Since 2003, DutchCrafters has been redefining what it means to shop for Amish furniture. Founded by husband-and-wife team Jim and Linse Miller, the company started as a small online retailer and has grown into the largest source for Amish furniture in the U.S., with over 12,000 handcrafted pieces and showrooms in Sarasota, FL and Alpharetta.
We sat down with the Millers to learn more about their journey, what sets DutchCrafters apart and how they’re blending old-world craftsmanship with modern living.
What inspired you to start DutchCrafters?
Jim: I come from Amish and Mennonite heritage, so there’s a personal connection to the community. But the real inspiration came from Linse. When we started selling niche products online in 2003, Amish crafts and outdoor décor quickly gained traction. Linse saw the potential to expand into indoor hardwood furniture. That became a quick hit with customers and became our focus.
What challenges did you face early on?
Jim: The biggest hurdle was bridging the gap between “slow” furniture—built-to-order, handcrafted pieces—and the fast-paced world of ecommerce. Back then, internet retail was an untested wild west: low prices, poor quality, fast shipping. Building customer trust was critical. We had an atypical product that did not fit the model. Many Amish woodworkers were also hesitant to partner with an online retailer. We had a lot of polite rejections in those early days.
What’s your relationship like with your builders today?
Linse: We've developed strong, lasting partnerships with our woodworkers. Many of them now consider us trusted business partners and friends. We visit their shops regularly, often bringing employees with us, and we’ve been welcomed into their homes, even their weddings. These relationships are built on mutual respect and shared values.
What are the biggest misconceptions about Amish furniture?
Jim: People often think of Amish furniture as outdated—heavy oak, harvest finishes, grandma’s style. But that's just one slice of what’s available. Walk into one of our showrooms and you’ll see contemporary styles, mid-century modern and more. Walnut, rustic oak, hickory and maple are popular woods, and we have more finish options than I can count. And for the record, we love our customers who are grandmas! But our designs are made to resonate with every generation and a wide range of style preferences.
What makes DutchCrafters different from other furniture retailers?
Linse: Authenticity is a big one. Every piece we sell is solid wood, made by the Amish in America. Some retailers make similar claims, but customers should read the labels. Our barnwood really comes from old barns. Our live edge is the real deal.
Jim: Customization is another differentiator. Everything is built to order, and we make non-standard customizations all the time. It's something we do really well. We’re also the largest Amish furniture retailer in the country. Our website offers over 12,000 pieces, and our showroom staff help customers navigate all those options with personalized service.
What’s on the horizon for DutchCrafters?
Linse: We’re expanding our design services, including in-home consultations and tailored solutions for business clients. Recently, we worked with the Culinary Institute of America, providing new dining tables and chairs for their main sanctuary. We’ve also worked with restaurants, clubs, hotels and colleges in the Atlanta area and nationwide.
Anything else you'd like to share?
Jim: We’re proud of the awards we’ve received over the years, but the ones that mean the most are for being a “Best Place to Work.” Our employees are the heart of DutchCrafters. Their passion, creativity, and commitment shape everything we do. We've built an intentional, values-driven culture that supports and recognizes them—and that’s a big reason for our success.
DutchCrafters proves that honoring tradition doesn’t mean sacrificing innovation. With a dedication to craftsmanship, authenticity and customer service, the Millers have found a unique balance: crafting
heirloom-quality furniture built for today’s lifestyles and tomorrow’s generations.
Some retailers make similar claims, but customers should read the labels. Our barnwood really comes from old barns. Our live edge is the real deal.