“Beauty rests on utility."
-Shaker proverb
What are Shaker peg rails?
Peg rails are a clever and practical innovation of the Shakers, an American religious sect known for their exceptional design. The Shakers were pragmatic and efficient, and peg rails could be found in most rooms in their buildings, holding everything from chairs to sconces, from clothes to tools, and always a broom or two.
In recent years, Shaker design—and the peg rail in particular—has experienced a revival. Remodelista named Shaker style one of their “trends to watch” for 2018, and featured them on the cover of their book, The Organized Home. Also in 2018, Fine Woodworking ran an entire issue specifically devoted to Shaker design. Apartment Therapy directs its readers to “Steal from The Shakers” by adding peg rail perimeters to rooms, joining additional design publications—including Martha Stewart, Ideal Home, Houzz, and A Beautiful Mess—in running articles on how to incorporate Shaker peg rails into your home.
Finishing
Shaker peg rails are attractive and functional whether painted or stained. The Shakers employed both methods of finishing . . .
Hanging
In Shaker buildings, peg rails were often hung around the entire room. Today, smaller sections of rail are . . .
Products
Pine rails are made from hand-selected clear pine, and are fitted with maple pegs. They come pre-sanded, ready to be painted . . .
Peg rails and kits are available at the Shaker Mercantile at Hancock Shaker Village. Visit the store in-person at 1843 W. Housatonic St., Pittsfield, MA 01201, or order by phone ( 413.443.0188, ext. 246).