Beth Rice is a content writer for DutchCrafters Amish Furniture. She is the primary author of Timber to Table blog posts and has spent the last several years researching and providing knowledge on wood types, furniture styles, and design trends. As a busy mother of two, Beth understands the value of furniture in helping create a welcoming home for family and friends, and often writes on the ways our furniture can help support that. Beth is a published author with a gift for identifying the special moments in everyday life. Most recently, she had a short story included in Chicken Soup for the Soul's "My Amazing Mom" edition. Since 2012, the DutchCrafters Timber to Table blog has been providing customers and other readers with furniture and interior design tips, information about the Amish, and woodworkers’ stories.
In early January, I flew to Ohio with a team from DutchCrafters to take my first walk through an Amish woodshop. Why? Because to convey the quality and features that make DutchCrafters Amish Furniture stand out from all the other furniture out there requires a first-hand account. Amish woodworkers visit both our corporate offices and the DutchCrafters store regularly to share their new solid wood furniture designs, school us on their features and answer questions.… My First Walk Through an Amish Woodshop
A top concern for protecting solid wood furniture is managing the humidity and dryness that can affect it. Wood is a natural material that responds to its environment and some shrinking and swelling is to be expected. However, controlling the humidity and dryness is essential for preventing damage. Furniture damaged by unmanaged climate control is not due to a defect in the product. Perfectly crafted solid wood furniture can crack if subjected to harsh enough… Protecting Solid Wood Furniture: Managing Humidity and Dryness
In early January, five of us flew to Ohio to visit some of our woodworkers in Amish country. Our group included product team manager Scott, sales team interim manager Alex, sales team assistant manager Kari-Jo, furniture specialist Reagan, and me. We went to further build on our commitment to offer only authentic products, as well as to learn and bring back our new knowledge and observations to our work and the rest of the team… Woodworking and Whoopie Pies: Highlights from Ohio Amish Country
With minimalism a growing 2018 trend for indoor décor, solid wood furniture full of storage options is becoming a must have. Amish furniture provides popular picks to use throughout the house, with custom options to help you stay clutter free and organized in style. The Easy to Stock Storage Bench For a versatile storage bench that fits foyer, family room or foot of the bed, the Amish Ripley Storage Bench with Drawers and Baskets is… Solid Wood Furniture Storage Solutions
A comfortable and functional seat, the story of the Windsor chair dates back to the start of the 18th century. To tell the tale accurately, our content writer and FAQ video host Beth Rice asked three members of the Windsor family to share a little bit of their history. Beth Rice: I’d like to welcome Bow Back Windsor, Fanback Windsor, and Comb-Back Windsor, three variations of the original Windsor chair, to our panel today. The… A Chat with the Windsors
Selecting the right chair height and dining table size is vital to the perfect dining experience. The following guide breaks down standard chair seat heights and how to determine if a dining table will fit your chairs. We’ll address other frequently asked questions like “How many people does a 48-inch table seat?” Choosing a Dining Table Size When shopping for a dining table, consider the following first: Second, to get an idea of the maximum… Standard Chair Heights and Dining Table Size Guide
Solid wood desks are versatile, beautiful, and durable. DutchCrafters desks are available in many different styles and with custom options to support your work. Find the right desk with the right combination of form and function for you within the space you have by answering three key questions. Question 1: How much work space do you need? Desks for Small to Medium Work Spaces Solid wood writing desks fit small and medium spaces nicely and… Finding the Right Desk for You: 3 Questions to Ask
There’s nothing more heartbreaking than seeing a piece of solid wood furniture damaged during a move. We treasure our solid wood heirlooms for their beauty and the generations of stories they bring along with them. Here are some tips on how to protect solid wood furniture when moving to ensure it arrives at its new home safely. You can use this checklist as a guide for taking inventory, labeling, wrapping, and securing your solid wood furniture so… How to Protect Solid Wood Furniture When Moving
One island that you will never be deserted on alone is a custom-made kitchen island. Kitchen islands are a magnet for activity while adding storage, organization, and style to your kitchen. Here are our top 5 kitchen island design rules to ensure you find the right one for your home and needs. 1. Take Measurements To ensure plenty of room to perform tasks comfortably at your kitchen island and to retrieve stored appliances easily, allow… 5 Kitchen Island Design Rules
Gone are the days when all the solid wood furniture in a room had to match each other and the floor. Mixing wood types and finishes livens up a room and adds interest. Whether you’ve inherited some beautiful solid wood furniture or you’re building your home furniture collection piece by piece, here are some tips on how to mix wood furniture. Identify the Undertones While the finish of each piece in a room doesn’t need… How to Mix Wood Types and Finishes
You probably already know that shopping online can save you time, energy, and money all while you enjoy coffee in your pajamas. But, it can be nerve-wracking to purchase items like custom furniture online since you don’t get to see it in person. How do you make sure you are purchasing quality furniture from a site you can trust? We’re addressing the research you should do and questions you should ask before adding those custom… Q & A: How to Buy Furniture Online
Wood type and finish contribute directly to the look of and style of custom furniture. Wood type determines the strength, durability and look of the piece. The finish offers protection and enhances the appearance of the wood. Members of our team selected their favorite wood types and stains to offer an up-close look at how these two custom options can complement each other. _______ “What I like most about this table is the linseed oil on… Staff Picks: Our Favorite Wood Types and Finishes
Your beach bag was all you needed for months. Now, with back-to-school events and the holidays approaching, it’s time to properly equip your entryway for the fall and winter. We can help you prepare for extracurricular activities, changes in the weather, and holiday events with Amish-made furniture that will keep your entryway or mudroom stylish, organized, and working for you. With the foyer being the introduction to your home, you want this space to achieve… How to Create a Stylish and Organized Entryway
It took Goldilocks three tries to pick seating that was “just right” in the home of the three bears. What was it that kept her moving from seat to seat? The size? The color? Too much fur on the seat? Whatever the reason, she had the right idea – careful consideration is required to find “just right” seating. Buying a sofa in particular can be overwhelming. With so many options to choose from, finding the… Sitting Pretty: How to Pick the Right Sofa
Industrial style furniture was named after its original purpose, to support the manufacturing industry. The Industrial Revolution began in Britain in 1760 and eventually spread to other parts of the world. During this time, the invention of new machines lead to the creation of factories and mass production. Workers shifted from using hand tools to operating machines, and started to need pieces like drafting tables, stools, and material handling carts. Industrial furniture was simple, practical, easy to… History of Industrial Style Furniture
