Vermont’s legacy in fine furniture making spans over 250 years. At Vermont Woods Studios, we’re proud to be part of that tradition—supporting local craftsmanship and sustainable forestry through every piece we sell. The story of Vermont made furniture is a testament to resilience, innovation, and timeless design.
From the Forest to Fine Furniture
Vermont’s furniture-making roots trace back to the 17th century. By the 18th century, nearly every town had local craftsmen building furniture, tools, and utensils. By the 19th century, wood products had become Vermont’s most important manufacturing industry, with exports spreading across the U.S. and abroad.
Products like wooden bowls, furniture, toys, golf tees, and musical instruments flourished—showcasing Vermont’s woodworking skill and abundant resources.
The Role of the Green Mountain Forest
Perhaps the biggest contributor to a growing fine furniture industry was the Green Mountain Forest which covered 90% of Vermont in the 1760s. In the 1700s Vermont contained extensive forests of various tree species that were 6 feet in diameter and as high as thirteen-story buildings; some more than 300 years old. Wood created an identity for many Vermont towns that became known for logging, lumber mills, and a continuous succession of wood products manufacturers.
Woodworking Built Many Vermont Communities
In some towns, the Vermont made furniture and wood industries provided income for the majority of the population. Technology and products changed with the times to increase production and efficiency, meet market demand, and capitalize on popular trends and tastes. Owners of the mills and factories became community leaders who took responsibility for the commercial and civic growth of their towns.
Notable Vermont Woodworkers and Furniture Makers
- George Stedman (Norwich, c. 1800–1820)
- Asahel & Martin Cheney (Putney, late 1700s–early 1800s)
- Hastings Warren (Middlebury, 1779–1845)
- Levi Pitkin (Montpelier, 1774–1854)
Vermont Tubbs (1840-2013)
Vermont Tubbs was founded in 1840 and spent close to 170 years manufacturing wood furniture in Brandon, VT. In the early 2000’s, the company was generating an estimated $16 million per year and employed 250+ people, but it was struggling to turn a profit. Vermont Tubbs furniture operated mostly as a wholesale business, selling swaths of furniture to retail stores all over the country, including LL Bean, Jordan’s Furniture, Bloomingdales, Restoration Hardware, and Crate & Barrel. The brand was known for high quality craftsmanship, solid wood construction, and traditional designs.
HT Cushman Manufacturing Company (1886-1980)
The H.T. Cushman Manufacturing Company was founded in 1886 and spent close to 100 years building furniture in Bennington, Vermont. The company began by building coat racks, pencil boxes, hat hangers, and more, but soon became well known for their furniture. The business was sold to General Industries in 1964 by Hall W. Cushman, the third generation of the Cushman family to manage the business. In 1971 the facility was sold to Green Mountain Furniture Co, which subsequently went out of business in 1980.
Manchester Wood (1976-2018)
Manchester Wood was founded in 1976 and spent 42 years manufacturing solid wood furniture in the state of Vermont. At its peak, the company was generating $8-12 million per year in revenue and employed close to 200 people. The founder, Clifford “Cliff” Pierce, built Manchester Wood into a multi-million dollar business by selling in bulk to retailers across the country. He had over 300 wholesale clients including LL Bean, Crate & Barrel, JC Penney, Sears, Pottery Barn, Macy’s, and more. The business was known for building high-quality, solid wood furniture. The most popular products were mission style bookcases and sofa tables, adirondack chairs, and folding desks and tray tables. It was a multi-generation family business.
Copeland Furniture
Copeland Furniture is one of Vermont’s most recognizable high-end furniture brands. Since 1976, Tim Copeland and his family have been building a reputation for world-class furniture in a variety of crisp, clean designs. Based in Bradford, Vermont, Copeland specializes in mid-century modern wood furniture. In their own words, Copeland calls their furniture “transitional. Neither strictly contemporary nor traditional but rather a combination of elements that incorporate classic proportion with modern simplicity.”
Lyndon Furniture
The story of Lyndon Furniture is as good a reflection of the history and values of Vermont as you’ll find anywhere. After Dave Allard graduated high school in 1976, he began working on his family farm. He built his first few pieces of furniture in a house that he built himself for his parents to move into. After furnishing that house, he set his sights on building a new workshop. He built his first woodworking shop in Lyndon, VT from timber he cut down on the family farm and milled locally. Lyndon now employs over 100 craftsmen in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. Their furniture is made with real solid wood and built to last a lifetime and then some.
Maple Corner Woodworks
Robin Chase, the founder and master craftsman at Maple Corner Woodworks, is a true visionary when it comes to furniture design. It’s easy to see how this quaint workshop nestled in small-town Vermont consistently produces some of the finest furniture made anywhere in the world. Striving towards and adhering to the highest standards in quality, consistency, and design, Robin’s creations are uniquely his own. Many consider Robin a generational woodworking talent, and it is not uncommon for us to fill an entire house full of his work.
Vermont Furniture Designs
Founded by master craftsman Arthur Weitzenfeld in 1970 and now co-owned by his studies Adam Blaisdell and Rob Bachand, Vermont Furniture Designs produces some of the highest quality furniture in the state.
Where to Find Antique Vermont Furniture
Antique shops and museums across Vermont, including the Shelburne Museum and Bennington Museum, regularly feature historic furniture from the region. Skinner Auctioneers and other dealers occasionally list Vermont-made antiques. Visit the Vermont Wood Manufacturer’s Association to learn more.
Carry On the Tradition with Vermont Woods Studios
At Vermont Woods Studios, we honor the history of Vermont furniture by partnering with today’s best local craftsmen. Our collections are sustainably made, built to last, and beautifully designed. Explore our solid wood furniture collections and become part of this centuries-old tradition.