Thomas William Furniture Shop

Thomas William Furniture is crafted in a small, dedicated workshop located in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, nestled between Madison and Milwaukee. The 900-square-foot shop is the workspace of a single artisan—Tom Dumke—where each piece of furniture is designed and built by hand with care and intention.

Tom’s commute is a short one—just 50 feet—allowing him to begin his day early and work steadily from morning through evening, six days a week, with Sunday reserved for rest. This rhythm reflects a deep commitment to the craft and to a way of working that values focus, consistency, and care.

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Our home and shop were built together in 2002, with the shop designed to complement the architecture of the house. In fact, when it was first completed, neighbors assumed it was a mother-in-law suite. Building the shop first was a practical decision—it allowed us to use the space as a base while completing much of the construction work on our home ourselves.

In January of 2003, Tom shared his desire to leave his career as a CNC machinist and devote himself fully to woodworking. Knowing his talent and passion, it was clear that this was his calling—the timing simply had to be right. After careful planning, Tom began his full-time woodworking career on June 1, 2003, a milestone that marked the beginning of Thomas William Furniture as it exists today.

Since then, Tom has devoted himself to mastering traditional woodworking methods and creating finely handcrafted furniture from superior hardwoods. Each piece begins with careful consideration of the wood itself—its grain, texture, balance, density, and color—allowing the material to guide the final design. With the trained eye of a master craftsman and the sensitivity of an artist, Tom’s attention to detail ensures furniture of lasting quality and quiet elegance.

Our shop and home sit on 2.2 acres, surrounded by a peaceful landscape. Inspired by a neighboring prairie of native Wisconsin wildflowers, we began cultivating our own. After three years of preparation and more than sixteen years of growth, an acre of prairie now surrounds our property—an ever-changing reminder of patience, stewardship, and the beauty of working in harmony with nature.

If you are considering a piece of furniture and would like to visit the shop, we welcome you to contact us to schedule an appointment. Seeing the work—and the place where it is made—in person often makes all the difference.


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