Setting foot in the uncharted lands of the New World, early American settlers, fueled by dreams of a better life, initially built rudimentary homes with the scant furniture they could craft — simple benches, trestle tables, and floor mattresses. As they acclimated, the rich virgin forests of maple, cherry, oak, and walnut became the source of high-quality, handcrafted furniture. While early pieces echoed the heavy and solid Jacobean and Carolean styles from England, the settlers soon infused their own touch. The maple leaf motif emerged as a popular low-relief carving. Life in these early homes revolved around the fireplace, the sole source of warmth, leading to the design of furniture like wing-backed chairs that shielded from drafts.

Collectors now cherish this period's furniture for the unparalleled quality of wood, reflecting an era of boundless, untamed forests. Early pilgrim furniture, particularly from New England, evolved from the stark utility of the initial years to beautifully crafted pieces with delicate proportions and intricate scrollwork. While genuine antiques from this period are sought-after and rare, reproductions faithfully capture the spirit and aesthetics of early American furniture, ensuring the rich legacy continues in homes today.