A History of Pie Safes

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DoublePie SafeAre you looking for that one piece of quality furniture that will transform your kitchen or foyer into a beautiful picture of the past? Then you should look into a gorgeous and beautifully crafted pie safe. But what is a pie safe, and where did they originate? Read on for a history lesson about these impressive pieces of furniture.

Also known as pie chests, pie cupboards and kitchen safes, pie safes are well-crafted pieces of furniture that have been in existence since the 1700s. Between the 1700s and 1800s, pie safes were a standard piece of furniture found in almost all households until ice boxes replaced many of them in later years.

The primary use of pie safes was to store and protect pies, bread, meat and many other perishables so that they could be protected against insects and other vermin and stay fresh. Usually made of wood, these pie safes were about the size of a large bureau with perforated shelves and two hinged doors in front.

It is often believed that pie safes were first brought to our country when the first German people immigrated to Pennsylvania. These Pennsylvania Dutch brought their new way of storing baked goods to the United States, and it was then when the pie chest was born. Upon their introduction, these chests were very much in style and anyone looking to keep their food fresh had one in their home.

Obviously, technology and furnishings have changed throughout the years, and the invention of ice boxes and then refrigerators made these pieces more of a want than a need. Now, in the 21st century, collectors and fans of fine furniture are still thrilled about their well-crafted pie safes.

Add a festive country touch to your kitchen space with an elegant pie safe from Carriage House Furnishings. We offer a variety of different styles, from those with double doors to gorgeous models with copper doors, and all made with the quality craftsmanship that you expect from Carriage House Furnishings.

To order your new pie safe or for more information, give us a call at 717-768-8712 or stop in and see us today in Intercourse, Pennsylvania at the former Lapps Coach Shop.

Blend Modern and Classic with Entertainment Centers

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Nowadays, all entertainment centers seem to look the same. Many are black, have a couple doors on them and maybe a glass door sprinkled in somewhere. These may work well for some, but if you’re looking for something different, you may want to try one of Carriage House Furnishings entertainment centers.

Plasma CabinetThese entertainment centers, or “plasma cabinets” as we refer to them, are the perfect furniture for all of your electronics. They are available in numerous sizes, so if you love your televisions big, chances are we have the perfect plasma cabinet for it. In addition, our cabinets also come in different grains woods and colors, so you can easily to match them with the furniture you currently have in any room of your home.

Our entertainment centers will give your latest, state-of-the-art technology an Old World look that is very uncommon in today’s world. You will have all of this cool new technology like your television or stereo system in this beautiful wood entertainment center that will really make it all look great. Entertainment centers like ours will really make your home feel more warming and welcoming as well, and our plasma centers might be just what you’re looking for to add that homey, old-country feel to your living space.

Another great reason to get one of our plasma centers is because of the craftsmanship involved with creating it. Many modern entertainment centers don’t last very long and fall apart a few short years after they’re purchased. On the other hand, an entertainment center from Carriage House Furnishings is built to last and will hold all of your entertainment toys for many years to come.

In addition to entertainment centers, Carriage House Furnishings offers a wide range of Amish bedroom and dining furniture and so much more. To learn more about any of our products or to order one for your home, call us today at 717-768-8712 or stop in and see us in the former Lapps Coach Shop in Intercourse, Pennsylvania today.

Create a Classic Country Look in Your Kitchen

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Kitchen counter space is at a premium in most homes, especially smaller apartments and condos. Luckily for those counter-deprived chefs, the folks at Carriage House Furnishings are here to help, with a selection of collapsible tables and kitchen cabinets perfect for small spaces.

Kitchen CabinetOne of our best sellers is the Double Trash Cabinet. This gorgeous walnut piece features a black finish with a naturally stained countertop. The two bottom bins lean out to collect your garbage stylishly – one side for trash and one side for recycling – and there are two small drawers for keeping kitchen odds and ends. The countertop on the cabinet measures 13 by 17 by 35 inches, giving you a bunch more chopping and storage space to work with.

If this option is too big for your space, check out our Single Trash Cabinet. Available in a number of finishes, including black and white, this cabinet features one trash bin that leans out and one drawer on top for collecting things. This option is perfect for compact spaces, where you don’t want your trash bin sitting out in the open. This trash cabinet also features a decorative rail that gives you a great surrounded edge that allows you to keep loose items on, like mail, seasonings or even wine.

If your space is so small that you’re only looking for temporary seating or countertop space, our folding tables are perfect for you. We have oak folding tables and pine folding tables, both of which are great for small spaces. These tables are about the size of a TV dinner tray, so they’re great for adding an extra bit of counter space to a small kitchen or to add a convenient surface to eat dinner on while catching up on your favorite shows in the living room.

All of the high-quality furniture pieces at Carriage House Furnishings are handmade from solid woods, built to offer beauty and lasting functionality to your home. For more information on our handmade products and to learn about the other furniture we have to offer, give us a call today at 717-768-8712 or stop in and see us in Intercourse, Pennsylvania, at the former Lapps Coach Shop.

Add Elegance and Class with a Handcrafted Bench

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At Carriage House Furnishings, we pride ourselves on creating the most welcoming and housewarming wood furniture that money can buy. We make well-crafted furniture for every room in the house, so whether you are looking for a toy chest for your child’s playroom or a beautiful dining room table, we have got the perfect item for you.

Upholstered BenchOne of our favorite items to create is our handcrafted benches, which add a level of class to any area of the home, inside and out. We have a large variety of benches, including those with high backs that are perfect for entryways, smaller storage benches for family rooms or bedrooms and  and beautifully upholstered hickory benches that are perfect for adding sitting space on a porch or patio.

When you choose a bench from Carriage House, you are buying an item that will last you a lifetime. That is because we pride ourselves on providing the type of workmanship seldom seen in today’s market. We put heart and soul into our products which result in sturdy, affordable and elegant products that will complement your home.

The beauty of these benches is that they look great anywhere. Put them indoors or outdoors and witness that area immediately begin to glow. Here are a couple of places that are instantly improved with a high-quality bench.

Entryways

These gorgeous and sturdy benches look fantastic in entryways. Not only do they look great, but they create a place to sit to take off your shoes or just take a load off after a tough day at work. Even if you don’t use them for seating, a great entryway bench adds a classy touch to any entrance because of its rustic looks and instant charm.

Gardens

These benches look great in gardens as well. Find a color that blends with the shades of your garden growth and you’ll see a whole new level of beauty added to the area. Plus these benches create an excellent space just to sit and gaze at your flowers, fresh vegetables and other splendid foliage.

Don’t worry about wear and tear, because due to the sturdy craftsmanship, these models can easily withstand the elements, even if kept outdoors. That’s just what you get with Carriage House Furnishings – high-quality, handcrafted products that will keep you satisfied for years to come.

To learn more or to purchase a new handcrafted wooden bench for your home, give us a call at 717-768-8712 or stop in and see us in the former Lapps Coach Shop in Intercourse today.

Looking to Freshen Up Your Home’s Look? Check Out Our Charms and Accents

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After a dreary, gray winter, spring inspires us to add color back into our world. With the flowers blooming, sun shining in blue skies and growing green grass, the joyful outdoor scene sparks creativity in our home décor. Spring is the perfect time for change, so why not add spring-like rustic charms and accents to freshen up your house?

The first room in your home to receive a reboot should be the most popular one. For many of us, this is the kitchen – the gathering place in the home. A simple way to add both color and texture to the kitchen is with a decorative, spring-themed plate. Place the plate on a stand on the counter top or above your cabinets if there is space. The best part about such a simple fixture is that it can be changed from season to season, allowing you to keep your décor in line with the calendar.

Cambridge Dining TableIf you are looking to make a bigger change to the space, consider spicing up the kitchen with a new table set. A light-colored set like the Cambridge dining table set from Carriage House Furnishings will immediately brighten the room and make it feel refreshed. You can also change out your lighting by replacing your traditional light fixture with a rustic conversation piece like a wooden wheel-shaped overhead light to add a new kitschy look to your kitchen.

The living room is another space that often needs decorative attention from time to time. Add a new cabinet can provide your room with extra space to display crafts, your child’s artwork, picture frames or your various accent pieces. You can even place this cabinet between the kitchen, living room or dining room with a display of upscale plates that offers a classy and elegant look and an easy transition between rooms in an open floor plan.

Need even more space for all your accents and charms? Include an entertainment center flanked with bookshelves in your living room featuring a rustic lantern or wooden block letters in various colors spelling out words and phrases like “Family” and “Home Sweet Home.” Or, add spring and summer crafts and florals like decorative white picket fences, birdhouses and colorful vases to the shelf to create a springtime scene to mimic the rejuvenated world outside.

Don’t neglect other high-traffic zones in your home like a wide hallway or the man cave. A classic wooden bench or a wall hanging with a catchy saying brings life to a boring hallway. Plus, there are great ways to surprise your husband with an accent in his man cave that he will love too. Nothing says “rustic” like a bourbon barrel table!

Let your ideas go rampant or come visit Carriage House Furnishings with an open mind and see what catches your eye. Either way, our friendly staff is ready to help you freshen up your home for the new season. Have décor questions? Call Carriage House Furnishings at 717-768-8712 or stop in and see us today at the former Lapps Coach Shop in Intercourse, Pennsylvania.

Play Outside With Scooters and Wagons

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Wagons With the temperatures becoming more mild, that means spring is on the way, creating great opportunities to get outside and enjoy the weather. However, with the video games becoming more and more the common way for children to spend the time at home, many kids don’t feel the need to go outside and play as they used to. This spring, give them a reason to head outdoors and play with one of the wagons or scooters available from Carriage House Furnishings!

Scooters are a great way for little ones to ride around the driveway and get some exercise. We have small, medium and large scooters available for riders of any age. They also come equipped with baskets, perfect for carrying items if they are heading over to a friend’s house or if you need them to head next door to pick up something from a neighbor. The scooters also are so easy to ride that kids can just pick them up and go for a ride without hardly any learning curve.

Our wagons, on the other hand, can be used for numerous fun reasons as well. One of them being if your kids have friends over, they can use it to pull toys from one area of the yard to the other. That way their fun won’t get stalled by them having to make multiple trips across the yard.

The wagons can also be used if you’re looking to get out and enjoy the weather with them. You can load up the kids into it and pull them around the neighborhood for a nice little ride – great exercise for you, too! If you have multiple kids, you could also have one who is older get out and pull the younger kids to add a little more fun to the trip.

Carriage House Furnishings offers Amish-made bedroom, dining room and children’s furniture and so many more great hand-crafted wooden products. If you would like more information on our available products, feel free to call us today at 717-768-8712 or stop in and see us at the former Lapps Coach Shop in Intercourse!

Celebrate Reading All Month Long

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Celebrate Reading All Month LongCalling all lovers of reading! March is National Reading Month, which means it’s time to dive back into stories you’ve loved and try a few new tales out, too.

Reading can transport us to different worlds and teach us about people who are interesting and different than us – people we may not have the chance to meet in our everyday, off-the-page lives. When you pick up a great book, you never know what’s waiting for you inside.

To celebrate National Reading Month this March, we at Carriage House Furnishings suggest giving your bookshelves a makeover.

A true lover of books and reading understands that it can be hard to let go of books you read that you loved, so why not shelve and save them on beautifully crafted book cases? Whether you have a dedicated spot in your home for your books or you need to create a space from scratch, we have what you’re looking for. Here are some of our favorite bookshelves.

For an elegant and clutter-free look, check out our large bookcase with full doors. Perfect for the living or dining area, this bookcase can also serve as extra storage for other items, too. Stack your books any way you choose in this case as the doors will hide the mess!

If you want something with a more informal feel, check out our large bookcase with doors, available in a light walnut finish, and a black finish (see also our medium bookcase with doors for smaller spaces). Perfect for any space in your home, these bookcases give you plenty of shelving to show off your books plus cabinets underneath for even more storage space.

We also love our bookcases with glass, available in small or medium configurations. These elegant bookcases have glass doors, and can fit into any space in your home.

If you’re looking for a simple, classic shelf, check out our open bookcases, available in small, medium, large and extra large. Choose the size depending on the space you have to work with in your home – and the number of books you have to shelve!

Stop in and check out all of these great bookshelves for yourself at our store in Intercourse, Pennsylvania, located in the former Lapps Coach Shop, or call us at 717-768-8712 today to learn more.

Get Ready for Warm Weather

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Spring is fast approaching, and with it comes the warm weather! We can finally remove our snowbrushes, pack away our mittens and empty our fireplaces in preparation for the nicer days ahead. It’s the perfect time to invite friends over for some sunny outdoor relaxation, but don’t be caught without these five great outdoor furniture items to make your summer outdoor entertaining complete.

Hickory Oak Swing Hickory Oak Swing – Many outdoor lovers would agree that summer is not complete without a beautiful summer breeze. That’s why the first item on our list for this summer is the Hickory Oak Swing. With your choice of 4 or 5 feet widths, you can pile your friends together or hang solo while swinging in that beautiful summer breeze!

Hickory Saddle Barstools – Something about summer brings out the entertainment side in all of us. Some of the best moments are spent simply enjoying a refreshing drink and conversation with friends in the warm summer sun. That’s why these Amish-made Hickory Saddle Barstools are a must for this summer! Not only does the craftsmanship of these stools perfectly fit the summer mood, they also are the perfect fit for under an outdoor bar to keep the fun going all night! Beyond the seating, here are some tips and tricks to setting up for party entertainment.

Jack Daniels Barrel – This brings us to our next must-have for the summer. While relaxing with drinks is a cherished summertime tradition, you can truly impress your friends with your very own handcrafted Jack Daniels Barrel from Carriage House Furnishings. Its handcrafted wooden appearance is sure to be a talking point among your friends – even if it is in jealousy!

Hickory Child’s Table and Chair Set – While the adults are having some summer outdoor fun, we can’t forget about the kids! Don’t worry – we have just the summer entertainment piece in mind. While the adults are gathering around, the kids can enjoy the summer warmth, too, around the Hickory Childs Table and Chair Set. With enough space for a picnic or tea party or just a great space for arts and crafts projects, this outdoor wooden furniture is just the thing to encourage them to play outside more all summer long!

Poly Curved Back Swivel Glider – The last summer must-have to complete your outdoor entertainment is the Poly Curved Back Swivel Glider. If the refreshing drinks and child entertainment don’t have your friends running back to your place this summer, this Amish-made glider will! Made from premium recycled plastic and stainless steel hardware, this chair will last you years without any problems. The swivel gliding and reclining features will put you and your friends into ultimate relaxation mode while you lounge outside and bask in the warmth and sun of the summer months. After all, we only get a few of them to enjoy!

Now that you have the essentials for summer outdoor entertainment, all you need are your friends and family to make this summer complete. For more information on any of our products or to purchase these beautiful outdoor wooden pieces for your home, call Carriage House Furnishings at 717-768-8712 or stop in and see us at the former Lapps Coach Shop today.

Spring Birds and Birdhouses

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As winter fades into spring, many bird watchers are getting excited for the warmer weather and the beautiful birds it brings. Whether you are an avid bird watcher or just love the fluttering and singing of birds in your backyard, you can benefit from a delightful birdhouse to attract lovely songbirds.

birdfeeder1Carriage House Furnishings designs sturdy and attractive birdhouses that will add charm to your garden, patio, lawn or backyard like the Amish-made hi roof martin house with copper roof – sure to entice a variety of birds all year long. Although bird watching will be different depending on where you live, there are many species known to live in birdhouses. According to The Seattle Times, western bluebirds, wrens, titmice, woodpeckers and tree swallows should flock to your birdhouse as long as it is put in the right location. Visit Bird Houses 101 for great advice on where to hang your birdhouse.

In addition to a beautiful birdhouse, you should also have a feeder to welcome birds into your yard. Carriage House Furnishings offers a great large bird feeder with a copper roof to coordinate with your birdhouse.

Spring is the perfect time for you to ready your lawn for flying visitors. According to Bird Watchers Digest, some of the species you might see as spring approaches are house and purple finches, white-breasted nuthatches and song sparrows. Be ready for an assortment of birds with a beloved birdhouse and bird feeder made by true craftsmen.

Constructed with solid wood and designed for beauty, the birdhouses and bird feeders at Carriage House Furnishings are functional and enchanting. Instead of purchasing a flimsy birdhouse and feeder that will last you one spring, invest in a set of outdoor furnishings that will continue to bring joy to your home season after season. Call Carriage House Furnishings at 717-768-8712 with questions about our products or stop in and see us at the former Lapps Coach Shop today.

Warm Up Around a New Dining Set this Winter

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Warm Up Around a New Dining Set this WinterWherever food is served and family and friends gather for a memorable time, therein lies the heart of a house. From Sunday dinners to weekday breakfast, the dining table has always been a place where loved ones get together for a delicious meal and intimate chat sessions. For this reason, the family dining room set often becomes an heirloom passed from one generation to the next.

Since dining sets are frequently cherished and stay with a family for many years, purchasing a high quality set made of a durable and reliable construction is key. Think about dining room furniture as a gift to the entire family; choosing furniture that will stand the test of time then becomes one of the most important attributes to consider while shopping for a new dining set. Our hardwood dining tables and chairs are built to last from high-quality hardwoods that are sure to remain in your family for decades. Our custom-made dining sets and kitchen furniture are made with detailed craftsmanship, as well, which means our furniture is built not only to last, but to be an attractive and appealing central feature of your home.

The winter season is a great time to enjoy new dining room furniture. We tend to come together around the table to enjoy a warm meal as a family more often when it’s cold outside than we do in the spring and summer months. The natural winter hibernation is a wonderful backdrop for a serving of hearty stew and homemade dinner rolls, and what better place to enjoy a savory dinner than around a brand new dining table.

One of the most popular styles of dining tables are the ones that include leaves that allow the table to be extended so that you can accommodate extra guests. These tables can be just right for a smaller family or for a more romantic dinner occasion such as Valentine’s Day, while leaving the option open to extend the table for extended family, gatherings of friends or any other large occasion or holiday like Easter. Dining tables with leaves are also useful for meetings, classes and devotions held in the home, allowing your dining room to be used as a place for sharing more than just family meals.

Treat your home and your family to a beautiful and durable new dining set this winter. Take a look at the full selection of dining sets available from Carriage House Furnishings online now or stop in and see these beautiful tables, chairs and hutches today at our showroom in Ronks, Pennsylvania.

Store Your Jewelry With a Handmade Chest

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Now that the holiday season is over, you’ve likely given and received at least a handful of gifts, several of which were new pieces of jewelry, if you’re lucky. Whether you were given new jewelry or you decided to treat yourself, you likely have one problem: just where are you going to keep your new collection? Even a few new pieces of jewelry can crowd an already cramped drawer or cabinet, so it may be time for an upgrade. Fortunately, there are several great options to choose from when it comes to jewelry storage chests at Carriage House Furnishings.

Jewelry ArmoireFor example, take the Cherry Shaker Jewelry Armoire. Not only does this armoire have plenty of space to store your jewelry, but it will look beautiful in just about any room. This armoire can easily fit in your bedroom or elsewhere throughout your home without taking up a lot of space. With several drawers – both large and small – to store jewelry in, this armoire is the ideal solution to your storage needs.

If you’re looking for something a little smaller, the Oak Jewelry Chest with Roses is a great choice. This small chest is made from high-quality oak, ensuring it will stand the test of time. The chests and drawers you store your jewelry in should be just as beautiful as the pieces themselves, and this chest certainly meets that criteria.

There are many other options to choose from if you’re looking for a suitable storage unit for all of your new jewelry. Take a look at our full inventory online, or give us a call today at 717-768-8712 to find out more. Of course, you can also stop in and see us at the former Lapps Coach shop in Ronks and pick out in person the right choice for your storage needs.

Declutter Your Child’s Playroom With a Rustic Storage Chest

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Declutter Your Child’s Playroom with a Rustic Storage ChestDoes your child have a little space to themselves where they can let their imaginations run wild? Chances are, this space is somewhat less organized than the rest of your home. A cluttered play space typically doesn’t bother children, but after a while it can become more than a little vexing for parents. What we need is a plan!

A Storage Chest is Your All-in-One Organization Solution

The great thing about having a storage chest in your playroom is that it’s easy to get your child in the habit of using it when they’re done with their toys. Children might be disinclined to use the detailed, divided organizational tools that their parents prefer, but a storage chest is an easy way to keep everything in one place when it’s not in use.

Once you get your child into the routine, putting toys away in a in the chest will become a natural part of playtime. Best of all, once it’s time to play again, that storage chest will become a treasure chest of fun activities.

Here at Carriage House Furnishings, we offer storage chests in a number of different sizes, made from some of the finest woods available here in central Pennsylvania. Some of these, such as our large cedar storage chests, can even double as a comfortable window seat.  We also offer a doll chest with a bed for your child’s favorite companion. If you really want to capture that “treasure chest” feel, check out our classic steamer trunk!

Want to learn more about all the chests available at Carriage House Furnishings? Stop in today, or give us a call for more information.