Amish Furniture Definitions and Glossary
Amish Furniture Quick Q&A
You may find confusing or strange terms in our product descriptions, pages, or blog posts. This quick Q&A glossary and list of Amish Furniture definitions explains common Amish furniture terms so you can choose your perfect handcrafted piece with confidence. Learn what each means and why it matters when choosing your handcrafted Amish furniture piece.
Q: What makes Amish furniture unique?
A: Each piece reflects time-honored craftsmanship and natural materials. Built from solid hardwoods—like oak, cherry, and maple—Amish furniture features joinery techniques such as mortise and tenon, dovetail drawers, and hand-rubbed finishes. Consequently, these elements create heirloom-quality pieces that last for generations.
Q: What is the definition of true Amish furniture?
A: The Amish are a Christian community known for their deep faith, integrity, simple way of life, and strong family and community bonds. Amish furniture reflects these same values. Each piece is handcrafted—primarily by Amish men—using traditional woodworking methods passed down from fathers, grandfathers, and great grandfathers, combined with select modern tools that enhance precision without compromising craftsmanship. Every item is made from solid hardwood, never particle board. With expert joinery such as dovetail drawers and mortise-and-tenon joints, Amish furniture is built for everyday family living and crafted to be cherished for generations.
Q: What does “mullion” mean in furniture terms?
A: Mullions are the slender wood strips that divide the panes of a glass door or window in a cabinet. Of course, mullions add both structure and style.
Q: What is “shiplap”?
A: Shiplap boards have tongue-and-groove edges and lock together. These make strong backs for hutches or cabinets. Also, shiplap cabinet backs or wall accents create a decorative panel.
Q: What is a “table leaf”?
A: A table leaf is an extra piece of wood that lengthens the table top by expanding from the center of the table using smooth equalizer slides. Some tables store the leaf inside when not in use. Generally, table leaves are twelve inches wide but can be any size.
Q: What does “table skirt” refer to?
A: A table skirt is a wood trim underneath the table top. It hides the table underside, provides structure, and may come with the table leaves. The table skirt comes on most Amish tables but not always.
Q: What are “knife hinges”?
A: Knife hinges look like two blades of a knife. They are slim, hidden and allow a door to open smoothly and fully.
Q: What is “mortise and tenon construction”?
A: It’s a strong joinery method: a tenon (tongue) fits into a mortise (hole). This adds durability to handcrafted furniture. The tenon is typically cut at the end of a rail and then projects into a mortise (hole) of another piece of wood. The tenon may go all the way through the joining piece of wood.
Q: What are “corbels”?
A: Corbels are wood brackets that support a table top when it extends beyond the legs.
Q: What are “dovetails”?
A: Dovetail joints or “dovetails” interlock like puzzle pieces at drawer corners. As a result, dovetail joints prevent pulling apart drawer boxes and show skilled craftsmanship.
Q: What does “cheval” mean?
A: A cheval mirror is a full-length mirror that tilts and is mounted on a frame that stands on four feet.
Q: What is “quarter-sawn oak”?
A: Sawyers cut Quarter-sawn oak at a 90° angle to the growth rings. It gives a uniform grain and resists humidity changes better than plain sawn. Quarter sawn oak wood shows straight, shimmering grain and resists warping.
Q: What is “plain sawn” oak?
A: Plain sawn oak is the most common cut showing “cathedral” grain patterns and visually warm. Accordingly, plain sawn oak is more cost effective and also called “regular oak”.
Q: What is mission style furniture?
A: Mission furniture emphasizes clean, straight lines, exposed joinery, and the natural beauty of solid wood grain. It’s simple, sturdy, and timeless in design. Many clients often request Mission Furniture pieces in a rich, dark reddish-brown stain on quarter-sawn oak. Of course, our craftsmen create this look with care and precision. However, we also craft the mission style using many other wood species and stain colors as requested by our clients.
Q: What is Shaker style furniture?
A: Shaker furniture is functional with clean lines, gentle curves and fine craftsmanship.
Q: What are “grommets”?
A: Grommets are metal rings or covers that protect the hole used for wires in a desk or cabinet.
Q: What does “handcrafted” mean?
A: Skilled Amish craftsmen handcraft each piece with traditional tools, relevant technology, and proven techniques instead of producing it on an assembly line.
Q: What should I know about foam terms like “IFD” and “density”?
A: IFD (Indentation Force Deflection) measures the firmness of polyurethane foam cushions. Density tells you how much weight the foam handles per cubic foot. Together they help select the right comfort and strength—but neither alone guarantees durability.
Q: What is conversion varnish?
A: We finish our Amish furniture and cabinetry with premium conversion varnish for exceptional moisture resistance and durability. Its clear, silky-smooth surface enhances the natural beauty and craftsmanship of each fine piece we offer our clients.
Q: What are beadboard ends?
A: Beadboard ends are wood pieces along the ends of table tops that stabilize the boards and reducing warping.
Q: What is a Trestle Table?
A: A trestle table has two or three sturdy support bases connecting the table base and top using a crossbeam. Trestle tables provide open leg space, timeless beauty, and strong support for the table.
Q: What is a Pedestal Table Base?
A: A pedestal base supports a round or oval table with a central column instead of four legs. A pedestal table features a single central column (i.e. pedestal base) instead of four legs, supporting round or oval tabletops. Additionally, this table design provides more legroom and comfortable seating for everyone at the table.
Q: What is a hutch?
A: A hutch is a cabinet with a base and upper display section typically used to display fine dishes or collectibles.
Q: What is live edge furniture?
A: Live edge furniture showcases the natural edge of the wood slab, highlighting its original organic lines and raw beauty—most often featured on the tabletop or surface of the piece.
Q: What is rustic furniture?
A: Rustic furniture highlights natural textures, saw marks, and wood knots.
Learn More about Amish Furniture Craftsmanship
Contact us for more information about Amish Furniture definitions and general product information. Explore authentic, handcrafted Amish collections built by Amish woodworkers and available in our Shipshewana Furniture store in Northern Indiana’s LaGrange County:
