The Significance of the Wood Dresser in Early American Furniture

The wood dresser played a significant role in early American furniture, both in terms of its functionality and its place in the home. During the colonial period, dressers were an important piece of furniture, serving as both a storage unit and a decorative piece in the home.

The Colonial Era

The colonial era in America, which lasted from the early 17th century to the mid-18th century, was a time of great change and growth. As colonists settled in the New World, they brought with them their own cultural traditions and furniture styles, which were then adapted to suit their new environment.

During this time, the wood dresser became an important piece of furniture in the colonial home. It was often used to store clothing and other personal items, as well as to display decorative objects such as ceramics and glassware.

Design Features

The design of early American wood dressers was heavily influenced by the furniture styles of England and Europe. The earliest dressers in the colonies were simple, functional pieces, often made of oak or other hardwoods. They typically consisted of a series of open shelves for displaying objects, with a few drawers or cabinets below for storage.

Over time, the design of the wood dresser became more elaborate and ornate. Dressers were often constructed with a series of drawers or compartments, sometimes with doors that could be closed to protect the contents. The drawers were often decorated with intricate carvings or moldings, and the feet of the dresser might be shaped into claw-and-ball or pad designs.

Construction

Early American wood dressers were typically constructed using traditional joinery techniques, such as dovetail joints and mortise-and-tenon joints. These joints were strong and durable, and they allowed the dresser to withstand the rigors of daily use.

The wood used to construct these dressers was often local to the area, such as oak or maple. The wood was seasoned and cured before construction, which helped to prevent warping and splitting over time.

Cultural Significance

The wood dresser played an important role in early American culture, both as a functional piece of furniture and as a symbol of family heritage. In many colonial homes, the dresser was one of the most important pieces of furniture, and it was often passed down from generation to generation.

In addition to its use as a storage unit, the wood dresser also served as a decorative piece in the home. It was often used to display ceramics, glassware, and other decorative objects, and it was considered a sign of wealth and social status.

During the colonial era, dressers were also used as a form of advertising. Merchants would display their wares on the shelves of the dresser, allowing potential customers to see the quality and variety of goods that they had for sale.

The Shaker Movement

The Shaker movement, which began in the late 18th century, had a significant impact on the design and construction of wood dressers in America. The Shakers, who believed in simplicity, utility, and honesty, created furniture that was designed to be both functional and beautiful.

Shaker wood dressers were typically constructed of simple, unadorned designs, with straight lines and minimal ornamentation. The drawers were often dovetailed and constructed without hardware, using wooden knobs or pulls instead.

The Shakers also placed a great emphasis on the quality of the wood used to construct their furniture. They preferred to use local woods such as cherry and maple, which were carefully selected and seasoned to ensure their durability and longevity.

The Arts and Crafts Movement

The Arts and Crafts movement, which began in the late 19th century, had a significant impact on the design and construction of wood dressers in America. The movement, which rejected the mass production of furniture in favor of handmade pieces, emphasized the importance of craftsmanship and quality.

Arts and Crafts wood dressers were typically constructed of solid wood, with handcrafted joinery and careful attention to detail. The drawers were often dovetailed and constructed with wooden slides, rather than metal hardware.

The design of Arts and Crafts wood dressers was often inspired by the natural world, with simple, organic shapes and motifs. The wood was often left unfinished or lightly finished, to allow the natural beauty of the wood to shine through.

The wood dresser played a significant role in early American furniture, both in terms of its functionality and its cultural significance. From its origins in England and Europe to its evolution in America, the wood dresser has been a versatile and timeless piece of furniture that has adapted to meet the changing tastes and needs of people throughout history.