Shaker furniture is distinguished by its austere elegance and fitness for purpose. The Shakers (one community still survives to this day) are noted for their practicality and doing away with useless embellishment in everything they do. Nothing should interfere or distract from the communion with God. Shaker furniture is distinguished by its simple lines, well-made and well-fitted. Chairs, for example, use only simply turnings, no complex curves. Harmony is the overriding characteristic of Shaker furniture, and it gives a feeling of peace.
