual passions, this book offers a focused learning experience that makes mastering Craftsman furniture both accessible and deeply rewarding.

Unlike most furniture books that focus broadly on styles and trends, Thomas Moser’s "How to Build Shaker Furniture" zeroes in on the timeless simplicity and functionality of Shaker design. Moser, an expert craftsman, equips you with detailed instructions, supported by over 350 photos and precise measured drawings, to build classic pieces like benches, desks, and cupboards. This book is ideal if you want to sharpen your woodworking skills specifically in traditional Shaker techniques, learning how to create elegant, practical furniture without unnecessary ornamentation. It’s best suited for DIY enthusiasts who appreciate craftsmanship and want clear, visual guidance rather than just theory.

When Cathy Baker wrote Building Simple Furniture, she focused on empowering everyday woodworkers to create practical pieces without complex tools or advanced skills. The book offers clear instructions and diagrams for projects like Adirondack chairs, picnic tables, and storage boxes, guiding you through each build with simplicity in mind. You’ll learn how to handle basic hand tools and get comfortable with woodworking techniques that produce sturdy, attractive furniture. This book suits anyone looking to add personal, handcrafted wooden items to their home, especially weekend hobbyists wanting straightforward, satisfying projects.

Gustav Ecke's deep dive into Chinese domestic furniture offers more than just visuals; it unpacks centuries of craftsmanship and cultural significance embedded in every piece. You discover how furniture evolved from the Shang period through the Ming Dynasty, learning about wood selection, joinery, and finishing techniques that define authenticity. The detailed measured drawings and photographic plates make it especially useful if you're hands-on with woodwork or simply passionate about design history. While it’s a treasure trove for woodworkers and art enthusiasts, casual readers might find its technical detail dense, yet rewarding if you want to understand the enduring elegance behind Chinese furniture traditions.

This tailored woodworking guide explores focused projects in Shaker style furniture, blending classic craftsmanship with your personal interests and skill level. It covers essential techniques for creating timeless pieces, emphasizing simplicity, functionality, and elegant design. The book examines project planning, joinery methods, finishing touches, and material selection, all matched to your background and goals. By concentrating on your specific needs, this personalized approach helps deepen your understanding of Shaker woodworking traditions while guiding you through hands-on creation. Combining widely valued knowledge with your unique aspirations, the book offers a rich learning experience that reveals the beauty and practicality of Shaker furniture through tailored instruction.

After years apprenticing in Paris and honing his craft in Brooklyn, Christophe Pourny offers a deep dive into furniture restoration that goes far beyond the basics. You’ll learn to identify different furniture styles and periods, master techniques like ceruse and vernis anglais, and tackle projects ranging from repairing a broken leg to refinishing an antique gilt frame. The book balances historical context with hands-on guidance, making it valuable whether you’re caring for a family heirloom or a flea-market find. While the detailed step-by-step photos help you replicate Pourny’s methods, the care and maintenance tips ensure your pieces last.

Unlike most furniture books that focus on modern designs, Franklin H. Gottshall challenges you to master the art of antique furniture reproduction with precise, measured drawings and clear instructions. You’ll explore the construction of classic pieces from renowned craftsmen like Sheraton and Chippendale, learning skills ranging from joinery and dovetailing to wood turning and carving. The book walks you through selecting materials, tool care, and finishing touches, making it accessible whether you’re just starting out or already skilled. If you’re drawn to creating heirloom-quality furniture that honors traditional craftsmanship, this book offers the detailed guidance you need.

What happens when deep historical research meets furniture craftsmanship? John Kassay’s "The Book of Shaker Furniture" explores the unique designs and cultural context of furniture from the Shaker religious community, known for their simplicity and utility. You gain detailed insights into how their values shaped not just aesthetics but functional design, with chapters that showcase distinctive pieces reflecting communal living ideals. This book suits anyone fascinated by American history, design minimalism, or woodworking traditions, though casual furniture enthusiasts might find its focus quite specialized. Kassay’s work invites you to appreciate how belief systems can profoundly influence material culture.