Wondering whether to buy the traditional Amish made furniture or the modern factory made smooth finish set? From the classic carved Victorian piece to the atypical non-geometrical design, from a wide variety in the choice of material and colors, you name it and you have it. Don’t be confused — a little research based on solid advice may be all you need to make a good decision.

As if the confusion created by the hordes of corner furniture stores were not enough, you now have hundreds of stores on the internet, each proffering to be better than the best. While the neighborhood store may offer you the ‘touch and feel’ factor, today online stores are equally at par when it comes to quality and value for money. In fact, the growing competition may well result in your getting a good bargain at a throwaway price!

Let us first see what works best for you – wood, metal, plastic or glass.

Wood:

Wood further has multiple choices like original wood, wood laminates, sun mica, board etc. While original wood is the most durable, you have to be prepared to shell out a higher cost – the increasing scarcity of wood in the world is well known. Solid wood Amish furniture can last for years, and still look as good as new.

Wood laminates offer a cheaper version with a modern look, but is handicapped with a short life span. If you intend moving soon to another city, it could well fit in with your plans.

Sun mica and board usually go together- you could choose Sun mica or plain board – polished or painted. Sun mica companies offer hundreds of colors and designs to choose from, and you will definitely not be held back by a lack of variety!

Metal:

If you want a more contemporary look, metal may work for you. The choice varies from wrought iron, sheet metal, brass to cast iron. A good wrought iron set has the advantage of being sturdy and long lasting. Be aware, however, that the items tend to look a bit dated with time, and it may then be time for you to move on to your next set of sheet metal.

Made of pressed sheet, this is again long lasting, though it may not be able to withstand boisterous children as well as wrought iron would.

Brass items may look classy if restricted to a special decoration piece like a centre table or two – overdoing it may well result in your house resembling a museum.

Cast iron furniture is best suited as garden furniture for its tough looks and long life.

Plastic:

If you opt for plastic, be ready for a large variety of cheap and durable, yet limited life furniture. Being a very versatile material, plastic can offer you variety like no other. Beware of cheap quality stuff, however, wherein you run the risk of items that may crack, get scratched, fade, or simply break after a while.

Glass:

Glass is yet another versatile material which will give your dining furniture that modern, special look. While an exclusive couple may like to go for the full molded glass pieces, but a combination of wood and glass may work wonders for those with small children. Try Amish dining furniture with a touch of modernity thrown in – ask your dealer to fit in a glass top on a wooden base to have the right mix of class and strength. Make sure, however, that the glass is 8mm to 12mm thick to be of adequate strength.

Having made your choice of material, now it is time to look for the correct color combination. And did I hear somebody asking for utility value? Well, more on that later…