Living in an Amish House

Amish homes can be quite spacious and are located in serene areas of the countryside. But, they also come without many of the modern amenities that most of us are used to. A closer look into some Amish homes shows us how warm and welcoming they can be, with lots of space for socializing and preparing meals, as well enjoying these meals, too. It’s a different way of life to be sure, one that relies on farm work and processing one’s own food with minimal help from modern machines. Here is a look inside an Amish house and the very unique way of life maintained there.

Contrary to some perceptions there are many Amish homes that include modern furniture and even some modern amenities. This living room not only features a handmade rocking chair, but it also contains modern couches, a classic hutch, and even some board games. A glimpse inside the bathroom shows a modern bath tub, however many Amish use tubs without running water and fill them by bucket instead. In the photo above you can see a hand pump for cool water outside the house.

Along those lines the old style of sinks are often used- a wash stand with pitcher and bowl, sometimes lined in zinc.

The iron wood-burning stove not only heats the house but also heats the clothes irons.

A special ironing board and round block are used to press the girls’ and womens’ bonnets to be crisp. Female members of the community are expected to keep their hair covered in order to maintain modesty.

For the kitchen an old-style iron stove with move-able burners is the primary cooking source. There are no modern cupboards or countertops in this kitchen, but some Amish do use them. A wooden butter churn sits near the stove.

Some Amish homes do have propane-powered or gas stoves or washing machines, but this varies from family to family and by location. Each Amish community has their own set of rules and customs as there is no centralized authority on Amish religion or home life. Likewise some families keep the older styles of kitchen while others embrace newer cupboards or stoves.

Amish bedrooms often feature the most color in these homes because of the quilts and curtains. While visually complex works of art are not favored, colorful geometric patterns are common in quilts. Likewise the wallpaper adds texture and color without portraying specific images.

You’ll notice the kerosene lamp on the nightstand as there is no electricity in Amish homes. The tenets of Amish home life involve simplicity and removing oneself from modern (or what is often called “worldly”) practices and belongings. Family and community, as well as self-sufficiency, are some of the most important values of the Amish.

These photos were taken at Yoder’s Amish Home in Central Ohio, which is open to the general public so folks can see how the Amish live.