About Us
Welcome. . . . .
Excellence is a standard which transcends the test of time. For over twenty-six years, Thomas William Furniture’s purpose-built furniture has been at the spearhead of innovation in the standard of excellence for handcrafted heirloom quality furniture.
Tom Dumke, of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin is influenced with a deep respect for the furniture craftsmen of the 17th and 18th centuries. Their knowledge of form, balance, joinery and of wood movement is evident in the pieces of fine furniture that still exist today. He relies on shared expertise of those craftsmen from long ago and those of today, who continue to up hold a quality of excellence in creating traditional fine furniture of heirloom distinction. Tom uses only solid hardwoods throughout each piece, always reading each board’s grain pattern and figure to determine its best use in creating an attractive and functional piece of quality heirloom furniture. The Shakers also had a profound influence on Tom’s work; their clean unadorned simplicity, functionalism and craftsmanship. Thomas William Furniture started part-time in 1996 and in 2002, Tom left his full-time job and went full-time with Thomas William Furniture.
Tom's pieces are intended to harmonize with your environment. He uses native, sustainably harvested solid wood species. In the long run and most important, a well-designed, well-built piece of furniture that lasts 100 years is always preferable to one that can be bought at one quarter the price but must be replaced every ten years. His aim has been, and continues to be, to create the highest quality individually built furniture. Toward that end, he uses the best wood available and time honored joinery techniques. When you invest in Tom's furniture, you get the benefit of over three decades of experience in joinery, wood technology, restoration, design, technical perfection, and meticulous craftsmanship. You get furniture to enjoy for life, built by someone who really understands wood. Tom's clients value the beauty of solid wood and appreciate things finely constructed. After all these years, Tom still works alone. Each piece is designed, laid out, glued up, sanded and constructed by Tom.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to build fine, quality furniture that celebrates the natural beauty of wood with a graceful, modern or traditional design, and is a joy to own.
Quality Statement
Make great product and continuously improve.