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.
Joseph McHugh definitely peeked at AJ Forbes’ paper. In 1894, AJ Forbes made a solid wood chair for San Francisco’s Swedenborgian Church. This handcrafted chair featured a simple, straight-line construction, and was well-proportioned. It was also comfortable and durable. Forbes’ design was inspired by not only the Spanish Missions in California, but also the Arts and Crafts movement that sought to leave behind the overly ornate and artificial style of the Victorian era. Then Joseph… History of Mission Style Furniture
Just as a good book and a glass of wine, cozy slippers and a warm robe, or a cold glass of milk and your favorite cookies go together, fine Amish furniture combinations can quickly become some of your favorite combinations. We’ve highlighted some exciting duos from our collection of solid wood furniture with some features that speak to why they work together so well. Dining Room Table with Bench Seating For dinners, parties, meetings, and more,… Perfect Pairs: Fine Furniture Combinations
For a good part of the 19th century, a very important piece of furniture sat in the middle of many kitchens — the pie safe. Also known as a pie cabinet, pie cupboard, pie chest, or kitchen safe, the pie safe helped to keep pesky insects, rodents, and dirt away from freshly baked goods. Origins It is believed that the pie safe was first introduced in the United States in the 1800s by German immigrants… History of the Pie Safe
The cooler months are the perfect times of year for cuddling up with a warm blanket, a special person, and a good flick. Right in front of your home entertainment center is the best spot to enjoy your all-time favorite films. We’re sharing some of our staff members’ favorite movies matched with the Amish entertainment centers we think best reflect the characters and themes of each film. From a Pixar film with family, to a… Our Favorite Movies & Matching Entertainment Centers
Communication is key to superior customer service. Your understanding of furniture features, materials, ordering procedures, and delivery options is important to us. Your satisfaction with your experience from beginning to end is our top priority. We’ve gathered a list of frequently asked questions in order to share some of the details that go along with the purchase, design, and delivery of fine Amish furniture. 1) What are the dimensions? Most of our Amish furniture is offered in… Fine Furniture FAQs
From toddlers to teens, the activities and needs of your family change as the kids grow. Finding furniture that can grow along with your family is possible with the features and customizations Amish furniture can provide. Take a look at the built-in extras that make some of our favorite versatile pieces great furniture for a growing family. Crib Conversions Built to provide for a comfortable night’s sleep from infancy to adulthood, the Amish French Country Convertible… Furniture for a Growing Family
An eclectic dining room design is both adventurous and creative. With so many different and appealing furniture styles, it can be hard to choose just one. Here we’ve laid out some suggestions and guidelines for how to mix and match dining room furniture. The possibilities are endless with an exciting mixture of colors, styles, and textures adding to your dining scene. Accents at the Ends Create a blended look. Use the same style chairs along the… How to Mix and Match Dining Furniture
With the excitement and mystery of romance in the air this time of year, we’re here to help love blossom with Amish made furniture providing the backdrop. What’s the best furniture for romance? Let us help you set the scene. Scene 1: Romantic Dining Set the time to meet. Light the candles. If you don’t cook, pick up your favorite person’s favorite food. Now you’ll need a beautiful place to sit and dine. That’s where… The Best Furniture for Romance
Whether you live in an apartment, small home, bungalow, ranch-style farmhouse, or manor, there’s a spot that can be turned into an office space. And selecting the right custom furniture will help transform the space. A Bedroom Work Space A quiet bedroom corner is conducive to creativity. Whether you’re reading, writing, or just catching up on the daily mail, a space in your guest or master bedroom can be transformed into an office. Keep the… How to Create an Office Space without an Office
Solid wood furniture has a leg up on the competition. Sought after for its quality and beauty, it can’t be beat by cheaper imitations. While it may be more expensive, wood furniture will last longer, saving you money in the long run. Investing in solid wood furniture guarantees the buyer: A durable product that will last Natural beauty within the home Furniture that can be passed on to future generations Which wood types offer exceptional… Wood Types: What is your Furniture Made Of?
Time passes quicker than you think. Turn around and the toddlers you were chasing after have grown into teenagers with active social lives that keep them away from home. All those family activities you’ve enjoyed together over the years now must be scheduled in advance. Resolving to spend quality time together in the New Year takes some recruitment on your part and the right furniture. Read on for solid wood furniture selections that make it… Making More Time Together: Furniture for Family
If you resolved to stay organized this year, you’ve come to the right place. Custom-made Amish furniture offers a bevy of built in storage options for every room. Read on as we count down the top twelve organizers that will help you keep clutter under control. 12. Get a Jelly Cabinet in January Declutter the coffee cabinet, organize all the scented soaps and candles you received as gifts, or stop knocking your spice collection off the… Keep the Resolution to Stay Organized with Amish Furniture
Your solid wood furniture helps play host to beautiful dinners, magical home movie screenings, and overnight guests during the holiday season. It’s during these times that a few extra tips on solid wood furniture care will safeguard your custom-made designs from damage. Manage Heat and Humidity Handle Humidity Wood expands and contracts as the amount of moisture in the air changes. Keep an even humidity level in your home to help preserve your fine furniture. Use a… How to Care for Solid Wood Furniture
Painted solid wood furniture can add a pop of color or create an attractive contrast in any room. Selecting the right wood will help you end up with the finish you want. What characteristics make woods best for painting? Read on for our recommendations. Traits to look for in woods that make good candidates for a smooth painted finish are: A smooth, closed grain A uniform texture Bring Out the Best with Brown Maple Brown… Picking the Perfect Wood for Painted Furniture
After strong winter storms, birds can be cut off from their natural food sources. You can contribute to the health and safety of feathered friends with these winter bird feeding tips. Friendly Feeders The ideal feeder is sturdy and firm, and is easy to assemble and clean. With minimal cleaning required, environmentally friendly poly feeders fit the bill perfectly. Multiple feeders placed in your yard will attract more birds for you to enjoy. The placement… Let it Snow: Tips for Winter Bird Feeding
