If you’re an eco-conscious individual who cares about the environment and how the shopping choices affect it, you’ve probably given your home décor a lot of thought. Many of the furnishings we have around aren’t exactly green, and if not for the aesthetic appeal, they wouldn’t find their place in the abodes.
Luckily, as the green trends have been on the rise as of late, so has the interest for reclaimed wood furniture. As it can be guessed by the name, this type of furniture allows you to repurpose and recycle wood from old warehouses, boats and trucks that would otherwise be thrown away.
By making the decision to incorporate it in your living nest, you reduce the need for more trees to be cut down. In other words, your mindful choice helps preserve natural resources. In addition to this, reclaimed wood makes for less refining chemicals used as it’s treated after being harvested and not before.
Due to wear and tear marks being present on pieces made of such wood, some even like this worn out look so much, they don’t see the need to treat them with paints and stains. This also makes for far less chemicals that end up polluting your indoor air.
Decorating with the Timeless Appeal of Reclaimed Wood
Living in a world where trends come and go, it can be rather difficult to decorate one’s abode in such a way that it becomes immune to the constant changes. Fret not, this is yet another aspect where durable reclaimed wood happens to be a superior choice as it doesn’t go out of style thanks to its rustic appeal.
If you want to invite its timeless charm into your home, it’s advisable to start off with a piece or two to see how you like it. For instance, instead of opting for a dining table set with chairs, you could purchase a stylish reclaimed wood side table that you can use in any room you see fit. For example, it’s perfect for the living room where you can add interest to a sofa, just as much as it helps shift the focus from the bed in the bedroom and accentuates the occasional chair in the hallway.
The reason this happens is because the marks and natural imperfections present on the piece bring the warmth in a room, and instead of the result being interior décor that looks fatigued, it’s refreshing and grabs all the attention. You’re also going to love how it complements other styles, from contemporary to classic and industrial, and you have the raw finish to thank for it.
If you like how the reclaimed wood side tables make your home look and feel homely, you can move on to adding other pieces with rustic flair. A coffee table, a TV unit, a bookcase tied together with wool rugs are some ideas that would assist you with the cosiness of the living room and study, whereas for the hallway a console made from reclaimed wood is a nice option.
As for the kitchen, besides a dining table with chairs, you can connect the area together with some shelving in the same finish. Wood flooring and wall panelling are two other elements you can use to your advantage when creating a harmonious interior décor.
Taking Care of Reclaimed Wood Furniture
So, you’ve finally chosen your reclaimed wood side table, along with the rest of the furnishings of the same material, and you can’t wait to use them for years to come. True, as a material such wood is far better than that of new trees in the sense of durability and strength, however without a little bit of care and maintenance you mightn’t be able to use your beloved furniture pieces that long.
First and foremost, it’s important to protect them from direct sunlight because the longer they’re exposed, the bigger the risk of cracking and discolouration. Furthermore, depending on what a certain piece is, you might have to protect it from watermarks, food and drink spills. Having this in mind, it’s necessary to invest in small soft-bristled brushes can come in handy with removing crumbs and food that get in the wood cracks.
Some accessories, like the right set of coasters and hot pads that protect from water and heat marks. In case you end up having watermarks, there’s still something you can do about your precious furniture and it won’t cost you that much as it’s possible to remove using ingredients you have at home such as salt and baking soda. Non-gel toothpaste is another example of “cleaning product” you can give a try.
Occasionally, it’s also advisable to clean the reclaimed wood side table and other pieces with the simple solution of water and gentle soap. This is ideal to apply even before cleaning with a special wood cleaner as it would help remove dust and debris.
