The Amish live in a simple, straightforward fashion, and according to Jamie Fisher, they approach furniture-making the same way.
Fisher and her husband, Jim, carry the works of more than 40 Amish craftsmen at their Amish Furniture Shoppe, with locations in Evanston and Matteson.
”The Amish (members of a centuries-old Mennonite sect) like plain and simple lines. They use woods native to their area, and take their time in making each piece,” said Fisher. ”The quality is exceptional because their work is so central to their disciplined way of life.”
The Fishers represent craftsmen mostly from Midwest and Pennsylvania Amish communities. They visit artisans each week, making purchases, placing custom orders and discussing new styles. They specialize in traditional, Shaker-style furnishings, but other designs are also available.
”There really is no Amish style, per se. Their own furniture is utilitarian and spare, in keeping with their lives,” explained Fisher. ”What really makes it Amish is the quality and simplicity.”
The Fishers take custom orders and have a large in-stock selection of furniture in pine, birch, cherry, walnut and oak, including upholstered pieces. They carry some Amish quilts, woodcrafts and toys, too.
The Amish Furniture Shoppes are at 1015 Davis St., Evanston
(708-869-1994) and 21449 S. Cicero Ave., Matteson (708-481-5555).
