Snyder's Furniture

How the Amish Commemorate Easter

2016-03-22T11:24:00.001-07:00

The Easter weekend in the Amish community begins on Good Friday, the day that symbolizes Christ's crucifixion, with fasting till noon. They choose to fast because it reflects on the sacred day.This season is often commemorated with a communion service on Sunday, which carries immense spiritual significance as they reflect on Jesus Christ and His life.

Saturday through Monday is spent visiting, socializing with family and friends, and enjoying delicious meals. One of the most common foods served at the dinner table is eggs, because they mean rebirth.

Easter Sunday is when the largest gatherings are held. Sometimes the children go around and sing to the elderly members in their community as well. The Monday after Easter Sunday is treated like an "Off-Sunday" or what the Amish also call "Visiting Sunday." There are no church services held, but families will only do the necessary livestock chores and then spend the rest of the day visiting with family and friends. On Tuesday, they return to their normal weekly routine and jobs.

In Our Community - The Gordonville Mud Sale

2016-03-15T13:19:00.002-07:00

To the right, to the left, for as far as the eye could see, there was people. And from every corner, you were greeted with the sounds of auctioneers selling goods, children playing, horses neighing, sirens; these were only a few of the sounds you heard. Andrea, one of sales associates, has attended numerous benefit auctions in the past, but none compared to the mud sale.

No parking was available near the sale, so most people parked off-site and were shuttled on into the auction in school buses. As you walked towards the fire department, you met little Amish boys with their express wagons. These little boys were pulling sold items to vehicles for the auction goers. The variety of items found on the auction blocks was endless - antiques, reclaimed barn-wood items, farm equipment, sheds, quilts, household goods.

Many smells also greeted your nose - BBQ chicken, frying hamburgers, coffee, hot cider, french fries, soft pretzels. Auction goers could be found with coffee in one hand and french fries in another. There was also homemade donuts and hot cider to warm you up on the cool spring morning.

Many little stands were set up, selling local Amish delicacies. Apple cider, canned goods such as chow-chow, pickles, jellies and jams, cheeses, smoked meats, homemade brooms.

Most importantly the proceeds from this auction are to benefit the Gordonville Fire department, a fire department that is 100% volunteer. Many of the volunteers at Gordonville are from the Amish community. This sale is an example of how a community can work together to support one another.

After spending an hour at the auction and having acquired some auction goodies, it was time to head back to the bus pickup location. Due to the amount of people arriving for the auction, the wait time for the bus was longer. While waiting, one could take in the auction as people came and went.

We highly recommend experiencing the Lancaster County culture that is found at a mud sale. It is wonderful to see how the community pulls together for the good of one another. The upcoming mud sales can be found here.

Local Handcrafted Amish Furniture on a Budget

2016-03-07T12:32:00.002-08:00

It doesn't take a large budget to afford local handcrafted furniture. We source all our furniture from local woodworkers in Pennsylvania. Not only does this support our local community, it saves both money and the environment by reducing shipping. The solid hardwood is long lasting and sustain-ably harvested from northeastern forests

Here are 2 stylish sets that will beautify your home without breaking your wallet

This Tuscany set combines Onyx Maple and stained Elm tops for striking look while only costing $2599. A modern look with long last hardwood and quality construction. Plus customize colors for no extra charge!

The Vintage set from Eden Craft is new style with simple shaker lines. Give this set a contemporary look with gray or brown stains. The 5 pc set shown starts at $3699 on sale.

These are just two of the affordable quality sets we offer. Our furniture is guaranteed for life!
Contact us below to get started on your own home!

A Lancaster County Spring Tradition!

2016-02-25T09:07:00.002-08:00

Photo courtesy of RealLancasterCounty.com

As the winter frost melts and spring approaches, Lancaster County holds one of its annual traditions, Mud Sales. Local fire companies hold these events as fundraisers. Named after the ever present late winter mud, its a chance for the community to gather and socialize. Great local food, furniture, crafts, and all sorts of donated items are available for sale and auctioned off. A mud sale is a great chance to go beyond the tourist spots and immerse yourself in Lancaster County culture! Click below to see a list of upcoming mud sales!

Upcoming Mud Sales

Where to eat in Intercourse, PA (or while your visiting Snyder's)

2015-10-19T12:39:00.001-07:00

Lunch at the Kling House

We get asked several times a day "where is a good place to eat around here?' Lancaster is known for is smorgasbords, large buffets with ample servings of PA Dutch foods. In the small town of Intercourse though, there are no smorgasbords, though several good ones are only a few miles away, we will cover them in a later post. Here are our recommendations for eating a good meal in our hometown.

Kling House
This restaurant is located in the Kitchen Kettle Village, a collection of over 40 small shops and a must visit. The restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch and features a variety of local staples like scrapple and meat loaf. Several of the Snyder family had lunch there recently and were exceptionally pleased.

Olde Mill Restaurant
The only option in town for dinner, the Olde Mill Restaurant is in the recently renovated Intercourse Inn & Suites. It draws a heavily local crowd on week nights and features a solid menu of local delicacies like pork & sauerkraut. We often order carryout from here, and sometimes have company dinners here.

Stoltzfus Meats/Amos' Place Restaurant
This is our favorite spot for a quick breakfast or lunch. Everything is made to order. Amos's Place Restaurant is located in Stoltzfus Meats & Deli. Our favorites include eggs & scrapple for breakfast, a spicy kickin chicken wrap, or broasted chicken for lunch. Also try to hand cut fries or a PA Dutch version of the Philly cheesesteak. It can get very busy during lunch time on Saturdays but they do offer the option to call ahead and order.

We'll look at some of the restaurants outside of town in a few weeks. Let us know what your favorites are!

3 Creative Ways to Utilize Your Shaker Chest

2013-07-10T11:56:00.000-07:00

Shaker chests hold an honored place in any set of Shaker furniture. Lancaster, PA families have long used Shaker chests to store blankets and linens, and many chests saw use throughout the years as Hope chests for young brides.

Today linens are more likely to be stored in the hall closet, and the Hope chest has for the most part fallen into disuse. Even so, people still enjoy the clean, functional lines of Shaker furniture, and Lancaster PA families often find new, imaginative uses for their beloved Shaker chests.

The Chest as a Coffee Table

A Shaker chest makes an interesting coffee table, and its simple shape lends itself to many different décors. Quite at home with other Shaker furniture, Lancaster PA residents also find the chests’ polished wood finish adds a classical touch to modern living room sets.

Entertainment Units

Shaker chests easily support a television for a simple, classy entertainment unit. Place the chest between two deep bookcases to frame the television and provide a place for DVD players and gaming consoles. If the chest has drawers, you can store DVDs and games inside.

A shaker chest also looks great directly underneath a wall-mounted television, filling the empty space beneath the television with an elegant piece of furniture with simple shape doesn’t distract from TV watching.

Chests as Seating Areas

Growing up with Shaker furniture, Lancaster PA kids were often scolded for sitting on the good furniture (I’m not sure where we were supposed to sit, now that I think of it). A shaker chest is strong enough to act as impromptu seating. Just add a cushion and use it wherever you need to combine seating and storage.

Shaker Furniture in Lancaster, PA

Whether you want a chest, bed or complete set of Shaker furniture, our Lancaster, PA showroom has plenty for you to choose from. Drop by today or check out our online catalog for the finest in handmade furniture.

Why Buy From an Amish Furniture Outlet?

2013-07-02T12:39:00.000-07:00

At our Amish furniture outlet, we’re sometimes asked what makes Amish furniture so special. After all, today’s consumer has access to an international range of furniture styles and designs. Many of those choices cost less than handcrafted Amish furniture. What is it, exactly, that makes Amish craftsmanship unique?

We gave the matter some thought and finally decided on the five main reasons why we feel Amish furniture stands out from other choices.

Timeless Beauty

Furniture, like clothing, follows trends with certain designs going in and out of style. Not all of these trends survive the test of time. (Think of the furniture from the 1970s and 1980s and how dated it looks today). While there’s nothing wrong with being trendy, adhering to the latest furniture fads often forces people to redecorate when fashions change. Today’s cutting-edge fashion is tomorrow’s chintz.

Walk into an Amish furniture outlet, however, and you’re struck by the timeless beauty of the furniture. Hardwoods and classic lines never go out of fashion, and they will look as good in 50 years as they do today.

Reliable Craftsmanship

Mass-produced furniture is made with quantity, not quality, in mind. Much of today’s retail furniture includes particleboard and thin veneers held together with glue, staples and screws. Because of this, the lifespan of many pieces of furniture is limited.

Not so with Amish furniture. Handcrafted from hardwoods using traditional joints and wood-working techniques, pieces from our Amish furniture outlet will last for decades, if not centuries. You can see the pride and skill of the craftsman in each piece’s strength and durability.

Heirloom Pieces

Combine classic beauty with longevity, and you get furniture that families can pass down from generation to generation. While people usually think of jewelry, books, watches and pieces of art as heirlooms, the well-made piece of furniture you buy today could still be in your family when your grand kids are grandparents.

Savings Through an Amish Furniture Outlet

People sometimes object to the prices at an Amish furniture outlet when compared to cheap alternatives. It’s true you’ll pay more for a solid wood, handmade piece of custom furniture than for a mass-produced item made from cheap materials. In the long run, however, Amish furniture can actually save you money.

Think of it this way: You may have to replace cheaper furniture several times over. In contrast, once you buy a piece of Amish furniture you should never need to buy a replacement. In short, buying from an Amish furniture outlet is a sound financial move.

Supporting a Traditional Way of Life

Finally, buying from an Amish furniture outlet helps support a durable, simple way of life. Despite the allure of modern convenience and technology, the Amish continue to thrive. At Snyder's Furniture, we think that’s well worth supporting.

How to Choose the Perfect Bedroom Set

2013-05-02T14:09:00.003-07:00

Your bedroom should be a place of relaxation — somewhere you can put aside the stress of daily life and get a restful night’s sleep. Choosing the perfect bedroom suite greatly improves the room’s relaxing qualities. As your Lancaster bedroom furniture specialists, let us guide you through the process of selecting the perfect bedroom suite.

Measure First

Before you even start looking at bedroom sets, take the time to measure your room’s dimensions. Trying to accommodate large furniture in a small room leaves your bedroom looking cramped and “busy.” Besides, it’s heartbreaking to fall in love with king-sized Amish bedroom suites only to discover your bedroom will fit just a queen-sized bed.

Research and Dream

The next step is the fun part. Tour local furniture stores looking for bedroom sets you like. Browse online decorating sites and Pinterest for ideas. If you’re having trouble remembering where you saw those oak canopy beds or Amish bedroom suites, take photos and make your own Pinterest page or just store the pictures in a folder.

While you’re looking, ask yourself what you want out of a bedroom suite. Do you want something with crisp, clean lines or a suite with a more ornate design? Do you want matching bookshelves and wall mirrors?

As the largest piece of furniture in any bedroom, the bed is, of course, the first thing most people look at when they view bedroom suites. Often changing the style of bed changes the feel of an entire bedroom suite. At Snyder’s Furniture, we offer a range of Amish bedroom suites with sleigh, canopy and four-poster beds.

Don’t neglect the other pieces of a bedroom set, however. Nightstands, dressers, vanities and armoires all influence the overall look of the suite. You may want to include bookcases in your bedroom set or buy a matching desk to turn a corner of the bedroom into a home office. Ultimately, the right choice is the one that works for you.

Amish Bedroom Suites

Our Lancaster bedroom furniture showroom focuses on Amish bedroom suites. Handcrafted and hand-varnished, hardwood Amish furniture has a warmth and timeless nature that lends itself to bedroom furnishings. Amish bedroom suites are also durable heirloom sets capable of lasting for generations. If you want to maximize your bedroom’s beauty and comfort, we offer Amish bedroom suites for every need.

Signs Your “Amish Made” Furniture Isn’t Authentic

2013-04-25T10:17:00.003-07:00

Simply calling a piece of furniture “Amish” doesn’t make it so. Before buying any piece of Amish furniture, Lancaster, PA pros at Snyder Furniture recommend looking the piece over carefully. Genuine Amish furniture has several features that make it stand out from cheap knock-offs.

No Screws, No Nails

Check a genuine piece of Amish custom furniture for screws, nails, plastic fasteners or staples and all you’ll find is well-crafted wood joints. A true Amish craftsman joins wood with either wooden pegs or mortise and tenon joints. A mortise and tenon joint connects at a 90 degree angle, with a square or rectangular projection (the tenon) fitted into a hole (the mortise) cut to the tenon’s exact specifications. It’s an old woodworker’s joint that has existed for thousands of years.

Cheap knock-offs and mass-produced furniture rarely use mortise and tenon joints. Instead, they rely on glue, staples, nails and screws — none of which you’ll find on true Amish custom furniture.

Wood Selections

The Amish work with a variety of wood types. While oak and cherry are common choices, woodworkers also use cedar, maple, hickory and walnut.

The Amish do not use veneers, particleboard or laminates in any form. Any piece of furniture containing such shortcuts is not of Amish origin. The Amish church rules, called Ordnung, coupled with the community’s commitment to simple living prohibit the use of such mass-produced materials.

In addition, when an Amish woodcrafter creates a piece of furniture, he builds it to last for generations, and the idea of using cheap materials such as particleboard would be an insult to his craftsmanship.

Made in China

Okay, this may sound obvious, but check any custom furniture for ink stamps indicating the product was made in China or other countries. Some unscrupulous dealers try to sell imported, mass-produced furniture as Amish, when in reality the pieces don’t even count as custom furniture.

If you have the opportunity, check similar furniture the dealer offers for sale. Mass-produced furniture will look identical. Handmade Amish custom furniture will have minor differences in appearance due wood grains, hand sanding and varnishing.

Check the Drawers

Pay special attention to any drawers in your piece of furniture, because most fakes give themselves away in the drawers. Mass-produced furniture drawers are typically made from weak particleboard with stapled back pieces. Additionally, many mass-produced pieces use metal slides to open and close the drawer — something you’ll never find in true Amish custom furniture.

The dovetail joint is a popular choice for genuine Amish drawers, although different craftsmen favor different joints. Dovetail joints look like interlaced trapezoids, and they provide the finished drawer with significant strength.

Finally, many Amish woodcrafters craft each drawer for its specific opening. This means even when two drawers appear the same size, they only fit properly in their correct location. This isn’t a hard-and-fast rule, but it can provide clues about the origins of custom furniture.

A Bookcase Headboard: Getting Creative with your Space

2013-03-08T12:51:00.002-08:00

Do you need a bookcase headboard? If you're short on space, looking for something new or simply want to blend art with purpose, the answer is yes.

A bookcase headboard provides a unique place for you to store books, display photos or keep your most-used items. Check out all the ways an Amish bookcase headboard can be used in your home.

The Amish Bookcase Headboard as a Space Saver

If you're a bibliophile, you're always picking up new books. Don't miss out on the huge expanse of bare wall that's right above your head.

Books are more than an escape and a passion. They are also stunning pieces of art in their own right. Your first-editions, signed copies and childhood favorites hold a special place in your heart. Choose the most beautiful or most prized books from your bookshelf and transfer them your new Amish Bookcase headboard.

Custom Bookcase Headboards as a Piece of Art

Visualize the various ways you can assemble your headboard when you're shopping for the finest custom Amish furniture Pennsylvania has to offer. Consider arranging the books in your headboard by color to create a beautiful display that fits into your design scheme. Or, instead of showcasing books, you could use your headboard to showcase your beautiful knick-knacks and add your own personal style to your bedroom.

Whatever you choose to display, remember to leave some open space. This will give you the feeling of a larger room.

Lancaster Bedroom Furniture as a Utilitarian Piece

Most headboards don't really serve a purpose; they just take up wall space. Unless you live in a sprawling mansion, space for most people is limited. Bedside tables don't provide much room in those single drawers, so look (literally) above and beyond.

A bookcase headboard gives you plenty of space for bed-centric items like tissues, smartphones and alarm clocks. Use decorative baskets to keep your belongings neatly hidden from plain view.

Perfect Answer to Kids' Rooms

An Amish bookcase headboard is also a great option for kids' rooms where there's no such thing as too much storage. Stuffed animals, those oversized picture books and even extra blankets can be easily grabbed from this perch.

Kids can also reach items when they're stored on a headboard, which can promote self-sufficiency. It's also the ideal transitional piece for Junior's first "real" bed when parents still need to keep lotions and bedtime stories within easy reach.

A Bookcase Headboard from Snyder's: A Long-lasting Piece

The great thing about bookcase headboards — and Amish Furniture from Pennsylvania in general — is they are classic pieces that will look beautiful for years to come. Plus, our Amish furniture is high-quality, solid wood that can easily be stained, painted or finished to match new bedroom decor.

If you get tired of what's sitting on the shelves, simply switch it up. Unlike some of those other trendy headboards, this is an affordable investment that will never go out of style.

Things to Consider When Buying an Amish TV Console

2012-11-26T06:39:00.001-08:00

While most people spend considerable time — and money — selecting a new TV, many don't make the same effort when it comes to the TV console. A new TV, with all the bells and whistles, looks even more impressive when it's housed in a beautiful Amish TV console.

When shopping for a TV console from Snyder's, the leader of Amish furniture stores in Lancaster, PA, consider the following:

Size

How big is your TV? How big is your room? How much room do you have for a TV console?

Ideally, your TV console should be large enough to support your TV and all your entertainment gear but not be so large it overpowers your room. The key is to find a happy medium.

Placement

Placement can play a critical role in the decision of how big your console should be. Before you decide on the size, think about your options for placement.

First, check if any natural light will be hitting the screen and avoid those areas. Also consider rearranging your furniture to create new space for a console. By rearranging some furniture in a group, you might open a wall you didn't think was an option.

A TV doesn't need to be the focal point of the room. If you have a large, open space, you could put the TV console on one wall and position some of the furniture around it in a semi-circle. Then, by placing a couch in the middle of the room, you could break it into sections: one side for TV-watching, the other for socializing.

Storage

Ideally, your TV console should be a space dedicated to entertainment. It should house all your DVDs, your DVD player and game systems in an organized way.

How do you want to store your collection? If you’d like to display your DVD library, consider getting a console with glass doors that keep all your titles in view. If you prefer a more streamlined look, you'll want to opt for solid doors and drawers that keep all your electronics neatly hidden.

Look for a console that not only has enough room for what you have now, but can also easily accommodate your collection as it grows. Keep in mind as technology evolves, the need for space decreases. Many families now house their movies on a computer server, accessing them from their new TV. While you might need physical storage space now, you may not need as much in a couple of years.

Décor

One of the great things about Amish furniture from PA is its classic design; it’s easy to match with your current décor. With our custom-made Amish furniture from Lancaster, you can even choose the stain or finish that integrates seamlessly with the other pieces in your room.

Arranging Custom Furniture Like a Pro

2012-11-09T12:20:00.005-08:00

The design experts at our Amish furniture outlet say you don’t need to be an interior designer to arrange your Pennsylvania furniture like a pro. You just need to know a few tricks!

Consider Function & Purpose

First, take a look around the room you’re working on and consider the space. If there are doors, it’s crucial to note if they open in or out. When doors open into a room, you need to plan for this. When the door is closed, be careful not to leave an out-of-place gap. Consider hanging a piece of art on that high-traffic wall to best utilize the blank canvas.

It’s equally important to think about what the room is used for. Hallways are usually travel rooms, while living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms are destinations. When working with a space that isn’t a destination, easy travel is key. Ensure a clear path to a destination room is achieved. Also, if it’s a destination room, consider if the room is going to be used for dining, entertaining or relaxing; this will help you decide how to arrange the furniture.

When arranging a room, think about what kind of atmosphere you prefer. An open floor plan creates more space and can make a room feel bigger. However, you might want to create a space that encourages socialization. You can do this with your custom furniture. Our Pennsylvania furniture design experts suggest placing couches and chairs in a semi-circle — people will be more apt to chat while still allowing movement from one room to the next.

Promote Comfort

When entertaining for friends and family, you’ll want to have extra seats available. If your style runs a little bohemian, consider stacks of comfortable floor pillows against the wall that complement any decor and can easily be grabbed for additional seating.

Identify the focal point of the room — it could be a fireplace, TV or even a beautiful, handcrafted piece of furniture from Lancaster PA — and work around it. Position furniture around the focal point to ensure everyone has a good view of it.

Create Breathing Room

You don’t need to — and shouldn’t — cover every square inch of available space. Your walls are a blank canvas and a fantastic wallpaper or gorgeous paint can go a long way.

Also, don’t push your couches right up against your walls. Whenever possible, leave at least a few inches between wall and couch. It will actually make the space appear larger. If that isn’t possible, move side tables or chairs away from the wall to help open the room a bit.

Pay Close Attention to Lighting

Many people overlook one of the most important elements of a room: the lighting. Carefully place your lamps to maximize the light in the room. This means making sure each corner has equal lighting as good balance is critical. There should be several light sources, and they should be spread around the room.

Play with your Options

A person’s arrangement of their custom furniture is reflective of their personality. Be playful or more streamlined if that’s your style. Don’t be afraid to try new things like arranging furniture in the center of the room instead of solely against the walls. The best part about furniture arrangement is you can completely change the look of a room just by moving the furniture around.

Using Your Space Efficiently With a Dressing Table

2012-10-25T07:45:00.000-07:00

Every woman deserves to have a dressing table to beautify in the morning or before hitting the town to run errands or meet up with friends. Little girls dream of princess vanities that are overflowing with makeup, hair accessories and perfume. Some could argue a dressing table is a necessity.

Benefits of Adding an Amish Dressing Table to your Collection

Amish vanities combine simplicity with beauty. There’s no more fighting for the bathroom when you have a well-equipped vanity placed near an outlet.

A quality Amish dressing table can help clear up space in a small bathroom, serving as a hub for makeup, perfumes and hair-care products. With an abundance of drawers, you can add order to your routine, saving you time and energy. Rather than hunting for your favorite shade of lipstick, you’ll know right where it is thanks to your well-organized Amish dressing table.

Where will your Amish Dressing Table Go?

Many bedrooms in modern homes are small, and you might not think there’s space for a vanity. Well, it’s time to start thinking outside the box! Who says a vanity has to go in a bedroom? A dressing table with a mirror is a gorgeous addition to any living space.

Know where you want your dressing table to go before you start shopping around. Consider every space of your home. Bedrooms often don’t have the best natural light. Is there a place in a hallway, living room or unused kitchen nook that offers fantastic lighting?

Shopping for your Amish Dressing Table

Our Lancaster furniture experts always advise measuring the intended location before you browse our collection of Amish furniture. Keep in mind we offer custom Amish furniture. Contact us with your dimensions and we can build a piece to fit your exact specifications.

Also, when looking for Amish furniture in Pennsylvania, consider the existing décor. Since we offer custom furniture, you can choose the stain or finish that will fit with your current collection.

The Beauty of Amish Furniture

Amish furniture combines functionality with classic style. An Amish dressing table is more than just a place to do your hair and makeup. It’s a space saver that can free up a cramped bathroom. Unlike a medicine cabinet, you’re in control of where your beauty station is located.

The right Amish dressing table gives you more space and can even serve as the focal point of a room. Because our Amish dressing tables are not only gorgeous, but also highly functional, some people find they use them as home desks, a beautiful place to pay bills. Others have found they make the perfect entry way station to drop keys and mail. However you decide to use your dressing table, you’ll find adding one to your home means infusing beauty and organization into your life.

Creating an Ergonomic Home Office with Amish Made Furniture

2012-10-23T09:43:00.000-07:00

When you spend at least eight hours of your workday sitting in uncomfortable furniture, your health suffers. This can include anything from a stiff neck to serious conditions like carpal tunnel. An ergonomic office — designed with your gorgeous Amish made furniture as the foundation — can prevent pain, ease symptoms of existing conditions, and even improve productivity.

Making Amish Office Furniture Ergonomic

Not all Amish office furniture naturally comes with ergonomic detailing. You can combine ergonomic accessories with our Amish made furniture from Lancaster PA to take full advantage of superior craftsmanship and comfort.

Purchasing a wrist rest is usually necessary to avoid strain on wrists that troubles arthritis or leads to chronic pain. Your wrists should always be at a natural angle and fingers curled in slightly when typing. If your hands and wrist are at a sharp angle, play with different chair heights and wrist rests to achieve a natural angle.

Prevent stress and injury by making sure your feet comfortably touch the floor with your legs at a 90-degree angle. If an adjustable chair still isn’t low enough, a footrest can help prevent needless stress on your back and legs. Computer monitors should be adjusted to an eye-level angle so your neck and chin are in a neutral position.

Selecting the Right Office Chair

Choosing the right office chair is crucial. It’s important to sit in the chair to test how comfortable it is for you.

Chairs should be adjustable so you can set your ideal height. Remember to keep an eye on proper lumbar support and comfortable arm rests when buying an office chair.

Don’t Forget about Lighting

Office lighting can be harsh and cause a glare on your screen, so consider re-angling the lighting or using a glare filter to ease the stress on your eyes. If possible, utilize both natural and artificial light and have a suitable lamp desk for reading hard copy papers. Ensure furniture doesn’t block any natural light and desks are facing the window to reduce natural glare.

Optimize Productivity

Ergonomics isn’t just about comfort — it’s also about maximizing productivity. Our Lancaster PA furniture specialists recommend selecting a desk based on your needs first. Having the right amount of drawers in the right places means maximum productivity.

Then, organize your office accessories by how often they are used. Seldom used items should go in lower drawers and shelves while those items you use frequently should be within arm’s reach.

Little things like making sure your keyboard and mouse are where you like them, and not hidden on a keyboard shelf, eliminates wasted time.

By combining your Amish office furniture with ergonomic accessories and organization, your office space will not only promote productivity and prevent injury, it will also look spectacular within your home.

Crib Styles for Your Newborn

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If you’re about to become a new parent, you’re probably getting anxious about all the new products you’ll have to buy for your baby. From bottles and clothing to furniture, there are tons of products parents need to buy for their newborn. Some of the biggest purchases you’ll have to make are the crib and bedroom furniture, and with all the varieties available, you may be confused about which products are best for you. With Snyder’s Lancaster baby furniture and Amish cribs, you’ll get unparalleled value, quality, and safety.

Safety First

For all parents, safety is a concern when buying products for young children. With Snyder’s Lancaster bedroom furniture though, be rest assured your child will sleep safely. All of our baby furniture and Amish cribs made in PA meet the highest standards in child safety. They have undergone rigid testing and meet all federal standards.

Stains for Style

Our baby furniture from Lancaster is available in several different stains to match your nursery. You can choose from any OCS stain when ordering your crib and accessories. Our most popular types of wood are brown maple and oak, but you can select any native wood species for your crib, such as cherry or hard maple.

Designs

Snyder’s features several unique Amish crib designs for your nursery. We feature multiple categories of cribs, including the Carlisle, Manhattan, Economy, and Mission styles. Each has a classy design and will give your infant a comfortable, sturdy place to sleep. Our cribs can also grow with your baby. By purchasing a converter bar or bed rails, you can transform any of Snyder’s cribs into a day bed or full-sized bed. The possibility for conversion makes Snyder’s Amish cribs beautiful pieces of bedroom furniture that will last throughout your newborn’s childhood.

The Carlisle crib is available in a panel or regular design. With soft bowed edges and a warm hand-crafted look, the Carlisle crib is the perfect centerpiece for any bedroom or nursery. The panel style looks more like a standard bed, whereas the regular Carlisle crib has a more traditional appearance.

Snyder’s Manhattan crib has curved sides and an arched top, giving it the appearance of a winter sleigh. It has clean, simple lines and is a classic beauty. With its curvature and nontraditional design, the Manhattan crib has a subtle sophistication. It is an elegant accent to any room.

Our Economy crib, like the Carlisle crib, is available in standard and panel designs. With straight edges, a simple design, and a modest appearance, the Economy is the most traditional of the Snyder cribs. Its time-tested design is sure to stay in style for many years and reflects the simplicity of the Amish people.

The Mission crib comes in a slightly bolder style. It has wider bars and arching sides, making it the feature of your nursery. Its tapered feet are stylish and secure for your baby.

Choose from any of our Amish cribs from Lancaster, PA today to guarantee safety, elegance, and durability for your nursery! Visit our Pennsylvania store or contact our sales representatives online for more information.

Top Tips to Make Furnishing Your Home Easier

2012-08-23T15:43:00.000-07:00

Whether you’re a seasoned homebuyer or a young professional moving into your first place, furnishing your new home can be a challenge. Even if you have an idea of what you need to buy, it is often difficult to find quality products while staying within your budget. Buying the best Amish furniture for you can be tricky. Here are some tips from Snyder’s furniture to help you make your home furnishing process easier.

Make a List

The first step you should take when furnishing your new home is to write down all of the necessities. A list does two things—it helps to make sure you remember everything and helps you stay on budget. Without a list, it’s easy to overbuy, whether you’re shopping online or for Amish furniture in Lancaster, PA. You don’t want to run out of money before you’ve gotten all the essentials. You can always buy extras later after you make sure you’ve bought everything you need.

Window Shop

Sometimes you may not even know where to start in compiling your list. This is especially true if you’re upgrading from a tiny apartment to a full-sized house. If you’re not exactly sure what furnishings you’ll need, it can be a good idea to go to Snyder’s Lancaster furniture store in person. Our sales associates will be happy to help you, even if you don’t plan on buying anything right away.

Set a Budget

Once you’ve listed the necessities, figure out about how much money you’ll need to spend to get everything. It’s easy for costs to skyrocket if you don’t set a budget before shopping. You should realize that quality furniture like handcrafted Amish furniture in PA costs more than bargain furniture. You’ll save money in the long run though, since Amish furniture lasts much longer than lower quality brands. Many of our products also come with a lifetime guarantee, so they may even outlast your home!

See for Yourself

Sometimes the best way to decide which piece of Amish furniture you should buy is to try it. If you’re buying a nice chair online, you might want to go to our store and check it out for yourself. Display models are there for that purpose and our sales associates will be happy to answer any questions you have. Be sure to take measurements of the furniture and make sure it will fit in your home.

Read and Ask Questions

If you’re buying our furniture online, also make sure to read product descriptions. Some pieces look a little different in person than they do in photos. This is especially important if you are located too far away to check out our Amish furniture store in Lancaster in person. Our live support staff will be happy to answer any questions or assist you with your purchase.

Cool Off and Relax with Our Summer Must-Haves

2012-08-10T15:49:00.000-07:00

Many people view their summers as the most relaxing time of the year. It’s no wonder why, since the summer months are the most popular vacation time and have some of the nicest weather. People of all ages love to spend their summers sitting on the front porch or the back yard, taking in their surroundings, and enjoying the majesty of nature. Snyder’s beautiful selection of outdoor Amish furniture reflects the beauty of the outdoors and keeps you comfortable and stylish.

Rockers

Our porch rockers are available in two types—traditional wood and durable poly. These rockers are among the best in Amish furniture in Pennsylvania. The wood rockers come in six different designs and are locally handcrafted from the finest ash. They’re perfect for leisure time on the front porch or other covered area. We also feature several varieties of weatherproof poly rockers.

Gliders

Our gliders are great outdoor Lancaster furniture. Snyder’s gliders are constructed from a durable recycled poly resin material that’s proven to stand up to the weather. They’re locally handcrafted and come in a wide variety of designs, including the Fanback, Fanback Swivel, and Bent Poly.

Benches

Whether you love sitting in the garden, on the deck, or in the yard, Snyder’s benches are the perfect option for you. Our benches are among the most beautiful in furniture stores in Lancaster, PA. We have multiple styles and numerous colors available, making it easy for you to match your bench to your other furniture. The poly resin material will not rot or fade like wood, so the bench will last for many years to come.

Swings

Our furniture store in Lancaster, PA also offers outdoor porch swings. Our swings are available in poly resin and traditional wood, both of which are comfortable options for enjoying a summer breeze. The wood swing comes in an Old Squire loveseat design with two seats and a curved back for comfort. The West Chester and Curve Back swings are made of sturdy recycled poly resin and steel bolts.

Tables

If you’re looking for a great outdoor furniture set, our tables make beautiful outdoor dining options. Snyder’s Sonrise Patio Table is a great outdoor dining table. Made from poly resin and stainless steel bolts, this locally handcrafted table is a beautiful piece of Amish furniture. It pairs well with the Sonrise Patio Chairs for a complete dining set. Our other large outdoor table, the Conversation Table, is the perfect size for snacking with friends and goes great with our Fanback Chairs.

Snyder’s Amish furniture store also features many smaller tables. These are wonderful for holding your drinks or showcasing a potted plant. Our wooden Coffee Table nicely complements any of our wooden rockers. The poly resin Bent Accent Table, Straight Accent Table, and Zinn’s Mill Poly Table go well with any of our poly resin chairs, rockers, and gliders. Buy one of our outdoor Amish furniture sets today to get the most out of your summer!

The Top Five Interior Design Tips for Your Home

2012-07-26T12:30:00.000-07:00

After living in the same place for a long time, it’s only natural to tire of your surroundings. It’s part of our nature to crave change every once in a while. To modify their homes, many people engage in extensive remodeling projects, which may include knocking down walls, gutting kitchens, and ripping up old flooring. However, it’s usually much easier to redecorate your home to gain the change you desire. Brightening your walls with fresh paint, buying a new light fixture, and replacing old couches with Amish furniture is both easy and fun. Whether you’re just starting out or need some new scenery, here are five interior design solutions for your home.

1. Upholstery

Upholstered couches, chairs, and loveseats can unfortunately become outdated. Fabric types and designs go in and out of style more quickly than other types of furniture. It also ages much more quickly, so chances are, some of your upholstery from previous decades doesn’t look so great anymore. Snyder’s Pennsylvania furniture store, with a wide selection of Amish furniture in Lancaster, PA, features many stylish and durable upholstered products to replace your old, dated furniture.

2. Accents

Adding accents to your new and existing Amish furniture is a fun way to redecorate. Small tables and cabinets are just a few stylish accent pieces that come at a relatively low price. A mirror, curio, or end table could be just the thing you need to spice up your room. Local designs, like Amish furniture from PA, are great conversation pieces.

3. Color

You’d be amazed at the difference a fresh coat of paint can make in brightening up your home. A new wall color can do wonders in bringing out the tones in your Amish furniture. The right room color also gives your space a complete, polished look. If you want additional wall accessories, vinyl wall decals are also becoming popular these days. They’re inexpensive, easy to apply and remove, and won’t damage your wall.

4. Move it

Experimenting with a new furniture layout is also a great way to infuse new life into your room. When you buy a new piece of furniture, try putting it in a different place. If your old couch was against one wall, trying putting it by another. A new furniture arrangement helps maximize the benefits of buying new pieces.

5. Clean house

If your home is seriously out-of-date, you might consider replacing several pieces of furniture. Chances are, if you bought all of your furniture at around the same time, you’ll have to replace it around the same time. That means that if one chair or couch looks really drab, other pieces might start to as well. Snyder’s has a wide selection of all types of Amish furniture from Lancaster, PA—everything from coffee tables to bedroom furniture. Since a lot of our Amish furniture has a lifetime guarantee, it’s sure to last for many years to come.

Seize the Day on Our Beautiful Handcrafted Porch Rockers

2012-07-12T11:44:00.000-07:00

There are few things more relaxing than sitting on the front porch or deck on brand new, finely constructed Amish porch rockers. Whether you’re sipping your morning coffee, unwinding after a workday, or doing some summer reading, a rocker is the perfect place to do it. With the summer breeze at your face and the smooth wood of the sides under your hands, a porch rocker allows you to view the beauty of nature from a comfortable setting. Snyder’s Pennsylvania furniture store has a large variety of strong and beautiful Amish porch rockers for the ultimate relaxation experience.

Designed for Comfort

Many of Snyder’s rockers have a roomy, saddled seat for a cozy feel. They’re also available in a number of sizes, so you’re sure to find the perfect fit just for you. Our Old Squire Rocker is spacious enough for big and tall men, while our Cottage Rocker is a great size for more petite users. We even feature a child-sized Amish porch rocker for our youngest customers. Snyder’s rockers are also suitable for your favorite leisure activities. All of our rockers are perfect for reading a new book, browsing the local newspaper, or bird watching.

If you’re looking for even more added comfort, the Appalachian Fanback Rocker may be just what you’re after. You won’t find a more luxurious Amish porch rocker in furniture stores in Lancaster, PA. In addition to its large saddled seat, the Appalachian Fanback has scooped arm rests and a fitted back and headrest. It’s so comfortable that it may even become your new favorite place for taking a nap!

Superior Craftsmanship

All of our porch rockers are locally homemade and meet the highest industry standards among Amish furniture in Pennsylvania. They are carefully constructed from quality materials, so they’ll last for years to come. Choose from our recycled poly resin that’s designed to withstand weather or our beautiful ash for a more traditional look and feel. Unlike traditional outdoor furniture, Snyder’s poly resin is made of 97 percent recycled material, so it’s an environmentally friendly choice. With both wood and poly resin rockers, you’ll have a beautiful and functional outdoor seat!

Options for Style

Snyder’s porch rockers are designed with you in mind. We know that your porch rocker should reflect your style. That’s why our rockers come in a wide variety of paint colors and finishes. You can easily match our Amish porch rockers to your existing furniture. Many of our chairs can be painted multiple colors, giving you even more options.

If you’re looking to buy furniture to match your rocker, check out Snyder’s wide selection of outdoor furniture. Many of our tables are designed to match our cozy rockers in function and style. They’re great for holding a drink or a book and make beautiful complementary pieces!

Mother's Day

2010-05-05T10:27:00.000-07:00

As you might have noticed we have a Mother’s Day sale coming up this weekend. Remember to show some appreciation to the mothers in your life, and of course that appreciation could involve a gift purchased from Snyder’s. We'd be glad to help.

It was a slow weekend, town was empty, and it appeared the tourists stayed away. For a community that depends on the tourism industry this was not the best news. It does appear though that things have picked up over the last 6 months or so. Today we got a new table on the showroom floor; it’s an old favorite, the Frederick single pedestal table done in black and special cherry on solid cherry wood. We have a nice variety of new items arriving over the next few weeks. Because of the lead times, it’s always hard to keep items on the floor when people buy them right off.

If you’re a fan of art, or just like to enjoy a night on the town, remember its First Friday in downtown Lancaster this coming Friday. Many of the art galleries and antique shops are open late. It’s a great way to enjoy the vibrant downtown area of Lancaster. Lancaster is so much more than farms and woodshops. You can learn more information at LancasterArts. Another place I like to recommend is Rosa Rosa Ristorante Italiano’s Late Night Jazz. They showcase local and regional talent from 10pm onward every Friday and Saturday. If you ever want some information about activities to do in the area, do not hesitate to ask us.

Have a great weekend,

Keith Horst
Snyder’s Furniture

Earth Day Sale

2010-04-26T08:08:00.000-07:00

Our first Earth Day sale was a satisfying experience. We gave away a good number of white pine and blue spruce saplings and will be donating a percentage of our sales to a local tree preservation society. We’ll be sure to post when that happens. We’ve been looking to add an even that is as exciting for our customers in the spring as our tent sale is in the fall. This event had a promising start and we’ll be looking to add to it next year.

As you’ve might have noticed we’ve recently added a Youtube channel. Not only will we be showing our television advertisements, but we’ll be showing some neat videos we’ve shot around the store. We might demo some of the product features or some of our thoughts regarding furniture and interior design. If you have some ideas for segments let us know!