Vintage Tennessee Furniture Styles That Stand The Test Of Time
For many, the thrill of the hunt is as exciting as the find itself, and nowhere is this more true than in the world of thrifting. Nebraska, often overlooked, is actually bursting with hidden gems just waiting to be discovered in its charming and diverse thrift shops.
While some might see racks of pre-loved items, the seasoned thrifter sees potential, value, and stories.
1. East Tennessee Cherry Press
Handcrafted from rich cherry wood harvested from the Smoky Mountains, elegant presses became the pride of many Tennessee homes in the 1800s. Local cabinetmakers often added distinctive dovetail joints and hand-carved details.
The upper section typically featured glass-front doors for displaying fine china. The lower portion provided ample storage for linens and serving pieces.
Many surviving examples bear the distinctive regional characteristics of slight crown molding and tapered feet. Beautiful pieces often became family heirlooms, passed down through generations.
2. Nashville Rocking Chair
Born from the musical soul of Nashville, iconic rockers weren’t just furniture. They were storytelling thrones where melodies were composed and tales were shared. The distinctive curved arms and contoured seat were practical designs.
Crafted primarily from native hickory or maple, authentic Nashville rockers feature a deeper seat than their Northern counterparts. The back slats often display subtle decorative elements like fiddle shapes.
Or simple star patterns that celebrate Tennessee’s musical heritage. Look for the telltale smooth, worn patina on the armrests!
3. Tennessee Pie Safe
Practical yet beautiful, the Tennessee pie safe protected precious food from hungry critters and curious children. Authentic Tennessee safes feature punched tin panels with regional motifs – think stars, tulips, or even state outlines.
Crafted from locally sourced poplar or pine, these sturdy cabinets showcase the no-nonsense approach of Tennessee craftsmen. The interiors typically contain three to four shelves.
Perfectly spaced for cooling pies, storing bread, and keeping other food items fresh before refrigeration was common. Farm families particularly treasured these pieces.
4. Chattanooga Huntboard
Shorter than a sideboard but taller than a regular table, the Chattanooga huntboard served as the perfect serving station for quick meals after a long day outdoors. Railroad workers and hunters particularly favored these.
It’s for their ideal height – no bending required while standing!
Local walnut typically forms the base, often complemented by inlaid lighter woods creating simple geometric patterns along the edges.
The hallmark feature? Long, shallow drawers designed specifically for storing serving utensils and linens. Many authentic pieces bear subtle railroad motifs.
5. Smoky Mountain Ladder-Back Chair
Iconic chairs feature distinctive vertical slats that resemble a ladder. Originally made for practical farmhouse use, these chairs were built to last generations using locally harvested hickory or oak.
The woven seat, adds a touch of mountain craftsmanship that has become synonymous with Tennessee heritage. Many authentic pieces still bear the knife marks of their makers.
Modern collectors prize these chairs for their honest construction and the way they develop a rich patina over time. They blend seamlessly with contemporary décor.
6. Memphis Belle Sideboard
Graceful curves and intricate inlays define the Memphis Belle Sideboard, a Southern treasure born in the early 1900s. Local artisans combined European elegance with practical storage solutions.
The distinctive feature of these sideboards is the hand-carved drawer pulls. These pieces showcase the remarkable skill of Memphis woodworkers.
Many families still pass these sideboards through generations, using them in dining rooms or entryways. Their spacious drawers originally stored linens and silverware.
