Category: Older

Reclaimed vs. Rough Sawn: What’s the Difference?

Leah Meldman 04/05/2017

At DutchCrafters, we offer a variety of rustic furniture that creates a rugged warmth in the homes of our customers. Reclaimed wood furniture and rough sawn wood are some of our most popular options that cater to this distinct look. Although it is easy to confuse reclaimed and rough sawn wood, there are some key characteristics that set them apart. Keep reading to learn the difference between these styles. Amish Reclaimed Wood Furniture The reclaimed… Reclaimed vs. Rough Sawn: What’s the Difference?

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Meet the Woodworker: Middlebury Furniture Collection

Beth Rice 01/05/2017

Martin Yoder of our Middlebury Furniture Collection makes beautiful Amish furniture with the wants and needs of every customer in mind. His workshop, located in Middlebury, Indiana, holds a team of 15 who contribute to his solid wood masterpieces.  Martin recently visited our DutchCrafters Furniture Store to explain some features of his solid wood furniture and to share a little history as well as what motivates him in the furniture business. Having recently doubled the size of… Meet the Woodworker: Middlebury Furniture Collection

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History of Queen Anne Style Furniture

Leah Meldman 28/04/2017

Although Queen Anne reigned from 1702-1714, the style of formal furniture that would come to bear her royal name did not gain popularity in the Americas until the 1720s. Around that time, prosperity beckoned immigrants to the colonies, including a large number of British craftsmen. This made way for a major transition. The more ornate William and Mary style furniture was transformed. The result was Queen Anne style. The reign of William and Mary (1689-1702) heavily… History of Queen Anne Style Furniture

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Desks for the Busy Professional

Beth Rice 25/04/2017

“An organized space creates clarity and clarity attracts success.” April 26 is National Administrative Professionals Day. This day recognizes all the hardworking administrators, administrative assistants, secretaries, and receptionists who contribute to keeping offices running smoothly. Handling all the demanding tasks that come through a busy office takes organizational and multitasking skills that are on point. It also requires a desk where they can stay organized, store paperwork, answer phones, take notes, and more. What desks are… Desks for the Busy Professional

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How to Prepare your Patio for Summer Parties

Leah Meldman 20/04/2017

Now that spring is here, it’s time to start thinking about your plans for summer. Outdoor entertaining is one of our favorite ways to spend the warmer months. A special occasion or just plain relaxing can be taken to the next level with a pretty patio. Prepare your patio for summer parties with our tips below. Get Gardening Start small by choosing pretty planters that will add a personal touch to your outdoor space. Our LuxCraft 24″… How to Prepare your Patio for Summer Parties

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History of Mission Style Furniture

Beth Rice 17/04/2017

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

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Meet the Woodworker: Innovative Designs Collection

Milca Rivera 14/04/2017

In 2008 Herman Miller was building tables for the RV industry when two things happened that changed the course of his life: His wife Emma suffered kidney failure, and the RV industry began to struggle due to the economy. After Emma received a kidney transplant, the Millers sold their farm in Topeka, IN and moved to town. Herman had not been working as much to help take care of his wife, but once she was doing… Meet the Woodworker: Innovative Designs Collection

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Conference Table Buying Guide

Leah Meldman 11/04/2017

Like the dining room in your home, where the company gathers for meetings is an important space. Many great ideas take shape in conference rooms. Therefore, it is important to select the right conference table. We’re narrowing it down by explaining the various possibilities and benefits of round, square, rectangular, and boat-shaped tables. Our conference table buying guide will help you create an ideal setting for the meeting of minds. Size Follow these general rules… Conference Table Buying Guide

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History of the Hope Chest

Seth Carter 06/04/2017

The hope chest has been referred to as many things, including a dowry chest, a trousseau chest, and a glory box. No matter what it’s called, this tried-and-true treasure has evolved to remain a favorite piece of furniture. How the Amish Helped Bring Hope Chests to America The hope chest dates back centuries, revealing a rich and fascinating history. It originated at a time when marriage included the exchange of property between families. The idea… History of the Hope Chest

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Perfect Pairs: Fine Furniture Combinations

Beth Rice 03/04/2017

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

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History of the Pie Safe

Beth Rice 28/03/2017

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

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Our Favorite Movies & Matching Entertainment Centers

Beth Rice 06/03/2017

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

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Get the Look: Friends Edition

Milca Rivera 03/03/2017

This blog was updated on July 23, 2019. Although it ended in 2004, Friends is still one of the most popular television shows. The sitcom that pervaded popular culture with such things as “The Rachel” haircut, the catchy song “Smelly Cat,” and the phrase “How you doin’?,” also features two of the most iconic sets in television history: Monica’s apartment and Central Perk. Monica’s shabby-chic apartment and the eclectic but cozy Central Perk are styled in… Get the Look: Friends Edition

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Fine Furniture FAQs

Beth Rice 28/02/2017

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

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Furniture for a Minimalist Design

Leah Meldman 23/02/2017

Minimalist design has caught our eye for its attention to quality over quantity. This pared down look continues to grow in popularity. Because furniture takes up the most space in any room, it is the best place to start transforming your home to reflect the minimalist style. Simplify your space with our furniture picks for the minimalist. Back to Basics Bedroom Minimalism focuses on creating more open spaces by decluttering. Many of us have two… Furniture for a Minimalist Design

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