Furniture

Because ready-made furniture was incompatible with Prairie architecture, Prairie architects designed their own. Furniture was conceived as an integral part of the overall design -- an extension of the house itself and guaranteed artistic harmony. Prairie furniture was crafted to emphasize a tranquil horizontal line. Tabletops, etc. were cantilevered beyond their supports and rested on massive legs, creating the illusion that the furnishings were grounded to the site. Chairs, sofa and other furnishings often followed geometric shapes, found in the floor plan. Straightforward planes, broad bands and squared spindles were the norm. Most Prairie architects preferred regional woods for their richness and as a means to connect the house to its place. Quarterwawn oak, revered for its sumptuous graining, was perfect for furnishings and became the wood of choice.