When you think of rustic furniture what’s the first thing that
comes to mind? Chandeliers made of deer antlers? Bear skin rugs? Uncomfortable
wooden chairs? A space that is just way
too masculine? If you said yes to any of those, you wouldn’t be alone in your
opinion; however, you would be wrong. It’s so much more than any of that.
Rustic furniture is one style that needs an image makeover - fast!
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| handmade glass and ironworks chandelier |
Like any style, it seems just about everyone has a different
definition. Let’s try to bring the real rustic furniture style into focus
though; in the simplest of terms, rustic furniture is furniture that is
handcrafted from natural materials. Sometimes (especially in more modern times)
this definition has been expanded to include furniture that simply appears to
be handmade. Think of furniture made out of wood, certain metals, glass, stone,
and leather - not deer antlers and bear skins.
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| Italian leather sectional |
Due to the typically subdued shades of rustic furniture (since
it’s made out of natural materials), this style is often thought of as heavily
masculine. That isn’t quite true, or at least it isn’t accurate in a negative
way. Rustic furniture brings rich, warm, and earthy tones to any room which
instantly adds a touch of comfort and coziness. Rustic furniture is sure to
make any room look inviting. After all, no one is afraid of kicking back and
relaxing on a sturdy leather couch - there’s no spindly legs or delicate frames
here!
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| hand chiseled marble dining room table with hand forged iron base |
The handmade furniture of this style is typically very resilient
and long lasting. In fact, the nicks, dents, and scrapes that may accumulate
over the years will only add character to the pieces. This is furniture you can
really live with, furniture you can interact with on an everyday basis without
fear of ruinous wear and tear.
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| handcrafted wood buffet finished in cinnamon brown with cast iron door panels |
Perhaps the most beautiful characteristic of rustic furniture is
it’s one-of-a-kind appearance. When furniture is handcrafted you can be assured
that no two pieces are exactly alike. All of the materials from hand blow glass
to hand forged iron to hand finished wood have variances and imperfections that
create an exquisite uniqueness.
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| handcrafted mesquite wood table with hand forged iron base |
Rather than masculine, heavy, and rough, rustic furniture is
natural, warm, strong, and unique. It brings the outdoors in and makes any room
feel like, well, home.
Article contributed by Alex Webb on behalf of Blue Moon
Rustic Home Furnishings. Alex is an HGTV addict who loves exploring
different interior design styles. Follow her on Twitter @alexandriakwebb.
