Mission style is a design movement that began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and was inspired by the traditional furniture of the Spanish missions in California and other Spanish-influenced territories of the American West.
While Mission furniture was originally intended to be utilitarian and budget-friendly, it has now become popular among a wide range of decorators. The hallmark of Mission style furniture is its commitment to simplicity, strength, and utility.
This style has a distinct look, with sturdy construction and a lack of excess ornate detail. Pieces are constructed with clean lines and exposed joinery, such as slatted details, peg joints, and L-shaped corner braces.
Typical materials used include solid woods like oak, hickory, and walnut and natural wicker. The characteristic look of the style can be created with distressed finishes, such as those seen on the iconic pieces from the Arts and Craft Movement.
What is the difference between Craftsman and mission style?
The Craftsman and Mission styles are both popular design styles that emerged in the late 1800s and early 1900s, but there are some distinct differences between the two.
The Craftsman style originated in California with the rise of the Arts and Crafts movement and is defined by clean and simple lines, with an emphasis on natural materials like wood, stone, and copper.
It is characterized by exposed plywood joinery, strong unadorned architecture and interior features, and furniture pieces with minimal ornamentation.
The Mission style, on the other hand, originates from Santa Barbara in the 1890s. It is distinguished by its use of straight lines, stark colors, and hardwood construction. Mission style furniture is built of the same materials as Craftsman, but with more formal, symmetrical designs and heavy carved and chiseled details.
Mission style has a distinctively dark color palette compared to Craftsman, which is usually more light and airy.
In summary, while Craftsman furniture is characterized by its unadorned lines, exposed joinery, and natural materials, Mission furniture is known for its straight lines, heavier carvings, and darker color palette.
What are the characteristics of mission style furniture?
Mission style furniture, also known as Arts and Crafts style furniture, is characterized by simplified forms and a focus on functionality. Functional and simple shapes, straight lines, and a lack of ornamentation are all common features in mission style furniture.
Geometric forms, such as squares and rectangles, are often used in construction, as well as flat planks, dowels, and mortise and tenon joints. The wood used usually has a medium to deep color and can range in type from oak and hickory to ash and cherry.
Usually, the finish of mission style furniture is either lacquered or oiled. This helps accentuate the wood’s natural color and grain. Other frequently seen pieces of mission style furniture include boxes, chairs, tables, and sofas.
These pieces often feature leather upholstery and may also employ leather in their construction. Metal hardware such as hinges, drawer pulls, and braces are also common features of mission furniture, and can be made from brass, copper, or steel.
Why is it called mission style?
The Mission style, also commonly known as Arts and Crafts style, is a late 19th century American architectural and interior design style. Though it originated in the Western United States, it quickly became popular across the country and eventually around the world.
The name, “Mission style,” comes from its origin in the early Spanish missions of California and the Southwest. This style was heavily influenced by the architecture used in those missions and is known for its simple yet strong designs and use of native materials.
Mission furniture was crafted with elements such as straight lines, flat surfaces, and rounded columns evoking a mission bell tower, indicative of the design’s origins in Spanish missions. Additionally, the use of wood, tile, and metal was common in the Mission style.
This style was not just a trend but a social, cultural, and artistic movement that was a reaction to the mass-produced furniture and products of the Industrial Revolution. People wanted simpler, less ornate, and more handcrafted products — all of which the Mission style represented.
People also admired the idea of “returning to the land” that the style symbolized.
Through its strong designs and direct connection to the traditional values of the Southwest, the Mission style has attained a timeless quality that has kept the style in demand even today.
What color is Mission furniture?
Mission furniture can range in color depending on the materials it is made with. Commonly, this type of furniture is crafted with oak, cherry, walnut, or mahogany, and the hue of these materials can range from a light natural hue to a deep, rich brown.
These materials often have a smooth, oiled finish that can enhance the natural color of the wood or give it a darker, more vintage look. Other pieces of Mission-style furniture can also be made from other materials such as wicker, rattan, and metal and these materials can come in a variety of colors and finishes.
While Mission furniture can have a variety of colors, it typically uses lighter, neutral colors such as rustic brown, black, and grey to maintain a more traditional and understated look.
What type of wood is used in mission style furniture?
Mission style furniture is typically made with solid woods such as oak, cherry, hickory, ash, walnut, maple, and some pine. The most iconic pieces are made from oak, which is known for its strength and durability.
Other woods may be used, depending on the type of mission style furniture, but the natural wood grain and color adds to the classical look of the mission style and helps to define it. The typical mission style pieces will also feature metal accents and hardware in copper, brass, and bronze to further enhance their look.
Ultimately, the choice in wood depends on the manufacturer and the style of furniture being made.
Why do Amish hang chairs on the wall?
The Amish often hang chairs on the wall as a form of interior decor and as a display of craftsmanship. Hanging chairs on the wall is a unique and visually-appealing way to showcase the Amish’s traditional woodworking and carpentry skills.
Additionally, hanging chairs on the wall is a practical way to showcase the artwork and can help create the impression of more space in a room. Additionally, the Amish hang chairs on the wall as a symbol of hospitality and warm welcome.
The act of hanging a chair on the wall for guests to sit in as a form of greeting and welcome has long been a part of Amish culture, and is a sign of their tradition of offering a place for their guests to relax.
How can you tell if furniture is Stickley?
First, look at the name plate on the piece. Most pieces made by Stickley will have a name plate on them near the joints, so look closely. Next, look at the wood used in the furniture and its construction details.
Stickley typically uses only the finest quality woods and construction techniques, so the craftsmanship of the furniture should be of a very high standard. Finally, look at the branding and labeling on the item itself, or the packaging if you have it.
Stickley has been producing high-end furniture for over 100 years, and all of their pieces feature specific branding and labeling that sets them apart from other furniture brands.
What are mission colors?
Mission colors typically represent a mission or organization. These colors not only help to provide a visual recognition, but can also be a symbol or representation of their values, purpose, or goals they strive to achieve.
Mission colors have been used by many organizations and can provide a rallying point for a variety of people. For example, the United Nations has blue and white as its official colors, representing peace and neutrality.
Similarly, firefighters around the world have blue and red as their mission colors, signifying the courage and strength of those who serve in their line of work. Additionally, sports teams often have a set mission color, be it their school or club colors, to unite and rally their players and fans alike.
Mission colors can also be seen in other contexts such as car dealerships, flag designs, and various shields or crests.
Is Mission furniture still popular?
Yes, Mission furniture is still popular today, albeit not as popular as it once was in the early 20th century. Mission style furniture was first developed in America in the late 19th century after the influx of Spanish missionaries.
It was then popularized in the early 20th century and was a major fashion statement in the middle of the century. The style consists of furniture featuring straight lines and solid construction with dark woods such as oak, walnut and cherry being used.
Mission style furniture is popular because of its combination of beauty and simplicity. It is strong and durable and has an appealing rustic charm. It is often seen in country homes, which undoubtedly adds to its popularity.
It also has a modern, minimalistic vibe due to its clean lines.
Mission furniture is also relatively affordable when compared to other traditional styles, and it is available from a wide range of suppliers and manufacturers, from big box stores to custom manufacturers.
You can also find second-hand Mission furniture at thrift stores and antique dealers. With the right accessories and decorations, Mission furniture can easily be incorporated into a variety of interior design styles.
Overall, Mission furniture is still a popular choice today and will remain popular for years to come, given its strong construction, timeless appeal, and versatility.
How do you decorate with Mission furniture?
Decorating with Mission furniture is a great way to add an element of both natural wood and style to a room. The simple lines and minimal ornamentation create a timeless look that can integrate into many decors.
When decorating with Mission furniture, start by choosing a single piece to serve as the anchor of the room. This can be a bed, dresser, wardrobe, or sofa. Choose a piece that works within the size and shape of your room.
The piece should be the focal point and all other furniture should be complimented by it, taking into account lines and shapes of the room and the furniture. Consider furniture with strong lines and exaggerated verticals or horizontals, such as bar legs or box-and-slat construction.
These styles embody the traditional Mission look.
When selecting the other pieces of furniture, or accentuating with textiles, wall hangings and lighting, select pieces with earthy materials and equally simple lines. Rich dark woods, such as Oak, Walnut, Hickory, and Maple emphasize the furniture’s ruggedness, Americana roots and devotion to craftsmanship and sustainability.
To add more vibrancy, natural materials such as leather and wool work well. Incorporating small pops of color with throws, pillows, or rugs also helps bring the room alive.
When it comes to plant life, look for more simple life forms that don’t overpower the room. Mission furniture is known for its strong wood materials, so some greenery can add a nice contrast to the room’s aesthetic.
Soft rounded shapes of shrubbery and greenery embrace the natural curves of the furniture, while adding welcome life.
Overall, decorating with Mission furniture is an approachable way to add style to your room without going overboard. Start with one key piece, select pieces with straight lines and natural materials, and add some small pops of color and greenery to bring the room to life.
When was Mission Oak built?
Mission Oak was built in 1903, which makes it one of Haverford’s oldest buildings. Built with the intention of being used as a student dormitory, Mission Oak was named for the intense passion and mission of Haverford students at the time.
Mission Oak is located on the east side of the campus, just off the Main Quad which is home to the beautiful Trees Lawn. In its earliest days, it served as one of the centerpieces for many of the school’s activities, including formal dances and student-led social events.
It’s three stories and 6400 square feet of space were kept largely intact until 1982, when Mission Oak was converted into office and storage space. Today, it is home to select faculty and staff members, as well as a meeting space primarily used by student organizations.
How did Mission furniture get its name?
Mission furniture got its name from a style of furniture that was popularized around the turn of the century, roughly 1890 to 1910. The style has its roots in the Spanish Colonial mission churches built in the American southwest during the late 1700s and early 1800s.
Mission style is characterized by simple and straightforward lines, with an emphasis on horizontal and vertical elements. This style was also strongly influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement, which relied on craft and hand-made pieces featuring exposed joinery and natural materials.
The Mission style became popular in both residential and commercial buildings during the period, and featured the use of the native woods of the southwest such as oak, walnut and other woods. Many of the furniture makers of the period used the mission style as their base, and then customized it to include various accents like upholstery, stain and hardware.
The term “Mission” also refers to a certain aesthetic philosophy during the period. This included an emphasis on simplicity, functionality, as well as a rejection of overly ornate and decorative pieces.
Much of the Mission style furniture is still popular today, and can be found in homes and commercial buildings across the United States.
What defines Craftsman style?
Craftsman style, also known as Arts and Crafts style, is a style of home architecture that originated in the late 19th century. It is characterized by its use of natural materials such as wood, stone, clay, and metal, and its emphasis on craftsmanship and quality.
Craftsman homes typically feature low-pitched, gabled roofs with wide overhangs and exposed rafters. They usually have square columns and tapered posts with braces, windows with multiple small panes, and large open porches with slender, square columns and plain, straight balusters.
Inside, built-in benches and bookcases, art niches or shelves, and fireplaces often have a Craftsman style. Asymmetrical floor plans with alcoves, plantations, and niches are also common in Craftsman homes.
The overall effect is a blend of traditional and contemporary elements creating an inviting, warm, and relaxing atmosphere. Craftsman style is known for its honesty and truth to materials, showcasing the natural beauty and craftsmanship of each element of the home.
Is Craftsman style the same as Arts and Crafts?
Although the Craftsman style and Arts and Crafts movement share a similar aesthetic and philosophy, they are not the same. The Craftsman style, also known as the American Craftsman style, was an architectural style developed in the late 19th to early 20th centuries that celebrated hand-crafted furniture, art, and architectural detailing.
It was inspired by the English Arts and Crafts movement, which had rejected the mass-produced, machine-made items of the industrial revolution. The Craftsman style was simpler, yet more rustic, than the English Arts and Crafts, favoring organic shapes and materials that were seen as less formal and more connected to nature.
Craftsman aesthetics also included natural light, open floor plans, interior stone fireplaces, and smaller bedrooms than in previous styles. The Arts and Crafts movement also led to more use of natural materials like stone, brick, and wood.
This style of architecture was popular in the United States until the Great Depression, when elaborate Art Deco homes came into favor.