Now a little about these pieces and how they can help.

1) An Extendable Bench: Instead of having to store chairs for your dining or kitchen table, this unique bench has leaves that can be added as the number of guests increase.  Each leaf is 12″ and these benches can expand up to 96″!  That’s 8 feet of seating space!

2) Sierra Coffee Table:  This piece could be great in a compact living room or den.  It combines the function of a coffee table, with 4 built in seats to provide extra seating for guests!

3) Vertical Wall Bed – Though it may look like your standard entertainment unit, this piece is actually a bed.  It also offers the added storage space of 2 cabinets and bookcases.  Though it takes up wall space, it has the wonderful benefit of a full or queen bed just a pull away.

4) Expandable Buffet: Much like the extendable bench, this piece expands by adding leaves to the buffet top.  Perfect for parties and gatherings, it can expand up to an additional 3 feet.  So a 48″ buffet would expand to 7 feet of serving space.   That’s enough space for 6 chafing dishes!

Check back later for more space saving furniture & ideas to help make your space a beautiful & functional one!

Decorating these places becomes a challenge because most mainstream furniture makers design their pieces to fit the larger homes. Just because you have a small space, does not mean you have to forego the wood furniture. With these helpful hints, you can choose pieces that will not only fit but maximize your space.

Tips for Furnishing a Small Space

• Look for multifunction pieces. In a small space, storage is at a premium. Look for furniture that serves a dual purpose, like Amish Furniture Home’s Amies Coffee Table that has drawers and cabinets for storage.  Another option would be the Modesto Lift Top Coffee Table, which has easily accessible space to store TV remotes, magazines, laptops, and other items.  In small bedrooms, with little to no space for additional dressers, the Platform Bed allows for needed storage with drawers that line the base of the bed.
• Consider wall units. Instead of trying to fit multiple pieces in one room, look for a taller and wider case piece that can house your entertainment pieces, books, DVDs and CDs.   This entertainment unit maximizes storage while saving on floor space.
• Utilize corners or hallways.  Choose pieces like the Legacy Corner Cabinet, which will create space out of a difficult to use corner.  Utilizing a wider hallway or entry way for a bookcase or even a sofa table can also provide a place for keys, purses and other items needed on a daily basis.
• Living area turned bedroom space. Futons like the McIntosh Mission not only provide stylish seating space but also a comfortable bed for visiting friends or family members.
• Customize. Most of Amish Furniture Home’s pieces can be customized to fit your space.  This can go a long way in providing the exact amount of storage you need and to fit the space you have.

Once you have picked those specific pieces to furnish your space, another way to keep it looking great is to eliminate any clutter. Clear off flat surfaces and use that extra storage to “find a place for everything”.  The extra effort to put “everything in its place” will go a long way in maintaining the look of your small, but expertly furnished space.

 Sadly, the passing of Mike Tyson’s young daughter has brought to the forefront home safety issues.  Home can be one of the most dangerous places for a small child or infant and it is of major concern to safety and health officials. By following a few simple steps you can help to eliminate commonly overlooked areas in your home and increase your comfort and your family’s safety.

USED BABY FURNITURE - It is not just a sales gimmick crafted by the baby furniture industry to part you with your money. Used baby furniture may save you money but cost you injuries or even a baby’s life. A good rule is no furniture later than 1978.

1. The first step in insuring the safety of your infant is to check with the manufacturer or online to be certain that the item has not been recalled.

2. Obtain current guidelines for measurement such as distance between side rail bars. Currently they are 2 3/8 inches apart, with no large cut-outs on head and foot boards.

3. Is the paint loose or chipping and most of all child safe and lead free?

4. Cedar chests or toy chests should have hinge support to prevent the lid from slamming down on little fingers or heads.

Choosing solid wood handcrafted furniture protects your investment and your child. Solid hardwoods withstand generations of children and their teething episodes.

KITCHEN -

1. Kitchen chairs and stools should be positioned far enough away from stoves that if a toddler mounted them they could not reach hot burners or pots.

2. Have you put child locks on your pantries and custom made cupboards or cabinets?

3. Move all knives and sharp objects farther back in the drawers and cabinets.

LIVINGROOM -

1. Move all glass objects to the back of your Amish built tables. A heavy vase, object d’art or picture frame can be a deadly weapon when it’s pulled down on to a curious child’s head.

2. Cable all window shades cords and electrical cords up and away.

3. Be sure your big plasma or HDTV television is securely mounted to your custom built television stand or entertainment center. Home injuries to children have increased by a record 41% because of oversized televisions.

4. Are your bookcases secured? Solid wood bookcases are well built and steady but on carpet or uneven flooring an accident can happen. Simple wall brackets can secure any cabinet or book case.

5. Have you applied protective padding or rubber corners to your solid wood living room tables? The corners are sharp and can cause injury to a small child.

6. Have you protected your child from entering your fireplace area? Whether electric, wood or gas it is an obvious area that should never given easy access to.

BATHROOMS -

1. Amish crafted corner cabinets and bookcases make beautiful and functional bathroom furnishings to store prescriptions and toiletries in. Be sure to secure these items to prevent ingestion by a child. This includes prescriptions, mouthwashes, hair sprays, perfumes, etc.

HOME OFFICE -

1. Check for cords, whether from electrical or telephones. It is wise to unplug when not in use and wind up those cords. Dangling cords attract and easily go from playful toy to noose.

OUTDOOR FURNITURE-

1. Check for splinters that may have occurred with use and changes in the wood. While Amish outdoor furniture is finished by hand regular care and maintenance will prevent accidents.

GUN CABINETS -

1. Amish craftsmen build handsome gun cabinets complete with locking features. Remember -KEEP THE KEY HIDDEN AND AMMUNITION STORED SEPERATELY

• Create unity by grouping like items with like items. By grouping items by theme, color, shape, texture or material you get the biggest visual bang. You can create the illusion of hiring a curator who has organized your shelves to feel like treasures. You can create a visual pop by grouping like colors, such as white pottery, together. Placed against the dark wood of your custom stained shelving these items stand out. Grouping boxes, spheres, etc. create instant emphasis that cannot be duplicated when spread apart.
• Instead of placing a few smaller knick-knacks on the shelf try to choose big, bold accessories. Select items that you can see it from across the room. Smaller items achieve more visual presence when you gather them containers. An old jar filled with vintage marbles, seashells collected at the beach or even a basket of loose family photos create interest.
• Go for asymmetrical arrangements of three, five or seven objects. Also remember not to center them but place them off-center. Odd numbers are visually most interesting in interior design. Balance is good but if not done right can be boring. Use combinations of short, medium and tall objects to make the eye fall at various levels.
• A very powerful statement can be created when there is nothing but art or photos on display. Try leaning your collection or overlapping edges. Mix up frame sizes, shapes and styles.
• Shiny items add interest, too. Add glass, crystal and silver objects to make shelf arrangements literally twinkle. A mirror placed at the back or bottom of a shelf will also impact the visual effect of the objects placed in front or on it.
• In modern or contemporary settings always keep it simple. A more streamlined approach is the best fit for contemporary and modern spaces. Minimalism does not mean any decorations of collections, just well thought out ones. Modern contemporary is based on form following function and it is best to go with shelves decorated in an uncluttered look. 
• A little light on the subject is good. Illuminate your shelves by spotlighting the arrangements. If you did not opt for pre-installed lighting with your custom solid wood Amish bookcases or shelves, then add track lighting in the ceiling. A professional touch can be gained by discreetly tucking tiny up-lights behind a vase or other items, creating a backlight to the arrangement.

BOTTOM LINE – WHY DO YOU COLLECT? -

What motivates you to collect what you collect? Some people collect because of nostalgia, some as a way to make a décor statement, some collect in a more calculated way, as an investment. Does your collection trigger emotional responses or are you waiting for the day that you can turn it into cold cash? Understanding this will also help you to understand what triggers the decision to reach for your wallet and to fill that space on those custom shelves with another item. An investor cannot let his sentimental side play in to a decision to purchase while a collector of nostalgia will not really consider resale values if they really want it.

WHEELING AND DEALING -

While it can be a bit wearing for dealers to hear from every customer “Is this the best you can do?” they are aware that it is part of the business. Don’t sell your deal short by not making an inquiry about price, especially if you are buying more than one item or are a regular. The golden rule should apply here as well as common sense. Treat the dealer like you would want to be treated. Learn the rules of shopping etiquette and buyer bewares before shopping.

BUY THE BEST AND LEAVE THE REST -

Beginner mistakes can cost you time, money and valuable shelf space. Examine each purchase well and unless you are certain that there is no other one like it and it’s so rare that damage is not an issue, leave it! We have been in the machine age for 150 years and chances are good that they made one right behind that one and in this internet world things are easier to acquire. Patience, dear collector…patience. On the other hand, don’t be so fearful of mistakes that you miss out on great finds.

EDUCATION PAYS FOR ITSELF-

Whatever you feel is worth collecting should be worth educating yourself on. There are websites, books, clubs and magazines on any subject. Auctions, flea markets and antique malls make great hands-on experience playgrounds. Price guides are great tools but do not rely on them for up to the minute or even regional prices. Instead use them as references.

HAVE FUN WITH IT -

If your collection is something worth spending time and money on then why not enjoy it every day? Investing in a great and very sturdy hardwood bookcase, shelving unit or curio customized for your collection by Amish craftsman will insure that you can.

The first step to organizing a closet or armoire is deciding what stays and what goes. Starting with a clean slate is a benefit few acquire, but if it is possible to empty the closet and then begin elimination, it will optimize your efforts. If your discards are truly reusable then there are two benefits. Parting with gently but seldom worn clothing and shoes is made easier when the items go to a charity. You get your needed space and organization and someone else benefits. Remember to add a basket in the closet to collect clothing discards regularly.

Reassess your storage space regularly. To keep your closets functioning optimally you really need to look at them closely every six months.

BE PREPARED

Clothes, coats and accessories stored for the season need to be protected from light, moisture, and insects. Keep a supply of acid-free tissue paper to wrap textiles in and cedar inserts to stave off insects. Dried lavender is also another great smelling option to include.

STORE IT RIGHT

Simple swatches of ultra suede fabric can be glued to wooden hangers using a bit of craft glue. These swatches will provide just enough friction to keep your delicates and hard-to-hang items from giving you the slip.

Purses are a great example of why having acid-free tissue on hand is important. You can stuff your favorite bags with acid-free tissue paper, helping to keep their shape when not in use. You can either purchase shoe bags or simply stitch two panels of flannel along three sides. Slip your shoes inside with a sachet of cedar shavings inside them to protect your shoes from light and dust.

Purchase bulk, low cost, twenty-inch cloth napkins or cut fabric squares to size. These squares can be used to protective coats, vests, jackets, etc. that you don’t or can’t store in garment bags. Make a slit in the center of each one to slip over the hanger.

Computer printers can help you create ID tags from digital pictures that you can hang attached to card-stock tags to identify the contents inside of your garment bags. This will save you many frustrating minutes trying to remember which bag holds your tux and which one your winter coat.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR CLOSET

When deciding on an armoire or closet try to opt for one made from solid woods and houses adjustable shelves rather than fixed ones. The Amish craftsmen have designed many styles in many varieties of woods and stains. Shelves that move will allow you to change the arrangement of the closet as your storage needs evolve. By opting for a cabinet with shelves you can use open containers or baskets for things like shoes or small items. Organizing like things together in bins, baskets, or boxes is the best way to minimize chaos.

THINK PRACTICALLY

Remember to place heavy items below waist level and rarely used items on the higher, harder to reach, shelves. Stash a step stool beside the closet, and you can even store things in closed containers or boxes on top, maximizing your storage space.

PUT THE LIGHTS ON

If a closet is dark inside, it will be difficult to find what you need. Consider adding a battery-operated light if your closet has no power source. Note that incandescent light can also help prevent mildew.

Whatever your obsession for collecting was routed into there may come a time to part from it. Even in the best of times life changes, money is tight, tastes change, space runs out, you marry someone who finds your beer bottles from around the world clashing with her doily collection…Whatever the reason, time may have come for you to lose the collection and gain the cash. Educating yourself away from the consumer thought process and towards the vendor end of the deal is wise.

The first step to selling your possessions is to determining your market. Ask yourself, where will you get the most money for your valuables? Today the availability of avenues to sell your collectibles is vast. From the old fashioned ads in your local paper to yard sales to online auctions, quite literally the world is your storefront. Decide what venue will give you the greatest access to the people who collect what you do? If you have in your collection any rare items the World Wide Web can pay off best. Bidding wars caused by auction frenzy and world wide monetary value differences can only benefit you the seller. A seller can only win when the world is your bidding audience. Include the auction fees when deciding whether to use an auction service.

A very specific target audience is the collector clubs. You may be able to buy and sell to members who obsess over what you have collected. Collector clubs can be reached through member specific publications or online sites and boards. True collectors are members who take the subject seriously. This is evidence of true passion and a truly passionate collector will come up with the cash if you have what they need to complete their collection.

Determine whether you want to offer the collection in bulk or individually. Ask yourself if selling as a whole or selling individually will bring the greatest yield. If you are in a hurry, selling as a whole is a quick route but, remember that selling separately or in smaller groupings can bring the highest amount. There is more time and effort in separating the collection. You also run the risk of being stuck with the less desirable pieces.

Showcase your collection in its best light, whether with pictures and description in print or online, or by insuring that it is in its best condition. Take the time to research your audience, pick the best marketing venue and display your valuables to your advantage. Caring for your treasures while you own them insures that their value is not diminished by improper storage. Investing in solid hardwood Amish designs like cedar chests, shelves, hutches and storage units not only create an amazing showcase but also help protect your investments.

While it is true that moving yourself can be a back breaking job, it may not only be money saving but necessary. Learning to do it properly will make the move easier and safer for you and your furnishings.

SLIDE IT – Sliders are amazing and simple inventions that can be purchased at your local hardware store. Follow the instructions that usually come with the product such as lift each corner and put the slider underneath so that the smooth edge is towards the floor. The sliders will eliminate the friction and allow the heavy furniture to move very easily. Sliders work best on carpeting. A great tip to consider is if you continually move the furniture it will be easier to push or pull. A scientifically based fact is that friction greatly increases when something comes to a stop.

ROLL IT – There is more than one way to skin a cat and to move a heavy piece of furniture. The idea of rollers has been around at least as long as the pyramids. Heavy objects can be moved by putting broom handles, or thick dowels or rods underneath, and then just roll, replacing dowels as you travel.

PROTECT IT – If you have wooden floors, put a piece of old carpet, carpet sample, rugs, cardboard or a durable thick towel or blanket under each leg before you move an item of furniture. The furniture will slide more easily and won’t scratch the floor, protecting it.

Glass tabletops need special care and the route must be cleared of all obstruction. Criss-cross masking top over the glass, in case of breakage. Wrap the glass tabletop with furniture moving pad or wrap a blanket around it and tape securely. Of course this should be done while moving any piece of furniture.

ASSESS IT – Is the object top heavy? Do not use these techniques to move heavy objects that have extreme height, such as book shelves or tall boys. Their top heavy nature may cause them to topple and cause damage and/or more work, especially when fully loaded.

Always empty all items and books before attempting to move any case goods. The weight alone can pull at the joints and cause damage. Parts that can be detached or drawers that can be removed should be. If you must lift the furniture remember to carry it where it is the strongest.

Don’t just assess the furniture you are moving but the room or path you are taking to move the furniture to. Check for issues with doorways or other items that can hinder the move or cause damage to your item.

BELIEVE IT – It is not just an urban legend that one wrong lift can cause a lifetime of pain or worse, disability. Be careful not to lift with your back only; instead use your legs. Keep your torso and upper body relatively straight and almost vertical and when lifting heavy furniture, lift with your legs first, then your back and your arms.

In today’s furniture industry the category known as case goods has expanded to include tables, headboards, etc. If the furniture item can be included in a bedroom or dining room it most likely falls in to the case good category. Since most case goods involve a framed construction solid wood is consider the best quality material, although other elements can be used, such as plastic, metal, etc.

When examining a case good for purchase it should meet three specifications:

Esthetical value

Quality of materials

Integrity of construction

ESTHETICAL VALUE

Your furniture choices should not just be trends but investments that can be used as your tastes or lifestyle progress. Amish furniture designs include every major décor trend from Mission, Craftsman, Arts and Crafts, Log Cabin, Adirondack, Lodge, Shabby Chic, Modern, Contemporary, Shaker, Traditional, to Tuscan, and on and on. The native hardwoods are available in oak, maple, cherry and walnut, including variations in each of those categories. The Amish include a spectrum of stain option topped by the almost everlasting finish known as ARESISTOVAR.

QUALITY OF MATERIAL

Ask questions of your sales team about the origin of the wood products used to create their designs. Guaranteeing that the wood was properly prepared can promise that the piece will keep its original dimensions, warding off warping and cracking.

The idea of veneer applied to cheaper wood underneath is a matter of taste but the Amish do not craft items in need of veneering. Like the Shakers the Amish believe that their fine furnishings do not need to be covered up by a faux finish in order to persuade you to buy.

INTEGRITY OF CONSTRUCTION

Understanding joint construction and how it affects the lifespan of your pieces will help you to know what to look for, too. The point at which a leg or case is joined to its other parts can determine its strength or its weakness.

Pull out drawers, look underneath and behind. Methodically examine them to see if they have been sanded and finished. This is the sign of true craftsmanship. All moving parts should fit well and move easily.

The finish should be examined in a strong light to check for even application of stain and finish. Run your hand over the surface to be sure you feel a smooth and even finish.

The Amish know their mission is to provide you with heirloom quality furniture built and stained to fit your needs. While there are many Amish furniture craftsmen available to choose from, Amish-Furniture-Home.com, and its dedicated staff, have made it their life’s work to hand select only the finest quality products built. Each piece is built to order and crafted to last generations.

Royal Doulton is an English pottery company that has produced collectibles and tableware since it was began almost two centuries ago in 1815. London born Royal Doulton has grown and expanded since its origins over 200 years ago. Today Royal Doulton produces not only porcelain and collectibles but fine dinnerware, glassware, giftware, jewelry, linens and much more.

Just as the Amish carry on time honored apprenticeships that carry their integrity and artisanship into each and every generation, the Royal Doulton company has a rich history and a time honored namesake. John Doulton was born in Fulham in 1793. Doulton’s trade was learned as an apprentice at the Fulham Manufacturing Company, a stoneware manufacturer.

Later, John Doulton began working with Lambeth Pottery’s owner Martha Jones and foreman John Watts. Lambeth was a tiny pottery located in Vauxhall Walk, Lambeth, a borough of London, England. Together they formed Jones, Watts and Doulton in 1815. Martha Jones left in 1820 and by 1826 the company was Doulton & Watts.

Primarily producing salt-glazed pottery, Doulton realized there was money to make in glazed piping to replace the older porous brick sewers. Not as elegant as one would consider Royal Doulton, John Doulton built a practical pipe factory that helped with the health concerns of the community. The demand for these sanitary ware products was so great that within three years Doulton founded factories in Dudley and St Helens.

At the tender age of 15, Henry Doulton, the second son of John, realized his talent for pottery making and joined the firm. John Watts retired from the company in 1854. At this time John Doulton began experimenting with a more decorative pottery line and began using many glazes and decorative effects including faience, impasto, silicon, carrara, marqueterie, chine, and rouge flambe. Henry Doulton, following in his father’s creative footprints, took full control of the company upon the passing of his father in 1873.

Your Royal Doulton figurines, dinnerware and collectibles deserve a showcase equal to their heritage and value. The Amish craft hardwood display options in a timeless elegance, second to none. China cabinets, curios, bookcases, corner cabinets, shelves and more. Options such as antique leaded glass accent in the pediment, glass shelves, mirrored back and recessed lighting are a standard high end choice. Surrounded in well made heirloom quality design, your Royal Doulton collection will be a decor feature for generations.