Furniture should last at least as long as it took the tree to grow. Tennessee artisans emulating the master furniture makers of the past. As passionate as we are at Harpeth River Furniture in building the best cabinetry and furniture possible, we are just as passionate at studying the master craftsmen of the past. But, we are not re-inventing something new. Building quality cabinetry and furniture
has been going on for ions. The Egyptians invented laminating woods together thousands of years ago. The Shakers used basic tools to create the most beautiful joinery that looked simple but would stay together forever. And, even shipbuilders who for thousands of years built wooden boats that had to stand up to the most severe of conditions. It’s just a matter of education. In today’s throw-away society people have to be reminded that furniture and cabinetry can, and should, last and be shared with generations to come. We believe that wooden furniture should last at least as long as it took the tree to grow from which the furniture is made. Just about every family has furniture that has been passed down from previous generations. People always want to show me some piece of furniture that was their grandparents. Often times it’s just some simple table, desk, or dresser that is over 100 years old. Pieces that have been lifted and moved around rooms, into new houses, and even across country hundreds, if not thousands of times. And, yet so much furniture bought today is on the curb with the other garbage in just a few years. It comes apart after just being moved across a room. The doors or drawers fall apart simply because they were used like, well, doors and drawers. They were opened and closed daily. Heirloom furniture that is built by artisans who use REAL wood, using proper furniture construction techniques, and finished with stains, lacquers, and waxes that are meant to hold up to daily use will, in most cases, out last your lifetime. This was true hundreds if not thousands of years ago and it is true today. There really are some things that do not change. We at Harpeth River Furniture are dedicated to the continuing tradition of making such furniture and cabinetry. If interested in finding out more about what we do, please contact us. We would love to discuss any project or piece you have in mind.
