Our Blog

Stories, tips, and insights from our custom furniture workshop

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How Our Furniture Delivery Works

Learn how we safely deliver your handcrafted furniture nationwide with our trusted network of professional shippers. Unlike cheap freight services that risk damage, we use specialized furniture carriers who provide blanket-wrapped protection and handle each piece by hand. Choose between white-glove in-home delivery with placement and assembly, or budget-friendly curbside service. We'll guide you through pricing, scheduling, and what to expect on delivery day.

November 15, 2025Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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Coffee Table Size Guide: Finding Your Perfect Fit

Your coffee table should be roughly 2/3 the length of your sofa, positioned 16-18 inches away, at the same height as your seat cushions. After nearly 20 years building custom coffee tables, we've learned that good sizing isn't about rigid rules - it's about understanding how proportion, reach, and visual presence work together in your specific space.

October 24, 2025Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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Red Oak vs. White Oak for Furniture - What's the real Difference?

White vs Red Oak: grain, hardness, finishes, cost, and pro tips from our Pennsylvania workshop—see photos, get samples, and choose with confidence.

September 20, 2025Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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New Wood vs Reclaimed Tables: Complete Sizing & Style Guide for 2025

Discover whether new wood or reclaimed barn wood is right for your custom farmhouse table. This comprehensive guide covers wood species, sizing charts for 4-14+ guests, style options from rustic to modern, and our exclusive wood hardness ratings. Plus, get expert tips on measuring your space and choosing the perfect finish.

September 3, 2025Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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2025 Trends: Why Our Hall Trees Remain the #1 Bestseller

Our hall trees are still the #1 bestseller in 2025. Discover the trends behind their staying power, from solid-wood craftsmanship to customizable benches and side cabinets, plus signature sizes and finishes built right here in the USA.

August 14, 2025Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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Live Edge Tables

Discover the journey of our live edge tables, from responsibly sourced Pennsylvania wood to careful air and kiln drying. Learn why proper drying matters, explore single slab or bookmatched options, and see how we guide you in choosing the perfect slab, finish, and base for a one-of-a-kind table.

July 24, 2025Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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Say Goodbye to Microplastics:

Learn why your cutting board matters and how plastic boards shed harmful microplastics into your food. Discover the benefits of a premium solid wood cutting board—handcrafted from American-grown hardwoods, naturally antimicrobial, gentle on knives, and eco-friendly—and see how making the switch supports healthier cooking and sustainable living.

March 22, 2025Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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The Art Of Finishing Reclaimed Wood

Learn how we finish reclaimed wood to bring out its unique character. This article explains our personalized staining process for reclaimed pine and oak, highlights the importance of communication, and details our collaborative steps—from consultation and stain testing to progress photos—ensuring your custom furniture matches your vision.

December 13, 2024Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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Boxer and Alfie

Meet Boxer and Alfie, our two rescued off‑the‑track Thoroughbreds who have joined the Furniture From The Barn family. In this heartwarming post we share how these gentle giants retired to our farm after their racing careers and highlight our commitment to horse rescue and second chances—inviting you to meet them and our other furry friends on your next visit.

May 30, 2023Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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Bread Board Ends on Reclaimed Wood Tables

Breadboard ends are 2‑3‑inch strips attached to the ends of reclaimed wood tables. They stabilize the tabletop and help manage natural wood movement, though color variations and expansion grooves are part of their charm. Learn the pros and cons of this farmhouse detail and how it differs from tables without breadboard ends.

December 14, 2022Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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Showroom Update

Get a sneak peek at our new showroom addition! We’re nearly finished with the AC, bathroom, deck and a handcrafted spiral staircase designed by Michael. Enjoy photos of Drover and Lila watching the progress and stay tuned—we’ll share more once the staircase is complete and our space is ready for visitors.

October 24, 2020Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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Charcuterie Boards

Discover our handcrafted charcuterie boards made from kiln-dried, reclaimed wood. Available in standard shapes or custom sizes, these rustic boards elevate any spread—cheese, nuts, olives, or desserts—and make food look beautiful. Add herbs for garnish and enjoy the artisanal backdrop they create at your next gathering.

December 22, 2019Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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Happy Father’s Day

In this Father’s Day update we celebrate Michael’s dedication to building our new showroom. After months of hard work—insisting on doing almost every step himself and never cutting corners—the finish line is in sight. Enjoy photos of the progress, including our newly installed hardwood floors, and join us in thanking Michael and our trusted contractor Kris for their craftsmanship.

June 15, 2019Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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Why Every Visit to Our Shop is “By Appointment Only”

Because our showroom is located on our family farm, we welcome visitors by appointment only. This allows us to give each customer personal attention, answer questions, and prepare for your visit—including directions to our Greenhouse Farm sign and tips on what to bring (measurements, photos, and floor samples). Expect to meet our friendly dogs, cats, and horses as you explore our reclaimed-wood creations; to schedule your visit, please contact us in advance to reserve a time.

October 1, 2018Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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Common Questions Answered About Hall Trees

Discover how hall trees go beyond a simple coat rack. Our most popular hall tree designs blend style and function, offering mudroom storage for coats, backpacks, and leashes. Learn how a custom hall tree can fit your entryway and keep your family organized.

Published:April 20, 2018Kelly Tryon-Kelly

Updated:August 7, 2025

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Building Continues on the Addition (Showroom)

See the progress on our new Furniture From The Barn showroom! After a year of work—much of it done by Michael himself—the addition is taking shape. This update shares the care and precision going into the construction, from choosing the perfect Misty Grey color to building a warm, inviting space for displaying our handcrafted pieces. Enjoy photos of the evolving exterior and stay tuned for more.

December 23, 2017Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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Our New Addition

Join us as we build our new showroom addition! On a cold December day we began transforming a century‑old foundation on our farm into a permanent home for our furniture. This post chronicles the project—from pouring new walls on the original footing and raising beams with a crane to framing the upper level—with photos and stories showing how our unused foundation became a warm, connected space to showcase our handcrafted pieces.

August 30, 2017Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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Kelly And Michael were “Fixer Uppers” way before it was popular

Long before TV made "Fixer Upper" a buzzword, Kelly and Michael were transforming reclaimed barn wood into beautiful furniture. Learn how selling one handmade table sparked the family-run Furniture From The Barn, which combines Michael’s expert craftsmanship and Kelly’s creative vision, and why they’re still committed to sustainable, made-to-order pieces that honor the past while meeting modern needs.

April 14, 2017Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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Barn Doors: A Trend in Newer and Older Homes – and not just for BARNS!

Barn doors are hugely popular right now—and not just for barns. This post explains why customers love our custom sliding barn doors, from their space-saving benefits to the mix of reclaimed wood and metal hardware that adds rustic charm. Discover where they work best (mudrooms, master baths, entertainment centers) and what to consider when ordering, like wall space and hardware options.

February 17, 2017Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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The Origins & Species of Our Reclaimed Woods

Discover the fascinating origins of our reclaimed woods. Learn how timber from 18th- and 19th-century barns, warehouses, and mills — often 100 to 250 years old — becomes the foundation of our handcrafted furniture. Explore the varieties and history of these remarkable old-growth trees.

Published:September 18, 2016Kelly Tryon-Kelly

Updated:August 12, 2025

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Building with Reclaimed Wood … AND New Wood Too

We craft more than just reclaimed-wood furniture—we also build beautiful pieces using new, premium wood when it best suits your design. Have questions about what we can create for your home? Give us a call to discuss, and explore our gallery and farmhouse tables pages for inspiration.

May 15, 2015Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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How to Choose the Right Table Style – Shape, Seating Capacity

Choosing the right table style goes beyond rectangular farmhouse tables. Discover how square, round and rectangular shapes suit different room layouts and seating needs. We'll help you create a balanced, inviting dining space that feels just right.

Published:October 30, 2014Kelly Tryon-Kelly

Updated:June 7, 2025

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How to Choose the Right Table Size for Your Room

Discover how to choose a dining table size that's perfect for your space and lifestyle. Our guide, based on extensive research and experience, helps you assess room dimensions and seating needs to ensure your table looks great and functions beautifully.

Published:October 20, 2014Kelly Tryon-Kelly

Updated:August 15, 2025

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Farm Tables for Grandparents Saying “No” to Downsizing

Even if you’re downsizing, you don’t have to give up a big family table. This post explains how grandparents saying "No" to downsizing can order a custom-size farm table built from reclaimed wood that still seats the whole family. Explore our gallery and farmhouse tables pages for ideas and contact us to create a table that fits your new space without sacrificing tradition.

October 11, 2014Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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Why Custom Building Your Furniture Sometimes Takes Awhile

Wonder why your custom table takes 4–12 weeks? This post explains our made‑to‑order process—from batching reclaimed boards and hand‑selecting premium wood to designing bespoke features and allowing finishes to cure properly. We never rush; each piece is crafted with care to create heirloom-quality furniture that’s worth the wait.

June 27, 2014Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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Table for a “Farm Girl at Heart” … Near New York City

Take a tour of the custom farmhouse furniture we created for a client near New York City. From a handbuilt dining table and oak nightstand to a marigold‑yellow entertainment cabinet and dry sink filled with primitive dolls, this post showcases the rustic, handcrafted pieces that bring country charm into a city home—and invites you to explore more in our gallery and farmhouse tables pages.

March 6, 2014Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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Cloud, the king cat

Winter at Furniture From The Barn finds us dreaming of sunshine and spring flowers while cherishing the animals that warm our hearts. In this heartfelt post we remember Cloud—our beloved “king cat” who recently passed from feline diabetes. Cloud wasn’t just a mouser; he loved dogs, snuggled with us, frolicked and hid in the garden, and spent his days sunbathing, leaving behind paw‑print memories that remind us why we love our critters so much.

March 2, 2014Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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Why We Use Tung Oil

Learn about our secret finishing method: pure tung oil. Derived from the nuts of the tung tree, this natural drying oil penetrates deeply to enhance reclaimed barn wood’s patina and provide long-lasting protection. Discover why we choose tung oil and how we source premium quality for our furniture.

Published:February 15, 2014Kelly Tryon-Kelly

Updated:July 21, 2025

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What Makes a White Pine Farm Table So Special?

Discover why our classic farm tables are crafted from old‑growth white pine. These 200 + year‑old boards from century‑old barns produce table tops with rare, wide planks—some up to 16–18 inches across—and a warm, time‑worn patina rich with natural color variations. Learn how the uniqueness and durability of reclaimed white pine make these tables truly special.

February 14, 2014Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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Why Buy Re-purposed Wood Furniture

Give reclaimed barn wood a new life and discover why re‑purposed wood furniture is both eco‑smart and stylish. This post explains how wood salvaged from historic barns is stronger and more durable than new lumber—cut from mature old‑growth trees—and explores how each piece carries a story while reducing waste. Learn why choosing reclaimed wood furniture is a wise investment in quality and sustainability.

February 12, 2014Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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Be Merry!

It’s the busiest time of year at Furniture From The Barn as holiday orders ship out and the team gears up for their annual party—but they still make time for Christmas movies. In this festive post they share favorite holiday films to watch by the woodstove – from timeless classics serenaded by Bing Crosby to feel‑good comedies—along with photos of the crew getting into the holiday spirit. Grab a cup of cocoa and see which movies top their list.

December 12, 2013Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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Furniture From The Barn attends Cheyenne Frontier Days!

Join the Furniture From The Barn family on their wild‑west adventure to Cheyenne Frontier Days in Wyoming. Amid a busy summer crafting reclaimed barnwood furniture, they escaped to soak up rodeos, parades and Western traditions—and to cheer on their cousin Chloe as the 2013 Miss Frontier. Read about their trip and glimpse the frontier spirit that inspires their work.

July 31, 2013Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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1813

Celebrate 200 years of Greenhouse Farm! This post reveals the meaning behind the initials "SPW" and the year 1813 carved into the farmhouse cornerstone. They honor Samuel and Phoebe Wilson, the first settlers who cultivated the land and built the homestead, and trace Phoebe's heritage to the Mason family, founders of the Mason‑Dixon Line.

May 21, 2013Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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Drover

Meet Drover, the six‑month‑old cattle dog mix Caitlyn rescued from a freezing roadside in North Dakota. This post shares his heartwarming adoption story—from being left in a box to finding a loving home at Greenhouse Farm, where he happily plays with Goldens Lila and Hunter—and encourages readers to adopt and rescue dogs in need.

January 22, 2013Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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January Blues

When the holiday glow fades and winter feels gray, it's easy to sink into the January blues. This post empathizes with the midwinter slump and encourages you to channel that indoor time into a creative reset—paint a room you've been eyeing, swap out a tired dining table or chairs, or tackle that Pinterest project. See our design ideas to brighten your space and lift your spirits.

January 11, 2013Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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Animals as therapists … Pets Adventures at the Barn

After a national tragedy, we’re reminded of the healing power of animals. At Furniture From The Barn, our dogs, horses and cats aren’t just companions—they ease stress and bring us comfort, laughter and joy. We celebrate this therapeutic bond and hope the animals visiting grieving families provide similar comfort this Christmas.

December 28, 2012Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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Chestnut Wood Furniture: What to Know Before You Buy and Why We Love It.

Learn about the history and scarcity of American chestnut wood. Once the "queen" of eastern forests, this rot-resistant, easy-to-work wood supplied posts, barns and cabins before a fungal blight nearly wiped out the species in the early 1900s. Discover why reclaimed chestnut is so prized for durable, beautiful furniture today.

Published:December 19, 2012Kelly Tryon-Kelly

Updated:August 12, 2025

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What is Milk Paint and why do we use it at Furniture From The Barn?

Discover why we finish our furniture with milk paint—a natural, nontoxic paint made from milk, lime and earth pigments. Milk paint is the world’s oldest paint; it’s been used for thousands of years, from ancient cave drawings to King Tut’s tomb, and it provides a durable, eco‑friendly finish that highlights the beauty of wood without harmful chemicals.

December 11, 2012Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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3 Reasons Why the Dinner Table is the Most Important Piece of Furniture

The dinner table isn’t just furniture—it’s the heart of your home. It’s where family and friends gather to talk, laugh, eat, pay bills and do homework, host Thanksgiving feasts or lazy brunches, and connect at day’s end. This post shares three reasons why a well‑made dining table fosters connection, creativity and lasting memories.

November 7, 2012Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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Country Living Magazine Photo Shoot

Country Living Magazine visited our farm to photograph a custom armoire for their April 2013 issue. We collaborated closely on every detail—from paint colors to shelves—and spent weeks prepping our showroom/living room for the shoot, clearing space, cleaning, and styling each corner. Go behind the scenes to see the hard work and excitement that went into showcasing our furniture for a national audience.

October 30, 2012Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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A Few Updates at Furniture From the Barn

Catch up on all the excitement at our barn in late 2012: from moving our daughter to college and traveling to the Country Living fair to winning the magazine’s “Pitch Your Product” contest and prepping for a photo shoot. We’ve been busy building farmhouse tables for Thanksgiving, fulfilling holiday orders and keeping up with our custom clients — and we wouldn’t have it any other way!

October 7, 2012Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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This Blogging Stuff Can Be Rough (Like Wood)

After a long hiatus from blogging, we’re back to share all the excitement happening at the barn. In this catch‑up post we apologize for the silence, explain how busier‑than‑ever projects and barn life kept us away, and promise to keep you in the loop with stories, photos and news about our custom reclaimed‑wood furniture.

September 28, 2012Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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I Love New York! (singing the jingle)

Fresh from a trip to New York City and the surrounding counties, we’re grateful for our NY customers and thrilled to deliver a custom armoire from our farm to a city apartment. This post captures our love for the Big Apple and shows how our handcrafted pieces make the journey from cornfields to the skyscrapers.

September 4, 2012Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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What’s your favorite flower?

It’s almost sunflower season at the barn! In this short post we celebrate the joy of watching sunflowers burst into bloom and share why these golden faces are our favorite flower. Which bloom makes you smile?

August 20, 2012Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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Hot Weather with Terracotta Color on a Lovely Piece of Furniture

On a sizzling 95‑degree summer day, we painted a charming kitchen island in warm terracotta milk paint. This post celebrates the earthy hue—perfect for bringing a cozy pop of color to any home—and shares how we beat the heat while working on this lovely piece.

August 4, 2012Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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Cat in the Barnwood Mirror

Meet Cloud, our beloved barn cat, who enjoys lounging by the back door and sneaking into pictures! In this post, he steals the spotlight by photobombing a shot of our handcrafted barnwood mirror—proof that even our feline friends appreciate reclaimed wood.

August 1, 2012Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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Happy Birthday Gus!

Celebrate our beloved horse Gus turning 23! In this short post, we wish a happy birthday to Gus, share a photo of our handsome boy, and invite you to meet him and our other four-legged friends at the farm.

May 4, 2012Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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Country Living likes us!

Country Living magazine is considering featuring our reclaimed barn wood furniture for an upcoming issue. We're thrilled that our handcrafted pieces caught their eye and honored to share the beauty of salvaged wood with their readers.

May 1, 2012Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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It’s Show Time!

It's show season! We're loading up the truck for art fairs and festivals, bringing our handcrafted reclaimed-barn-wood furniture and signature farm tables on the road. Visit us at the Country Living Fair and other shows to meet our family and experience our eco-friendly pieces in person.

May 1, 2012Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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My Favorite Color

Celebrate our love of blue with a collection of our favorite blue-painted pieces, from cobalt hutches to bright turquoise buffets. Explore inspiring photos and see how this timeless hue brings country charm to our handcrafted reclaimed-wood furniture.

April 28, 2012Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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CNN Debut for Furniture From The Barn

Tune in Thursday, April 19, 2012 to watch Kelly on CNN’s “Solutions” program as she shares the eco‑friendly story behind our reclaimed barn wood furniture. We’re honored to be featured and excited to show how salvaged wood becomes beautiful, sustainable pieces for your home.

April 12, 2012Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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The Farm Table

Our reclaimed barn-wood farm tables are timeless pieces of Americana, built to last for generations and serve as the heart of your home for meals, conversations, projects and more. Available in chestnut, oak and pine—including rare pre-blight chestnut—each table is handcrafted to be durable, beautiful and truly part of your family.

April 11, 2012Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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Military Mom Acquires a Yellow Pine Farm Table

Before returning to duty overseas, a military nurse asked us to build a yellow pine farm table where she could gather her family. We crafted a warm, durable table from reclaimed yellow pine boards dating back to the 1700s–1800s, creating a special space for memories and a lasting piece she could come home to.

March 29, 2012Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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Has spring sprung?

Spring has arrived early at our Chester County farm! With mild weather and blooming crocuses and daffodils, we welcome visitors to our showroom and share what's trending in eco‑friendly furniture. Learn about our customizable beds and nightstands crafted to your style and size, and find out why National Bed Month might be on everyone's mind.

March 15, 2012Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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The Armoire We Built Featured in Country Living Magazine

When Country Living Magazine featured our handcrafted armoire, a friend couldn’t wait to see it. She discovered the pages torn from the doctor’s office copy—proof that someone loved our custom piece so much they took it home. We’re honored that our one‑of‑a‑kind furniture inspires such excitement!

March 6, 2012Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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Home Sweet Barn

Discover the origins of Furniture From The Barn at our historic barn in Southern Chester County, Pennsylvania. Learn how our love for American barns inspired us to create handcrafted furniture from reclaimed barn wood, preserving the stories of 18th-century structures and the farmers who shaped agricultural history.

February 14, 2012Kelly Tryon-Kelly

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Furniture From The Barn Company Featured on ABC World News’ “Made in America” Website Map | PRLog

Our handcrafted furniture from reclaimed barn wood was recognized by ABC World News' "Made in America" initiative. We were featured on ABC's "Made in America" website map, which showcases American‑made products and small businesses like ours from Pennsylvania.

February 8, 2012Kelly Tryon-Kelly