Chairs, Creativity, and Craft: Sterling’s Seat in Artisan History

Sterling & Maple Team
Aug 6, 2025
2 min read

Gardner, Massachusetts tends to steal the spotlight of New England chair making, but just a few miles down the road, our own town of Sterling quietly played its part in one of the region's proudest industrial traditions: chair making. These weren’t mass production operations—they were personal, skilled, and deeply tied to the rhythms of New England life.

Local Legacy

Back in the 1700s and 1800s, Sterling was home to farmers and tradespeople. When the fields slowed down in winter, many folks picked up woodworking, not just for fun, but because it was how they made a living. Small shops were scattered around town, where families built everything from tables and chairs to cradles and bedframes.

Due to Sterling's abundant native hardwoods, such as maple and birch, along with access to water-powered mills, the town naturally evolved into a center for furniture parts and artisanal craftsmanship. Numerous parts produced in Sterling were sent to larger businesses in towns like Gardner or Leominster, or they were completed and sold locally by Sterling artisans. This decentralized manufacturing approach was typical throughout Worcester County during that period, and Sterling played a significant role in it.

A Lasting Impact

While we may not have a “Chair City” nickname or a museum filled with examples of craftsmanship, Sterling's contribution supported a larger ecosystem of New England craftsmanship. Pieces from Sterling workshops still turn up today in antique shops and estate sales, quietly carrying the legacy of a town that took pride in its artisanal manufacturing work.

There was never one distinct “Sterling style,” but you can still find unmarked pieces with telltale signs of local craftsmanship. In older homes around town, it’s not unusual to see furniture made long ago, still holding up beautifully.

Sterling Today

At Sterling & Maple Design House, we’re proud to carry on that legacy. We celebrate that history by using quality materials, valuing craftsmanship, and curating pieces that feel both timeless and meaningful. The Sterling Historical Society keeps this history alive in their chair preservation. We thank them for their involvement in sharing Sterling's story.

So the next time you see a well-made piece of furniture, whether it’s brand new or generations old, take a moment to think about small places with big stories, and makers who helped shape New England, one handcrafted detail at a time.