Gustav Stickley was one of the principal figures in the American Arts and Crafts movement and the creator of the Craftsman style. In 1883, Stickley established a furniture company called Stickley Brothers with two of his brothers, Albert and Charles. Gustav’s other siblings, Leopold and John George, would later form L & J.G. Stickley Inc. in Fayetteville, New York, in 1905.
As a furniture designer and publisher of the magazine The Craftsman, Gustav adopted many of the ideals of the British design reform movement and popularized both its philosophy and its aesthetics in the United States.
Born in Wisconsin, Stickley moved with his family to Pennsylvania when he was a teenager and began working in his uncle’s chair factory in the town of Brandt. There, he learned the techniques of late-19th-century furniture making at a time when the vogue was for Victorian revival furniture, which was characterized by extensive ornamentation.
When Stickley Brothers foundered, Gustav partnered five years later with salesman Elgin Simonds to form a new firm, Stickley & Simonds, which produced traditional furniture that appealed to the burgeoning American middle class. The success of this venture enabled Stickley to travel to Europe, where he discovered the writings of John Ruskin and William Morris, the two preeminent thinkers of the British Arts and Crafts movement. Stickley also traveled to France, where the Art Nouveau movement impressed him with its imaginative designs and skilled craftsmanship.
Stickley parted ways with Simonds at the turn of the 20th century and decided to focus his creative energies on producing furniture in what became known as the Craftsman style, incorporating some of the elements of the designs and movements he had encountered in Europe.
The pieces Stickley created, which he stamped with the logo of a joiner’s compass, were rectilinear, largely free of ornament, made of oak, and built in such a way that the nature of their construction was plainly visible — all reflections of the tenets of the Arts and Crafts movement. While some people referred to Stickley’s furniture as Mission furniture — a term that references the furnishings of the Spanish missions in California — Gustav commonly called his work “Craftsman” owing to the inspiration he found in the British Arts and Crafts movement.
Stickley benches and rocking chairs were popular, and his leather-upholstered armchairs combine practicality, comfort and an understated silhouette. In 1901, Stickley launched The Craftsman magazine, which contained articles on all manner of domestic topics, from gardening and cooking to art and design, as well as poetry and fiction. In addition to popularizing Stickely’s own designs, the magazine acquainted Americans with the Arts and Crafts style in all its forms through its graphic design and the bungalows, art pottery, and hammered-copper lamps pictured in its pages. When Gustav Stickley died, in 1942, Arts and Crafts had been replaced by modernism as the favored aesthetic.
The work of L & J.G. Stickley flourished even as the Arts and Crafts style fell out of fashion because Leopold and John George adapted to the changing times.
L & J.G. Stickley changed their brand name and maker’s mark to Handcraft in 1906, and rather than continue to produce Arts & Crafts-inspired designs, their bedroom furnishings, dining room chairs and other items of the era reflected the influence of Frank Lloyd Wright and the Prairie School style as well as the work of the Wiener Werkstätte. Later, Leopold’s Cherry Valley collection appealed to enthusiasts of American Colonial furniture.
Find antique L & J.G. Stickley tables, seating, case pieces and more on 1stDibs.
L. & J. G. Stickley Georgian Carved Solid Cherry Wood Full Size Poster Bed, 1957
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Georgian style four poster full size bed By L. & J. G. Stickley USA, 1957 Carved solid cherry wood, with brass accents. Measures: 56.75"W x 81.25"D x 75"H. ...
Brass
Stickley Harvey Ellis Collection Mission Arts & Crafts Inlaid Oak Blanket Chest
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mission or Arts & Crafts collector's chest or blanket chest By L. & J.G. Stickley, "Harvey Ellis Collection" USA, Circa Late 20th Century Quarter sawn oak, with butterf...
Oak
Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Nightstand or Bachelor Chest
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful Mission or Arts & Crafts three-drawer bachelor chest, bedside chest, or nightstand By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Circa Late 20th Century Solid quarter sawn oak, with orig...
Copper
Stickley Georgian Solid Cherry Wood Nightstand or Bachelor Chest
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Georgian or Chippendale style three-drawer bedside chest or bachelor chest By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Circa 1980s Beautiful solid carved cherry wood, with original bras...
Brass
Stickley Federal Solid Cherry Wood Pembroke Tea Tables, Newly Refinished
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Federal style Pembroke nightstands, end tables, or tea tables By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, late 20th century Solid cherry wood, with original brass hardware...
Brass
Pair of Copper Arts & Crafts Style Bookends
By Walter Von Nessen, Chase and Co.
Located in San Diego, CA
A unique pair of copper Arts & Crafts style bookends, circa 1930s. Each piece is in good vintage condition measuring approximately 2"D x 3.25W x 4"H; they feature a mix of coppe...
Brass, Copper
$3,550
H 59.75 in W 64 in D 86.75 in
Gustav Stickley Harvey Ellis Queen Size Bed Mission Arts and Crafts Style
By Gustav Stickley, Harvey Ellis
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Mission Style Bed, originally designed by Gustav Stickley and Harvey Ellis, circa 1910s, this example is made by Stickley in the 2000s. It is believed to be constructed of ch...
Metal
$1,781Sale Price|20% Off
H 34.45 in W 16.54 in D 16.74 in
Antique 1880 Arts & Crafts Metamorphic Library Steps Original Carpet Upholstery
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely antique Arts & Crafts Victorian metamorphic library steps chair in oak with period upho...
Oak
A Louis XV style Painted and Carved Wood Full-Size Bed, C. 1940.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring a shaped and tufted upholstered headboard with button detailing, this bed frame is accented with scrolling foliate carving, cabriole legs, and a carved low footboard with l...
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
$600Sale Price|20% Off
H 62 in W 54 in D 1.75 in
Antique Eastlake Chip Carved Walnut Full Size Bed C1900
Located in Big Flats, NY
An Eastlake style full-size bed from circa 1900, featuring intricate chip carving on walnut wood. The bed showcases the characteristic geometric and floral motifs typical of the East...
Walnut
$840Sale Price|30% Off
H 40.5 in W 58 in D 81 in
Vintage Pennsylvania House Jenny Lind Style Cherry Full Size Spindle Bed
Located in Dayton, OH
This gorgeous vintage Pennsylvania House Early American Cherry spindle bed frame showcases timeless craftsmanship and classic Colonial styling. Built from premium solid wood with a w...
Cherry
Hand Embroidered Folding Screen Arts and Crafts Era circa 1910s
By Matthew Andrew Daly
Located in Atlanta, GA
Beautiful Hand Embroidered Arts and Crafts Era Folding Screen, American, circa 1910s. The embroidered design depicts a flower filled meadow with swallows flying through the air. This...
Metal
Carved 'Limestone' Painted Four Poster King Size Bed
Located in Westwood, NJ
A finely carved mahogany and 'limestone' painted four-poster king-size bed, the serpentine arched and molded edge headboard flanked by acanthus leaf and rice carved baluster turned p...
Wood
$6,890
H 68.51 in W 55.12 in D 78.75 in
20th Century Full Bed, Original Four Fluted Poster Spanish Bed with Wood Slabs
Located in Miami, FL
20th century baroque bed, original Spanish bed. This queen-size 4-poster bed is hand carved with elaborate details, fluted turned post, 3D open spiral twist spindles, and Moorish ...
Walnut
$746Sale Price / set|25% Off
H 23 in W 18 in D 18 in
MCM Solid Exotic Wood Nightstands Rustic Brutalist Pair
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on "Read More" or "View More Details" below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing is from 1st Dibs and they normally s...
Wood
$3,046
H 57.88 in W 61.03 in D 69.49 in
French Carved Walnut Bed Full Size or Double Bed Louis XVI Style, circa 1900
Located in Labrit, Landes
Carved walnut bed in the Louis XVI style, circa 1900 — Full size A Louis XVI-style walnut bed from around 1900, featuring elegant carved floral decoration. The headboard, topped b...
Walnut
Arts and Crafts Style Oak Paneled Room Divider Three Panel Screen
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic classic styled art's and crafts oak paneled room divider screen. Three sections of solid oak which flex and support itself. Very heavy well made piece. Please see all pics...
Hardwood, Oak
STICKLEY Cherry Arts & Crafts King Size Platform Bed
Located in Perkasie, PA
STICKLEY Cherry Arts & Crafts King Size Platform Bed – 74576 This beautifully crafted king-size platform bed by STICKLEY dates to circa 2014 and showcases the clean lines and architectural simplicity of the Arts and Crafts movement. Crafted in cherry with Finish No. 718, the bed features a gently curved sleigh-style headboard that softens its strong, understated silhouette while preserving the integrity of its classic design. Inspired by the architectural principles associated with Frank Lloyd Wright, the bed emphasizes balanced proportions, natural wood character, and restrained detailing. Its substantial platform design and high-quality construction make it a striking centerpiece for a thoughtfully furnished bedroom. The warm cherry finish enhances the wood’s natural beauty, creating an inviting atmosphere without unnecessary ornamentation. This bed is particularly well suited to Arts and Crafts, Mission, and modern organic interiors. Its straightforward design pairs beautifully with studio-crafted furnishings, including pieces by Thomas Moser or similar makers, as well as complementary cherry case goods and understated textiles. The gently curved headboard introduces a subtle decorative element while maintaining the bed’s architectural character. A distinguished example of STICKLEY’s Arts and Crafts craftsmanship, combining quality construction, rich cherry wood, and a design influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright. Excellent original finish and condition. Offered at a fraction of its original retail cost. Maker: STICKLEY Age: Circa 2014 Style: Arts and Crafts / Mission / Frank Lloyd Wright influence Material: Cherry Finish: No. 718 Construction: High-quality construction Features: King-size platform bed, gently curved sleigh-style headboard, architectural design inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright Condition: Excellent original finish and condition Dimensions: 84.5"W x 98"D x 46"H Box Spring Height: 9" Suggested 1stDibs Keywords: STICKLEY bed...
Cherry
20Thc Cedar Wood Trunk /Blanket Chest
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautiful & sleek cedar chest or trunk is in fine as found condition .This cedar chest has a inside slide tray for other small items or treasures.
Cedar
$3,500
H 92 in W 65 in D 88 in
Henredon Georgian Chippendale Mahogany Queen Size Tall Carved Finial Poster Bed
By Henredon
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Stately Henredon Georgian/Chippendale Style Solid Mahogany Queen Size Tall Carved Fin...
Mahogany
L. & J. G. Stickley French Empire Cherry Wood Queen Size Sleigh Bed
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding French Empire or Louis Philippe style queen size sleigh bed By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Early 21st Century Gorgeous book-matched cherry wood. Measures: 64"W x 94"D...
Cherry
Sold
H 48 in W 56.75 in D 83.25 in
Stickley American Colonial Carved Solid Cherry Wood Full Size Poster Bed, 1950s
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous American Colonial style four poster full size bed By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, 1959 Carved solid cherry wood, with brass accents. Measures: 56.75"W x 83.25"D x 48"H. Ve...
Brass
Stickley Georgian Solid Cherry Wood Nightstand or Bachelor Chest
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Georgian or Chippendale style five-drawer bedside chest or bachelor chest By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Late 20th Century Beautiful solid carved cherry wood, with original...
Brass
Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Queen Size Spindle Headboard
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mission or Arts & Crafts quarter sawn oak queen size spindle headboard By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 70.5"W x 4"D x 45.25"H. Very good ori...
Oak
Stickley Georgian Solid Cherry Wood Bedside Chests, Pair
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Georgian or Chippendale style nightstands or bedside chests By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Late 20th Century Beautiful carved solid cherry wood, with original brass...
Brass
Sold
H 27.25 in W 24 in D 17 in
Stickley Mission Arts & Crafts Cherry Wood Nightstands or End Tables, Pair
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful pair of Mission or Arts & Crafts nightstands or end tables By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Circa Late 19th Century Solid cherry wood, with inlaid ebony details, and origina...
Nickel
Sold
H 27 in W 21.88 in D 15.75 in L 27 in
Stickley Georgian Mahogany Nightstand or Occasional Side Table
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Georgian or Chippendale style nightstand or occasional side table By Stickley USA, Late 20th Century Carved mahogany, with original brass hardware. Measures: 21.88"W x...
Brass
Antique SUPERB L&J Stickley Costumer Coat Rack - W7889
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
Antique SUPERB L&J Stickley Costumer Coat Rack - W7889 This is a great looking L&JG Stickley “costumer coat rack” with hand hammered wrought iron from the early 1900s in excellent c...
Wrought Iron
Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Queen Size Bed
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mission or Arts & Crafts style solid oak queen size bed frame By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Circa Late 20th Century Measures: 63.5"W x 85"D x 47.5"H. Very good origin...
Oak
Sold
H 38 in W 42 in D 80.5 in
Stickley American Colonial Carved Cherry Wood Twin Size Spindle Beds, Pair
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of American Colonial style carved cherry wood twin size spindle bed frames By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, 1961 Each bed measures: 42"W x 80.5"D x 38"H. Very good ...
Cherry
Stickley Federal Carved Mahogany Queen Size Pineapple Poster Bed
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Georgian style carved solid mahogany pineapple four poster queen size bed By Stickley USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 63"W x 87"D x 58"H. Very good origina...
Mahogany
Stickley Mahogany Twin Posters Bedroom Frames, a Pair
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in Germantown, MD
A pair of Stickley mahogany twin posters bedroom frames in excellent condition. Amazingly well kept. Measures 80.5 inches long by 42 inches wide. He...
Mahogany
Sold
H 29.75 in W 25.5 in D 17 in
Stickley Chippendale Solid Cherry 4 Drawer Bedside Chest, circa 1980s
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in Germantown, MD
Stickley hand made Chippendale style bed side chest. Features 4 dovetailed drawers perfectly functional. Made with Solid Wild black cherry. Good vintage condition. Measures 25.5"W x...
Cherry
Sold
H 27.13 in W 26 in D 17 in
Stickley Harvey Ellis Arts & Crafts Cherry and Curly Maple Nightstands, Pair
By Harvey Ellis, L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of Mission Arts & Crafts style nightstands By Stickley, "Harvey Ellis Collection" USA, Early 21st Century Solid cherry wood, ...
Copper
Stickley Harvey Ellis Collection Inlaid Cherry Wood King Size Bed
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mission Arts & Crafts style king size bed frame. By Stickley, "Harvey Ellis Collection" USA, 2005 Solid cherry wood, with inlaid marquetry. Measures: 80"W ...
Cherry