Reclaimed furniture that shines
You know I love to reuse, recycle and repurpose because I mention it so often. In our modern times when everything is plastic, being able to discover beautiful wood and timber pieces is a joy.
I have previously posted about Funky Junk Interiors and the gorgeous furniture that Donna finds and transforms. One project that I really enjoyed was how old pallets were transformed into a rustic office desk. It's simple, yet beautiful, projects like this that make taking on and working with reclaimed materials so rewarding.
funkyjunkinteriors.net
Give old wood a new life in your home: make your own green and gorgeous dining room table. A big, beautiful wood dining table can be expensive. So why not make your own? All you need is a sturdy base and some reclaimed wood, all of which you can most likely find for less than you would a pre-made wood table, especially one that is made from sustainably harvested wood. For a table that’s simply stunning and totally unique to your home, you will want to find wood that you can assemble together. You can also leave the edges unmilled to create the 'live edge' which can be sanded to soften it, but allows the beauty of the wood irregularity to be exposed.
What is so wonderful about this 'Green-it-yourself' project is you will end up with an elegant, unique table made from wood that might have otherwise gone to waste and the whole process is relatively simple. All of your friends (not just the environ-mentalists among them) will be jealous.
michellekaufmann.com
While it may not be easy to find large pieces of usable or reclaimed timber, you will certainly be able to find small pieces. Shipping or packing crates, scaffolding planks, old ceiling beams, timber pallets, even reclaimed timber fencing can be given a new life and new purpose.
All you have to do is take the time to look around and find it, grab your power tools, and spend a rewarding afternoon or weekend creating your new piece of reclaimed furniture.
readymade.com
Reclaimed timber is perfect for outdoor furniture. As it ages, the timber becomes weathered and worn - more natural and earthy - just the look you want for rustic furniture. All you have to do is sand the surface and apply stain and sealer, or paint to finish off your new piece. Or, if you prefer, leave it natural and let it continue to age.
todaysnest.typepad.com
karapaslaydesigns.com
You can use reclaimed timber for a wide variety of projects. Design your own weathered wood headboard using reclaimed oregon pine flooring. There are plenty of tips, tricks and techniques to add a more weathered look to timber if you are reclaiming timber that hasn't had time to age. Start by assembling, sanding and painting before rubbing down with a combination of sanding paper and steel wool to reveal the wood underneath. I know it sounds silly to paint and then remove, but it leaves a gorgeous rustic effect. Finish off with sealer and stain concentrate applied with a soft cloth and then rubbed off immediately.
beingbrook.com
camillestyles.com
funkyjunkinteriors.net
Here's a great project for those living in a rental home. Use reclaimed timber to make your own window shutters. These shutters aren't fixed to the wall but are freestanding and can be manual closed to cover the window. They not only add decorative interest, but you can take them with you when you move!
Need to add interest to a boring staircase? Why not use reclaimed packing cases to cover up ugly stairs. If you are lucky enough to come across crates that have printed logos - even better. Finish off you new stairs with 2 to 3 coats of polyurethane varnish.
Looking for unique planter boxes. Here's one that uses scraps of reclaimed timber to create stunning chevron planters that will add a splash of colour to a garden or patio. Fitted with castors in the base, you can move the planter around as you wish.
zelophotoblog.com