Petra Home Collection

When we received the news that we would be moving from Korea to Germany, I told my husband before we moved that our first big purchase would be a table when we arrived. When we moved to Korea, we put our large (and hefty) table into storage, thinking it would be for two years. As most things go in the military world, two years have now turned into five (+), and as someone who grew up eating most of the meals during the week at our kitchen table, this was an essential purchase for me. I wasn't going to spend another three years with the loaner furniture from the base (if you know, you know). 

Enter Petra. I saw a few of her posts in a local community group and knew a visit to her shop was imminent. I messaged her, and she responded instantly. By the weekend, we were visiting her shop in Sindelfingen. After perusing for a bit and chatting with her, we made our decision. On Thursday, our new table and bench arrived, making quite a statement in our almost empty apartment on base, which was decorated with loaner furniture until the rest of our stuff arrived. 

Tables in Petra's shop in Sindelfingen

Fast forward to the present day; every time I walk into our apartment, I smile because the table is one of the first things you see. We chose a natural oak table with a matching bench and two leather chairs to pair with our eclectic mix of modern and rustic decor. Things don't usually make me happy, but this purchase has filled me with joy. I love seeing my family dining around it. I might hover around my kids, wiping every drop or crumb that hits the table while they eat. This table will be in our family for a long time, and I will do my best to take great care of it (please, movers, do the same when we relocate again!). 

Circular wooden table (these are beautiful, thick tables!)

Curious about Petra, I reached out and asked if she would mind if I asked her some questions and took a few photos around her shop; she kindly agreed. As we sat around her shop and chatted, I learned that she is a native of Sindelfigen and, after a career of thirty-six years in Accounting with Mercedes Benz, left her job at the encouragement of her son to open the furniture shop. Her first shop opened in Wildberg in 2019, but when a storefront became available in her current location, she jumped on the opportunity to open a shop in the town where she grew up and relocated to Sindelfingen in 2021. 

Petra 

Q: What is one signature piece of furniture typically found in most German homes?

A: A solid wood dining table with chairs, no benches. Benches are typically American style. 

Q: What is the most important thing to consider when buying furniture?

A: The longevity of the piece. If you are buying wood, make sure you are buying solid wood, not a wood mix that will not hold up.

Solid oak table, hand crafted in Europe

Q: How do Germans celebrate moving into a new home?

A: We have a tradition called "Richfest". When a new home is built, the contractors, architect, friends, and family are invited over before the home is completely finished to decorate the roof with a Christmas fir or wreath donned in ribbons and, of course, have a party. When the shell of the house is complete but before the roof truss is covered, the celebration is held. This "topping-out" ceremony dates back to the 14th century and is also celebrated in nearby Austria and Switzerland. The foreman gives a speech and a blessing, downs a glass of Schnapps, and then throws the glass off the roof (with some force because it's believed it is a bad omen if the glass does not break). The rest of the afternoon is spent enjoying barbeque and beer. 

Q: How do you decide what to sell in your shop?

A: I only sell things in my shop that I would have in my own home. My style is French Country, Industrial, and Shabby Chic. 

Petra will work with you to customize your pieces 

Q: Where do your beautiful tables come from?

A: All of the furniture I sell is made in Europe. 

Q: What are some essential care tips for treating the wood tables?

A: For treated wood, gently clean the tables with dish soap and water; avoid using chemicals such as Lysol wipes. Every 1-2 months, give the table a nice coating of beeswax; think of it as nutrition for your table. 

As assortment of wood furniture and accessories available in her store

For my fellow Americans considering purchasing furniture through Petra, she does accept VAT. If you are unfamiliar with VAT, the active duty person must register first through the VAT office on Panzer (or wherever your local VAT office is at your Germany duty station) and make sure the spouse is on the account. The form is $10 for purchases under €2500 (but saves you the 19% VAT). You simply take the form with you to the store, and Petra will fill it out for you. The white top sheet returns to the VAT office after completion. 

For purchases over €2500, you will need the larger VAT form ($50), a cashier's check, and a purchase order from the vendor (Petra). Since we do not have an account with Community Bank (and they do not have a machine to swipe your debit card like you would in the States for a cashier’s check), we withdrew the money in Euro, took it to Community Bank, which issued the check, then went upstairs and purchased the VAT form from the office with the purchase order provided by Petra. She filled out everything, and then, like the other form, the top white sheet went back to the VAT office once it was complete. This is important, so don't forget to drop it off!

Purchasing furniture from Petra is an investment and one I would happily make several times over. Not only is the furniture beautiful and of high quality, but Petra is extremely warm and welcoming and will go out of her way to help you pick a piece for your home that you will be happy with for years to come. Her shop is open Wednesday through Saturday and by appointment. If you go on Thursday or Saturday, you can also enjoy the local market set up just down the street. Happy shopping! 

Below: Our wood table and shelf from Petra (custom chairs will be in soon!)

Petra's Website: https://petra-home-collection.com/en/pages/ueber-uns

Phone: +49 170 304 9235

Address: Planiestrasse 10, 71063 Sindelfingen, Germany