Reasons to Invest in Pretend Play Sets

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Sink and Stove Playset

We all want what is best for our children. In the age of tablets, electronic toys, and loud distractions, sometimes taking it back to basics works best. Playsets are a great way to encourage imagination, but they also have a myriad of other benefits. There are many different types of playsets, but those with real-life counterparts- like kitchens and refrigerators, have a wide array of benefits.

Aids in the Development of Motor Skills

As children continue to play with their set, their motor skills will improve! As they pretend to cook in their kitchen, they learn tangible skills- how to cut, wash dishes, and move around a kitchen. Though they may not be using real knives, it makes it easier to transition to that step. Muscle memory will serve them well, and when they are asked to help cook dinner for the first time, they will be ready with the skills they learned by playing.

Teaches Responsibility

Responsibility is a valuable lesson to teach to our young ones! By having a play kitchen set, you are not only verbally teaching them but allowing them to experience it firsthand! They will learn how to organize, “cook,” and clean as they continue to play in their kitchen. Of course, we teach our children how to clean up after themselves, but it can go beyond just picking up toys they played with. Cleaning up a kitchen is an important part of adult life- the consequences of not doing so can bring pests, mold, and insects. Instilling the values of kitchen clean-up in your children- even when they do it with their play set, sets a pattern in their brain. Making these patterns in childhood means they are going into adulthood well equipped with skills to thrive. It also teaches them safety- not only by avoiding mess but by properly handling things. Even play knives can teach how to cut safely, and by showing them proper cutting techniques, they can mirror it with their tools.

With the addition of certain items, like a hutch or a table, they can also learn how to set the table and put items away!

Giving your child an Amish Made playset ensures that they will learn how to be responsible in the kitchen and in their life. Amish furniture is built to last; this playset will last generations, much like the lessons it will provide! At Carriage House Furnishings, we pride ourselves on providing you with high-quality Amish-made furniture. To learn more or place an order, visit our online showroom, or call us at 717-768-8712.

How to Create the Perfect Library with Amish Furniture

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An Amish-made oak desk perfect for any libraryThe right environment can make all the difference in accomplishing your goals! Curating a library in your space allows for a calming environment that allows you to work, read, or take a minute to unwind! Whether you have an idea of what you want your library to look like or are just getting started, below are some tips for creating your perfect library with Amish Furniture.

Curate Your Color Palette

Studies have been done to understand the impact certain colors have on our brains. Some colors are more suited for cultivating an environment that’s best to study or focus in, whereas others encourage activity. Typically, warm tones are the most efficient in creating a calming space.

Choose the Right Furniture

You want to make sure your furniture lasts longer and is functional for your space. If you are a “laptop on the couch” type of writer, you may not need a large desk. However, if you are a person who needs a set space to get things done, a desk is your best fit! You want to ensure you are designing your space to accommodate you!

Make It Your Own

Many people get caught up in what they think their space should be. Just because something “should” be in your library doesn’t mean it has to be! Find what works best for you and go with that. Your library is your space!

Curating your space only needs one thing: high-quality furniture. From cozying up on a comfortable chair to read, to sitting down to get some work done, you want to ensure your furniture is long-lasting and comfortable. At Carriage House Furnishings, we pride ourselves on providing you with high-quality Amish-made furniture. To learn more or place an order, visit our online showroom, or call us at 717-768-8712.

What Makes Wood the Most Eco-Friendly Furniture Choice?

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Three-piece wooden bedroom set with walnut finish

As the world puts more focus on protecting our natural environment, many people wonder how they can contribute to these efforts on an individual level. While you could pay to install solar panels or become a vegetarian, there is also a simpler way to live more sustainably—wood furniture!

Furnishing your home with high-quality wood furniture is an easy and effective way to become eco-friendlier in your day-to-day life. Check out these reasons why wood is the greenest furniture choice you can make.

Wood is a renewable resource

Unlike other furniture materials such as plastic or metal, wood is readily available, and our supply is continuously being replenished. Trees grow pretty much everywhere, which reduces the energy associated with shipping materials. Plus, modern selective harvesting and reforestation processes keep our wood resources healthy and growing.

There is no waste in wood manufacturing

Harvesting wood produces virtually no waste. Everything that comes out of the process is reused (lumber, energy production, etc.) or recycled. The little waste that is produced is 100% biodegradable, which means any materials left over will break down and be absorbed by the earth, nourishing the soil and surrounding plant life.

Wood lowers our carbon footprint

Trees remove carbon dioxide from the air for photosynthesis, which creates oxygen as a byproduct. Once the CO2 is absorbed, it is stored in their wooden trunks. Choosing wood furniture helps keep that stored CO2 out of the atmosphere, helping to prevent climate change and reduce the greenhouse effect.

Wood is long-lasting

Wood furniture is often sought out because it’s sturdy and durable. When your furniture holds up to wear and tear over the years, you won’t have to replace your pieces as quickly as you would with other materials. The longer you can use the same furniture, the less energy and fewer resources will need to be used for new products.

At Carriage House Furnishings, we want you to feel good about your furniture choices. That’s why we carefully craft Amish-made wood furniture that will enhance your space and help you live a greener lifestyle. In our showroom in Lancaster, PA, you’ll find everything from bedroom furniture and kitchen islands to children’s toys, rustic accents, and more.

Visit Carriage House Furnishings today to find your new favorite furniture!

Tips for Refurbishing an Amish Storage Chest

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Rustic storage chestHandcrafted Amish storage chests are not only visually appealing but are extremely durable and will be able to protect your precious belongings for years to come.

Since these chests lasts for so long, there may come a time when you need to spruce up its appearance. While each rustic wooden chest is unique with its own design and coloration, there are certain common refurb tactics that can be used to have your older storage chest looking its best.

Should you be looking to refurbish your Amish storage chest, we have listed a few ideas that will add aesthetic appeal, match the design of your home and reflect your personality.

Match the theme of your home

One tip that we always suggest when refurbishing these chests is maintaining the theme of the rooms in your home.

If you are going for a rustic look to reflect a down-home, lodge-like feel, you may want to distress the look of the trunk. You can do this easily by purchasing some sandpaper at your local hardware store and “roughing” up the edges of the trunk. Remember, it is better to sand too little at first than it is to sand too much. You can always go back and sand some more, but you cannot undo what has already been done.

Stain or paint the chest

To create an even more rustic look, you can purchase some antique stain or even paint over the sanded areas. If you are staining, wipe off excess stains with a soft cloth to obtain a deep, aged appearance.

Use a finish kit

If you are going for a more finished appearance to complement the style of your home, you may want to visit a craft store and purchase a specialized finish kit.

These kits allow you to refurbish your storage chests to appear as if they are marble, granite or even metallic. They are easy to use and include step-by-step directions.

A storage chest with some gold leafing would be a wonderful addition to any room, leaving your guests wondering where you found such a beautiful chest.

If you have an older storage chest and feel that it is too far gone to be refurbished, you can always purchase a new one as well. At Carriage House Furnishings, we are proud to offer new Amish storage and toy chests that are handcrafted by our experienced and professional staff.

We take great pride in offering hand-made Amish furniture for those throughout Lancaster, PA and the surrounding areas and promise to provide you with a chest you’ll enjoy for decades to come. To learn more or to place an order, give us a call today at 717-768-8712.

3 Interesting Facts About Amish Furniture

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Amish Furniture Set In KitchenWhat’s not to love about Amish furniture? Each piece is handmade with expert craftsmanship, will last for many years and is extremely functional.

Whether you regularly purchase Amish-made furniture for all of the rooms in your home, or you are considering getting Amish furniture for your home for the first time, we have compiled a few interesting facts that will make you want this incredible furniture even more.

No matter if you’re interested in a piece for your kitchen, bedroom, outdoor patio or any other space, make sure to give our experienced team at Carriage House Furnishings a call today.

It dates back hundreds of years

Amish furniture has been around for nearly as long as the Amish themselves, with some of the earliest crafting schools dating back to the early 1700s. Amish artisans have passed down their carpentry knowledge through the years with many of the same practices still being used today.

Although they have made certain adjustments through the years to slightly improve upon their creations, Amish furniture makers still make all their furniture buy hand in farm-like warehouses.

It’s all natural

While it is well-known that Amish craftsmen make all their furniture by hand, many people are surprised to learn that no artificial materials or preparation additives are ever used to cut corners.

Everything is natural when it comes to Amish furniture, even down to the use of dovetail joints, mortise and tenon joinery instead of commonly used nails and screws.

It can stand up to nearly any weather

Another interesting fact about Amish furniture is that it can stand up to nearly any weather that may be thrown at it. Since it is all natural, it is able to withstand harsh weather and is ideal for outdoor kitchens, decks, patios and more.

When you’re interested in purchasing hand-made Amish furniture for your home and want something made with the very best craftsmanship, we ask that you think of us at Carriage House Furnishings.

We proudly serve those throughout Lancaster, PA and the surrounding areas and promise to provide you with furniture you’ll enjoy for decades to come.

To learn more or to place an order, give us a call today at 717-768-8712.

3 Tips for Decorating a Rustic Kitchen

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Large beautiful rustic kitchenWhether you own a cabin or have a rustic theme to your home, you’re aware of the difficulties that come from trying to find the perfect pieces for a rustic space.

Whether you’re looking to add a new kitchen table, chairs or accessories to your rustic kitchen, there are several tips that can be followed to create a cozy and welcoming area for your family and visitors.

Invest in a table & chairs

When it comes to having a truly rustic kitchen space, it would not be complete without a hand-crafted Amish table and chairs.

A strong, durable table is a necessary addition as it will be the centerpiece of your kitchen: where your family dines each day, and the focal point guests will first notice when they enter your kitchen.

Get creative with storage

With so many plates, cups, utensils and appliances that get used in the kitchen each day, it can be tough to find a place to store everything.

Having proper storage is not only a way to keep things clean but it can also aide with the décor of your space. The addition of an Amish-made kitchen cart, kitchen island, hutch or other accessory is a great way to add storage to your kitchen will also aiding in its appearance. You can even consider using Amish outdoor shelving inside your kitchen to give the room a cozy feeling of nostalgia.

Don’t be afraid to add accessories

Aside from the afore mentioned furniture and storage options, consider utilizing wicker or wooden baskets throughout your kitchen. Whether they are used to beautify your kitchen or to hold some of your kitchen items, they will be a good way to fill in space and get rid of clutter.

No matter what type of Amish-made kitchen furniture you are interested in adding to match your rustic home, we ask that you reach out to our team at Carriage House Furnishings.

Our Amish-run business is proud to offer the very best hand-crafted rustic pieces on the market at our always fair prices. To learn more about the products we have available, we ask that you call us today at 717-768-8712.

Add These Amish-Made Bedroom Pieces to Your New Home

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Hand-made hickory chestWhen you’ve made the investment in a new home and are looking for new bedroom furniture to fill it in, make sure to choose durable and beautiful Amish-made pieces.

Whether it be a new nightstand to conveniently place your nighttime belongings, a hickory chest or dresser to store all of your clothing or anything in between, Amish-made bedroom furniture will look great in your new space and will stand the test of time.

When you want furniture that will give you the best return on investment, the choice is simple.

A Hand-Crafted Nightstand

Available in several stain and paint options, these hand-crafted nightstands provide you with the perfect place to stash your nighttime belongings such as glasses, drinks, books, magazines and more.

Made from solid poplar wood, they are also the perfect place to put a bed side light when you want to do some reading before bed.

These chests are available in one drawer/two door and three drawer options.

A Unique Four-Drawer Hickory Chest

When you’re looking for a chest to store your favorite t-shirts, sweaters, jeans and more, choose this stylish and unique option.

This Amish-made piece is made with character hickory and has a natural finish that is perfect for spaces that have more of a rustic look.

This four-drawer hickory chest is perfect for nearly any bedroom space, however, and will keep its beautiful appearance for years to come.

A Beautiful Nine-Drawer Dresser

If you and your spouse have a bit more clothing and require something larger to store everything, a nine-drawer dresser may be the perfect option.

These dressers come in several different colors and are extremely durable. Their nine drawers are also perfect for those who like to keep all their different clothes organized.

No matter what type of Amish-made bedroom furniture you are interested in adding to your new home, we ask that you reach out to our team at Carriage House Furnishings.

Our Amish-run business is proud to offer the very best bedroom pieces at fair prices. To learn more about the products we have available, we ask that you call us today at 717-768-8712.

Choose These Amish-Made Gifts for Your Child This Holiday Season

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Express TrikeIf you’re the type of person that likes to get your holiday shopping done early and you’re looking for the perfect present for your child, consider purchasing one of these three fun, hand-made gifts this holiday season.

Each of these gifts are Amish-made, meaning they come from some of the most skilled craftsman and quality materials that are guaranteed to last for years to come.

Don’t get your gifts from just any big-box store this year, choose a hand-crafted speedway express wagon, express trike or scooter that your little one is sure to love.

Speedway express wagons

Speedway express wagons are the perfect gift for your child this holiday season as they make for a great play item around the house and yard, and can even be used to carry them when you attend fun seasonal activities.

These express wagons are hand-built using the very best materials, come with 10–13-inch tires (depending on the model) and have a large bed that will meet any of your child’s needs.

The speedway express wagon has the classic red wagon look you remember from your childhood, but it can also come in several different colors including green, blue and pink.

Express trikes

If your child is hoping for a tricycle this holiday season, make the smart investment and go with an Amish-made express trike from Carriage House Furnishings.

These express trikes are ideal as they not only look great, but they are hand-made from the very best materials. This not only means they will last for many years to come but will give you peace of mind in knowing that your child will be safe when they’re riding around the block or driveway.

Featuring 10-inch tires and a sturdy frame, these trikes are an extremely durable option. They come in colors that include red, green and blue based on your child’s needs, and there is even a model available with an attached mini cart trailer.

Scooters

For children that are slightly older and are looking for something a bit more adventurous, we suggest a hand-made scooter.

These scooters come in several sizes based on your child’s needs and are equipped with a handbrake, footbrake and kick stand for your child’s safety. Aside from these features each scooter is also equipped with a basket to store schoolbooks, toys and more without worry of them being damaged.

When you’d like to get your holiday shopping underway by purchasing one of these Amish-made gifts for your child, we ask that you reach out to our team at Carriage House Furnishings.

Whether you’re interested in a speedway express wagon, express tike or a scooter, we’ll have you covered with hand-made pieces from our skilled staff.

To learn more about all the products we have available, we invite you to give us a call at 717-768-8712.

3 Reasons to Choose Hickory Furniture

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Bookshelf made from hickoryWhen you’re looking for rustic furniture to match your home, cabin or other space, and want something that is strong and durable, we suggest choosing hand-crafted furniture made of hickory.

Hickory is considered one of the strongest and most durable wood types, besting both white oak and hard maple when it comes to hardness, and won’t break down from everyday use.

This wood material is also ideal because it can be used for such a wide variety of furniture including everything from dining room tables to barstools, lamps and more.

Should you be ready to make an investment in furnishings for your home, make the right choice by choosing hand-made hickory furniture.

Provides a natural, rustic appearance

Should your home or cabin have a rustic theme, hickory furniture will be the perfect addition. This wooden furniture has a natural, rugged appearance that provides an outdoorsy feel to any space it is placed in.

Hand-made hickory furniture will have the natural look of a tree in many cases and works well in most any room of the home.

It’s a durable material

Hickory is the densest wood available in the United States, offering you the durable, long-lasting furniture you require.

Due to its hardness, hickory furniture can stand up to even the roughest wear and tear, spills and more, so you won’t have to worry about it being damaged easily or breaking down over time.

A wide range of furniture can be made from it

One of the biggest benefits of furniture made from hickory is the number of different pieces that can be made from it. While both indoor and outdoor chairs are a popular hickory item, there are several other pieces that people enjoy in their homes that include:

  • Chests
  • Benches
  • Dining Room Tables
  • Rockers
  • Barstools
  • Bookshelves
  • Coffee Tables
  • Lamps
  • Nightstands
  • Magazine Tables
  • Bed Sets
  • TV Cabinets
  • Footstools
  • And More

No matter what type of hickory made furniture you may be interested in adding to your home, we ask that you reach out to our team at Carriage House Furnishings. Our Amish-run business is proud to offer the very best hickory furniture at fair prices and will be proud to give you a piece that matches your home.

To learn more about the Amish-made hickory furniture we have available at our Lancaster, PA showroom, we ask that you give our team a call today at 717-768-8712 to get started.

3 Unique Amish-Made Children’s Toys & Furniture

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In today’s world, the amount of children’s toys and furniture to choose from seems nearly endless. Although there is such a variety of options to choose from, that doesn’t mean they are all made of the same quality. Many toys today are mass produced and made from lower quality materials that aren’t made to last.

If you prefer toys and children’s furniture that are hand-crafted and made from high-quality wood, we suggest going with Amish-made products.

Your children will be sure to love these unique pieces and they are designed to last for many years, often being handed down as family heir looms.

Toy chest with stuffed animals

Hand-crafted toy chest

If you have young children and are looking for a toy chest to house all their playthings, consider getting a hand-made, Amish toy chest.

These chests are made from quality wood and come in a variety of styles and colors to match your child’s room. Many of these Amish-made toy chests are made from Baltic birch ply, which is a durable material that will last for generations

Child’s table & chairs

Whether used in bedrooms for play, your little one’s tea parties, at family functions or anything in between, these tables and chairs are a beautiful option that your children will love.

These Amish-made pieces are made from the very best materials, including maple wood, and are hand painted for a beautiful appearance.

Folding dollhouse

When you’re looking for a dollhouse for your little one, we suggest that you check out the Amish-made houses available. When compared to mass produced dollhouses, your choice will become clear.

These hand-crafted and unique dollhouses are made from some of the highest quality wood materials that include a harvest pine finish.

Make sure to look for a dollhouse that includes mini furniture as well for hours of entertainment for your family.

Should you be interested in purchasing these, or any other Amish-made toys and furniture, we ask that you think of our team at Carriage House Furnishings.

We have been offering quality, hand-crafted furniture and other unique pieces for over 25 years and will be thrilled to have you at our Lancaster, PA showroom today to see all that we have to offer. Feel free to give us a call at 717-768-8712 as well should you have any questions.

Why Amish Rocking Chairs are the Preferred Option

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Hand-Made Rocking ChairIf you’re considering purchasing a rocking chair for your front porch, family room or other space, it’s important to get a chair made with quality craftsmanship and the finest materials to ensure it lasts for years to come.

One of the easiest ways to guarantee you’re getting a quality rocking chair is by buying from an Amish builder. Amish-built rocking chairs are of the highest quality on the market, durable and a great long-term investment.

Though you may be tempted to purchase a rocking chair from a department store because of the price, it won’t match the beautiful, hand-crafted look you get with an Amish chair. When you want to add a quality, 100% natural rocking chair to your home, the choice is simple.

Attention to detail, unique designs

Amish-made furniture is known for its intricate detail and hand-crafted beauty. Many rocking chair collectors will only buy from Amish companies, as they know the unique designs and attention given to the smallest of details is unmatched.

The art of furniture making is passed down from generation to generation in the Amish community and they take great pride in never having two chairs look the same.

Made from all-natural materials

Amish-produced rocking chairs are made from real wood and never use the synthetic products that are found in mass-produced chairs. Many rocking chairs available at department stores are made with particle board which has been shown to be far less durable than natural wood.

Amish furniture companies hand pick the wood they choose for their chairs and never use chemicals, ensuring you are getting something that not only looks great, but something that is completely safe to have in your home.

It’s a great long-term investment

As mentioned above, Amish-built furniture is made by hand from the very best materials on the market. This means that the furniture will last for years and often becomes a family heirloom.

Many people believe that Amish-built rocking chairs are more expensive, but they are often as affordable as something you’d find at a big-box store. Even if it is a few more dollars, you’re getting a piece that will last, making it a smart investment.

When you’re interested in purchasing a Amish-made rocking chair for your home and want something made with the very best craftsmanship, we ask that you think of us at Carriage House Furnishings.

We proudly serve those throughout Lancaster, PA and promise that you won’t find finely crafted pieces like ours anywhere else. For a hand-made rocking chair that you can enjoy for decades to come, we ask that you call us today at 717-768-8712.

4 Tips for First Time Amish Furniture Buyers

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Happy Couple Furnishing Their HomeIf you’re looking to fill your room with new furniture, Amish-made furniture is a great investment. You can get several benefits from purchasing Amish-made furniture, including high quality furniture, unmatched craftsmanship, and years of enjoyment! Another great thing about going in this direction to purchase furniture is that you can fill your home with long-lasting furniture that will end up saving you money in the long run. 

Sometimes, first-time furniture buyers can be overwhelmed with the process of purchasing any furniture piece. With plenty of available retailers to buy furniture, you might not know where to start. Before you begin to stress, allow us to help! 

Here are some of our best tips for selecting the best Amish furniture pieces that will complement your home: 

Decide on Your Theme

Before you start your next furniture buying adventure, make sure that you have developed a well-thought-out plan of how you want to decorate your home. Deciding on your theme before you start shopping will help you avoid wasting money on furniture that you don’t need, or it’ll save you a trip from returning it to where it came from. 

Pick Out Your Wood

The best part about Amish-made furniture is that you can often find unique furniture pieces that come in various finishes. Scope out your house and choose the right wood that will match your home while sticking to your decor theme. Some popular hardwood furniture includes oak, cherry, and maple. 

Measure Your Space Before Ordering Your Furniture

Before you start shopping for the perfect piece, measure the area that you’re looking to furnish. Measuring beforehand will help you avoid buying anything oversized, especially if you’re limited on space. Don’t forget to bring documentation of your measurements with you, so you can leave with a piece that will fit your space perfectly. 

Come Prepared with Questions

If you don’t know what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to come with a list of questions for your Amish furniture supplier. From indoor pieces to outdoor patio furniture, they will be happy to answer any questions that you may have. 

If you’re a first-time Amish furniture buyer, visit Carriage House Furniture to pick out your next piece! Shop our online showroom or visit our showroom located in Lancaster, PA. 

If you have any questions before you get started, please contact us today!