Amish communities have been an essential part of the foundation of the U.S.; many of the first colonists were Amish (or practiced similar religious and cultural traditions as the Amish), and if you live anywhere in the Northeast, you’re probably aware of nearby Amish communities that have existed in the same regions for hundreds of years.
Not only are the Amish known for their pacifistic beliefs and strong commitment to religion, but they tend to devote every ounce of energy to whatever task is at hand, whether working on a farm or in the house. It’s no surprise that Amish craftsmen have created and maintained a sector of the furniture industry for hundreds of years. If you already knew about this popular industry, or if you’re just learning about it for the first time, here are a few interesting facts about Amish furniture that you may not have known:
- Many Amish immigrants came over to the U.S. for religious freedom during the era of colonization, and they brought their furniture-making techniques with them. Remarkably, most Amish furniture craftsmen still abide by the same techniques that were originally brought over from Europe. Most notably, Amish furniture is rarely created with the use of electronic power tools. Instead, Amish crafters build everything by hand.
- The majority of Amish indoor and outdoor furniture is made from solid wood, but for larger structures (like Amish built barns and gazebos) other high-quality metal materials will be used to augment and reinforce potentially weak areas. Because of the materials and the way in which Amish furniture is created, no two pieces are exactly the same.
- Amish furniture really became popular in the U.S. during the 1920s, despite being around for decades before then, and it really hasn’t fallen out of style since then. Not only are there tons of styles to choose from, making it easy to augment any decor styles with these pieces, but Amish furniture is created with such quality that it often lasts for generations.
Now it’s your turn to get involved — what interesting facts about the Amish furniture industry do you happen to know? If you’re one of the millions of Americans who have already invested in Amish furniture, from kitchen tables to garages and gazebos, what makes your furniture extra special? Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section!
