It’s hard to imagine the interior design world without Baker Furniture. (And who would ever want to?). When we’ve got redecorating our abode on the brain (i.e. spending hours scouring Chairish for fabulous finds), we keep in mind the classics. You know, the well-made furniture that’s steeped in tradition and history (yet adds a modern touch to every crevice and corner)? We’re talking about Baker magic, obviously.
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As vintage lovers here, we show some serious respect to the masters. Baker Furniture sets the gold standard with timeless, exceptionally made furniture infused with worldly influences. The company’s history dates back as far as 1893 and have established themselves as a perfect blend of different periods, styles, and international influences. Take a Baker break and get ready for a fun dose of history!
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Behind Baker
In 1870, craftsman Siebe Baker left the Netherlands hoping to make a name in the United States. He settled in western Michigan, an area well-stocked with hardwood logs that floated in the state’s great rivers and lakes— all the better for woodworking! With fellow Dutchman Henry Cook, the two founded the original Baker furniture company in 1890, naming it Cook & Baker. Their first piece of furniture? A combination desk and bookcase in golden oak. Number one priority? Quality and craftsmanship.
Source: Baker Furniture
The Hand Meets the Eye
After becoming the sole owner in 1915 and turning Baker Furniture into an established, family-owned company, Siebe’s presidency was passed down to his son, Hollis S. Baker. Hollis expanded the company, employed 450 people at the Baker factory during its pinnacle, and produced everything from golden oak bookcases to rosewood Art Deco dining furniture.
New to the Baker brand, Hollis made frequent trips abroad, becoming a natural at collecting rare and antique pieces while envisioning styles that were unknown to the US. With the founder as a skilled craftsman (the hand) and his son, the exotically traveled tastemaker (the eye), they created a winning combo of furniture fabulousness!
Source: Baker Furniture
Influence
In 1941, Hollis’ desire for adventure helped him establish the Baker Museum for Furniture Research in Grand Rapids, Michigan, made of his international collection of over 4,000 pieces he picked up from around the world. Although known for their European-inspired furniture, Baker was also the first to use eastern influence in designs, adapting antique pieces from China, Korea, and other Asian countries.
Baker’s mid-century collaborations with designers like Finn Juhl, Michael Taylor, Gilbert Rhode, and T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings paved the way for contemporary furniture masters like Barbara Barry and Thomas Pheasant, whose modern interpretations keep the Baker brand as hot as ever.
From ornate and gilded furniture to the refined chic to Asian-inspired, Baker perfectly caters to those with classic and modern tastes. Shop all our vintage and gently used Baker Furniture pieces here.