Did you know that there are more benefits than one to purchasing Amish made furniture? Though furniture has become mass produced in the United States, there is still a group that values the art of the handcrafted. Check out this informational infographic to see why Amish made furniture could be right for you.

1. Early 1900s
In Europe, some old world cabinetmakers still existed at this time.
They often did not own their own furniture-making machines,
but rather sent out sawing, planning,
fretting, and other work to trade
machine shops. Customers
commissioned unique pieces
directly from the cabinetmaker.
1900-1910
As department stores thrive and
retail booms, consumer demand for
furniture grows. Mass-production
becomes possible through steam
engine technology.
1914
The first patent for PVC is
registered. This versatile
plastic will eventually be
extensively used in
mass-produced furniture.
1914-1918
During the First World War, most
large stores have their own
workshops where they custom-make
pieces and also produce larger
quantities of furniture to pattern.
1918-1937
Furniture factories are established in
US cities including Grand Rapids,
Michigan and Jamestown, New York.
By using machinery, often
steam-powered, these factories
achieve a significant cost advantage
over traditional craftsmen.
1939-1945
Timber scarcity during World War II spurred improvements in plywood, pushing
furniture factories to build more and more with pressed woods (laminates,
veneers, and plywood). Weaker joints are the outcome, as pressed woods do not
require joints that can expand and contract (as does solid wood).
1950s
The post-war era brings new
furniture-making machines,
adhesives, and materials, pushing
designers toward more decorative
furniture. However, one-of-a-kind
furniture is rare, as factories flourish.
1963
Polypropylene plastic
objects first appear on the
market. Furniture makers
soon learn how to
incorporate this new plastic
into their production lines.
MODERN TIMES
Mass produced furniture is now the norm, with furniture factories including drying, veneering,
and assembly departments connected via conveyor belt. Traditional craftsmanship is now
relegated to period furniture (which demands carving and other detailed hand work) and a few
religious communities such as the Amish.
Today, the vast majority of furniture sold is factory-made.
Why is this a problem?
Let’s explore the drawbacks of mass produced furniture.
POLYBROMINATED DIPHENYL ETHERS (PDBES)
are toxic chemicals in upholstered furniture. After being sprayed into cushions, PDBEs
disintegrate slowly into dust, threatening indoor air quality. PDBEs also leak out into soil,
sewage sludge, and eventually oceans after flame retardant cushions are dumped in landfills.
d e pa rt m e n t s t o r e
The History of
Mass Produced Furniture
in America
Handmade wood furniture is long-lasting enough to last for generations, thanks to strong craftsmanship.
On the other hand, mass produced furniture may only last a couple of years, padding landfill streams
while draining your wallet. Why does handmade furniture last longer? Because it is constructed with
time-tested durability features that simply cannot be constructed by machine. What’s more, factory-made
furniture contains lab-crafted chemicals that leak out over time, threatening your health. Why opt for
individually crafted Amish dining room tables, chairs, and sofas? Because they are healthy for your
family, healthy for our planet, and easy on your budget over the long term.
To understand the unfortunate shift toward cheap, easily broken furniture, let’s review how furniture
making has moved from small shop craftsmanship to mass production factory work.
FURNITURE POLLUTION:
The Toxins and Environmental Threats in Mass Produced Furniture
VOCS: AIRBORNE TOXIC OFF GASSING CHEMICALS
Volatile Organic Compounds in mass produced furniture vaporize at
room temperatures, exposing family members to health risks.
6
The number of major negative health
outcomes linked to PDBEs, including:
Decreased IQ
Thyroid disorders
Memory problems
Reduced fertility
Delayed development
BY A FACTOR OF 100:
How much PDBE levels in
human tissue have
increased in the past
30 years.
of Americans have
PDBEs in their blood,
according to the CDC.97%
Plastic furniture trash clogs
our landfills and oceans.
The amount of plastics that leak
into oceans every year.
8.8 MILLION TONS Plastic furniture is not built
to last. It will eventually
pollute our planet.
of varnishing and cleaning workstations in
furniture factories exceed air quality limit
values. The toxic chemicals inside furniture
off-gas later, exposing furniture users.
21% of all illness is
aggravated or
caused by polluted
indoor air.
50%
BENEFITS OF AMISH FURNITURE
Locally sourced, sustainably
harvested wood is used
for Amish furniture.
1
IT’S ENVIRONMENTALLY
FRIENDLY.
The catalyzed conversion varnish
in our Amish wood furniture
produces minimal VOCs.
2
IT’S HEALTHY FOR
YOUR FAMILY.
The wood that makes up Amish
furniture will biodegrade (unlike the
plastics and other manmade materials
of factory-built furniture).
3
IT’S BIODEGRADABLE.
The Amish do not use coal, nuclear
energy, or natural gas to produce their
furniture. Their simple lifestyle draws
very little energy.
4
IT’S PRODUCED WITH
MINIMAL ENERGY USE.
Amish furniture is sourced, built, and sold
in the same region, meaning less fuel is
required across the production chain.
5
MINIMIZED
TRANSIT COSTS.
It’s an heirloom that your family will
cherish for generations.
6
HEIRLOOM QUALITY
Save money over time, as
you avoiding spending on
replacement furniture.
7
SAVE MONEY.
The art of furniture craftsmanship thrives in
Amish workshops. By choosing Amish
furniture, you are supporting a decades-long
tradition of crafting one of a kind, heirloom
quality furniture.
8
HONOR
CRAFTSMANSHIP.
Want your consumer choices to help the planet? Hoping that your family
will thrive? Looking for long-lasting furniture? If the answer to all three
questions is “yes,” Amish handmade furniture is the clear choice.
Infographic designed by Mad Fish DigitalCopyright © 2016 Gish's Furniture, Inc.
www.gishs.com
ǽ
The History of
Mass Produced Furniture
in America