Fully Furnished

About This Exhibit

There are many ways to look at furniture from America's past. Designers and makers may have seen it as a way to make money or perhaps as a demonstration of skill. Original owners might have used objects to show off wealth and style. Individuals who first inherited pieces may have thought them too gaudy or unfashionable. Today, owners may see an antique that connects them to America's past. In Fully Furnished, you'll see amazing examples of American furniture dating from 1670 to the present, displayed to encourage you to think of furnishings in new ways.

Highlights

Court Cupboard, Owned by Hannah Barnard, 1710-1720

This court cupboard is remarkable because it was made for a woman and prominently features her name. It held newlywed Hannah Barnard's precious household belongings -- silver or pewter, ceramics, and linens. In addition to providing storage space, the gloriously decorated cupboard symbolized Hannah's wealth and status and served as a vibrant work of art in her Hadley, Massachusetts, home.

Prototype Eames Fiberglass Chair, circa 1949

Charles and Ray Eames wanted to design affordable high-quality furniture. To this end, Charles brought a mock-up of a chair to John Wills, a boat builder and fiberglass fabricator, who created two identical prototypes. Charles took one: it became the basis for what would become a modern design icon. This is the other: it lingered in Will's workshop, used over four decades as a utility stool.

Armchair Made from Longhorn Steer Horns, 1904-1910

Mr. and Mrs. John Vine saw a display of commercial horn furniture at the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis. When they returned home to Fayette, Ohio, the inspired couple ordered a large number of steer horns from a packing house in Texas and constructed their own furniture in the trendy style. This armchair was part of the Vines' homemade set.

Table, Used as a Writing Desk by Mark Twain, 1830-1860

This table belonged to Mark Twain (1835-1910), American author and humorist whose real name was Samuel L. Clemens. The author wrote at this table during the later years of his life. Twain's daughter Clara gave it to Henry Ford, along with a portrait of her father.

Portable Writing Desk, Owned by Edgar Allan Poe, 1830-1849

Edgar Allan Poe was an American writer known for poetry and short stories. His mystery stories were innovative in American literature. Poe led an unsettled life traveling up and down the East Coast of the United States, staying in jobs for short periods of time. For someone who earned his living through writing, a portable desk would have been a valued possession.

Marshmallow Love Seat, 1956-1965

Fully Furnished

Check out extraordinary examples of American furniture dating from 1670 to the present. You'll see them first-hand when you journey through our Fully Furnished exhibit in Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.

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