Brand story

Baker Furniture

American luxury furniture since 1890, with Barbara Barry and Thomas Pheasant

Founded: 1890, Allegan, Michigan
Founder: Siebe Baker, a Dutch immigrant
Operations: Mostly moved to Connelly Springs, North Carolina
Known for: Stately Homes reproductions and designer collections

Photo: Unknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Written by Evelien Bunnik-RemmeltsCo-Founder and CEO, Whoppah

Baker Furniture is an American luxury furniture maker founded in 1890 in Allegan, Michigan, by Siebe Baker, a Dutch immigrant who opened a small woodworking shop. As a Dutch founder myself, I find that detail rather charming. Baker grew with the western Michigan furniture industry and later moved most of its operations to North Carolina. It's known for two things: historically documented reproductions, like the Stately Homes Collection from the early 1980s, and collaborations with interior designers such as Barbara Barry and Thomas Pheasant. On Whoppah, Baker is the kind of name that makes a listing stand out: refined, carefully finished and made to last. Our curation team reviews every listing before it goes live. Here's what I'd look for in a secondhand Baker piece, and which designer collections I think deserve a second life.

What is the history of Baker Furniture?

Siebe Baker opened a woodworking shop in Allegan, Michigan in 1890. The business grew during the early twentieth century along with the western Michigan furniture industry, which was then one of the centers of American furniture making.

In the mid-twentieth century Baker made both traditional reproductions and modern collections. Later, most operations moved to Connelly Springs, North Carolina. In 2015 Baker supplied mahogany dining chairs for the State Dining Room of the White House.

Which designers have worked with Baker?

Barbara Barry began working with Baker in the late 1990s, with simple forms and soft neutral materials. Thomas Pheasant followed in the early 2000s, combining classical proportions with modern detail. Laura Kirar, Jacques Garcia and Jean-Louis Deniot, who launched a collection in 2016, are among the others.

The Stately Homes Collection, introduced in the early 1980s, reproduced documented pieces from British and European estates. It's more formal, but beautifully made.

How do I check a secondhand Baker piece?

Look for the Baker label or brand mark inside drawers, on the back or under the seat. Designer collections usually carry the designer's name too, which helps you date and identify the piece.

Check veneers and inlays for lifting or missing pieces, look at the finish in daylight and test drawers and doors. Upholstered pieces may have been re-covered over the years, which isn't a problem, but it's good to know.

How do I use Baker furniture in a home today?

Barbara Barry and Thomas Pheasant pieces are easy: they're restrained enough to sit in a modern room. A Pheasant side table next to a contemporary sofa is a very good look.

The traditional reproductions work best as one strong piece. A Stately Homes cabinet in an otherwise simple room gives it history without turning it into a museum.

“A Thomas Pheasant piece for Baker is one of the easiest ways to bring quiet luxury into a modern room.”
Evelien Bunnik-Remmelts, Co-Founder and CEO of Whoppah

Frequently asked questions

When was Baker Furniture founded?

Baker was founded in 1890 in Allegan, Michigan, by Siebe Baker, a Dutch immigrant. Most operations later moved to Connelly Springs, North Carolina.

Which designers have designed for Baker?

Barbara Barry, Thomas Pheasant, Laura Kirar, Jacques Garcia and Jean-Louis Deniot are among them. Designer pieces usually carry the designer's name on the label.

What is the Baker Stately Homes Collection?

It's a line introduced in the early 1980s with historically documented reproductions from British and European estates. The pieces are formal and finely made.