Amish furniture has been around since the late 1800s, earning a name for its superior craftmanship and establishing itself as a point of pride in the Amish community. While these characteristics are important and still ring true, Amish furniture has evolved into so much more. Once characterized by simple, utilitarian designs, handcrafted Amish furniture has evolved to meet the demands of contemporary consumers. It encompasses a diverse range of styles, finishes, and customizations, reflecting the industry’s adaptability to changing tastes. While the core principles of quality craftsmanship and durability remain steadfast, Amish furniture makers have embraced technology and modern business practices to ensure their products are accessible and desirable to a wide audience. In this article we will debunk some common myths about Amish furniture to uncover the truth!
1. Myth: All Amish furniture is traditional in style.
Fact: Today’s consumers expect superior craftsmanship and stylish designs from Amish-built furniture. While many customers picture shaker or mission style furniture when they think of Amish furniture, the repertoire of styles and designs has expanded rapidly in recent years to include everything from Mid-Century Modern, Transitional, and Farmhouse, to trendy interior design styles like Scandinavian and Coastal. The term “Amish furniture” does not refer to any specific style, but rather the way the furniture is built, the exceptional Amish craftsmanship, and materials used to make it. The Amish-built furniture industry has kept pace with new furniture styles and interior design trends to offer a wide variety of options to suit even the most selective shopper.
2. Myth: The Amish are technologically isolated, making business difficult.
Fact: The way the Amish conduct business has evolved with modern times much like the styles of furniture they can produce. While some builders do still rely on fax, phone calls, voice mail, or snail mail, the majority now have reliable phone access, either in their shop or nearby. Many builders have embraced technology utilizing email and websites to conduct business. Additionally, Amish furniture retailers are helping to bridge the gap between client and builder resulting in better communication and improved lead times throughout the building process.
3. Myth: The Amish don’t own or drive cars/trucks, so it’s difficult to get Amish furniture delivered.
Fact: Furniture makers within the Amish community collaborate with transportation companies to distribute their products nationwide and globally. Beyond showcasing and selling the furniture, many retailers also assist with the logistics of transporting pieces, ensuring a seamless experience for customers from order to delivery.
4. Myth: Veneer and Laminate are used in Amish furniture to imitate real wood.
Fact: Incorrect! Amish furniture is crafted using 100% real, solid wood. Lumber is harvested from native North American hardwoods such as oak, maple, cherry, hickory, and walnut trees. Unlike mass-produced furniture, you will never see particle board or veneer used to imitate wood. Solid wood is remarkably stronger, can be repaired, and will last for generations.
5. Myth: Amish Furniture is only made of wood; it won’t be comfortable.
Fact: While the bones of all Amish furniture pieces are made of American hardwood, Amish-built furniture incorporates performance fabrics and high-quality leathers, to ensure a cozy, relaxing feel while maintaining excellent durability. Additionally, Amish furniture craftsmen have expanded their offerings to include a wider range of colors and finishes to complement the design.
6. Myth: Amish Furniture isn’t eco-friendly.
Fact: Amish-built furniture is actually very sustainable. Eco-friendliness might seem like a somewhat recent concern for manufacturers, so it might surprise you that the centuries old tradition of Amish furniture has always been environmentally conscious. Craftsmen use wood harvested consciously by only taking what is needed and replanting to replace trees that are cut down. In addition, Amish-built furniture is hand crafted, resulting in zero pollution. Quality hand-crafted, heirloom furniture has the staying power to last for decades, eliminating the need to constantly replace cheap, fast furniture when it inevitably breaks down.
7. Myth: Amish furniture doesn’t fit my style.
Fact: While many of the popular collections and furniture styles are kept in stock, custom furniture is the bread and butter of the Amish furniture industry. Most pieces are made to order, allowing the customer to select the style, wood type, stain, hardware, and dimensions. Every piece is built by hand meaning there are no two pieces alike. The possibilities for customization are endless! So, no matter how unique your style, Amish furniture makers can make it happen!
8. Myth: Custom work is very expensive.
Fact: Customizations typically have minimal impact on price. The primary factors that affect the final price of an item are wood type, stain (multi-step finishes cost more), and hardware selection, but these are the same factors that determine the price of furniture bought from the showroom floor. This means you can enjoy the luxury of personalized furniture without the premium price tag often associated with custom orders.
9. Myth: The Amish-built furniture does not use nails and/or screws.
Fact: Amish woodworkers use fasteners and other construction techniques to ensure well-built furniture. Some more popular construction techniques include mortise-and tenon joinery, dowel-rod joints, and dovetailed joints. These joints create clean, seamless, and stronger joints. For pieces that will experience heavy usage, small nails and screws can be used to reinforce those joints.
Discover the Timeless Craftsmanship of Amish Furniture at Amish Elegance
Discover the timeless beauty and unmatched quality of Amish-built furniture at Amish Elegance. We feature a vast selection of styles, woods, and finishes, we offer personalized pieces that reflect your unique taste. We are always ready to work with you to build the custom furniture piece you have been dreaming about. Our expert team is dedicated to helping you create a space that is both stylish and enduring. Visit our showroom today or explore our online catalog to begin your journey to exceptional home furnishings.