They say that history has a tendency to repeat itself, and when it comes to interior design, it is a good thing. According to the latest decorating trends, vintage accents, rustic vibes and industrial-style details are back in business. So, you may wonder what do all these trends have in common and how to get the best of all worlds? The answer is reclaimed timber furniture.

Reclaimed wood furniture has grown in popularity not only because of its charismatic appeal and unmatched quality but also because it fits well with most decor styles. Of course, anything that is reusable and sustainable is a good option nowadays as well. But where does reclaimed timber furniture come from and how you can use it to give your home a makeover?

What is reclaimed timber?

Reclaimed timber, also known as recycled or antique lumber, is processed wood that has been given a second chance in life after it has already served its purpose once. In the past, timber was often used as the go-to material to build barns, houses, factories, barrels and wine boxes because it was a copious, durable and inexpensive resource.

Nowadays, timber is recycled from these structures and it’s used for architectural details, interior decor, flooring and furniture. It is a highly desirable material because of its quality and appeal.

Why you should choose reclaimed timber furniture?

Firstly, by choosing recycled wood instead of virgin wood furniture you are contributing to a healthier environment in several ways:

• You are not supporting deforestation of forests and clearance of trees which are necessary for removing carbon dioxide from the air.
• You are not participating in destroying the homes of plants, animals and microbes.
• You are contributing towards lowering the carbon footprint.

Secondly, reclaimed timber furniture is more durable because it’s made from strong old-growth wood which is hard to find these days. Compared to newly harvested lumber, old-growth wood is denser, sturdier and more stable.

Thirdly, furniture from recycled wood is sustainable and easy to maintain. To protect the natural rustic finish, you only need to apply beeswax regularly.

Last, but not least, reclaimed timber has a valuable past and by purchasing such furniture, you are not only reusing lumber but are also preserving a part of history.

How to incorporate reclaimed timber furniture in your interior?

Thankfully, recycled wood furniture holds a strong place in several 2020 interior design trends. Whether you choose a vintage, rustic, modern industrial design, warm earth tones, minimalist or luxurious style, reclaimed timber furniture will bring just the right doze of sophistication and grace to your home. And the best part is, you don’t have to redecorate the whole house to achieve such an effect, You can pull off the style you’re going for by incorporating only a few pieces of this type of furniture or you can redecorate only one area of your home.

A tasteful dining room

If you choose to redecorate only one area of the house, your dining room is a good place to start. A dining room is more than just space where food is consumed. It’s where you socialize with your family and your guests over delicious meals and drinks, celebrate special occasions and share other precious moments. Hence, it should should feel comfortable and inviting. And reclaimed timber furniture can help you create a welcoming and harmonious atmosphere with its warm, pleasant look. Particularly, a dinning table.

A recycled timber dining table can add a cosy vibe so every dinner with your family is an affair to remember. Opt for the reclaimed pine which has beautiful hues and textures to add a layer of history to your dinner nook (since most of the pinewood that is recycled today comes from the 18th and 19th century).

If you’re leaning more towards the modern industrial design, to bring depth to the room (with a minimum effort), choose a sturdy baker table made from reclaimed teak and iron. Teak furniture is immune to the ravages of time and becomes even more beautiful as years go by. And with iron details it’s the perfect blend of vintage and modern.

A pleasant living room

The living room is another space you can redecorate with just a few pieces and give your whole house a different feel with minimal effort and cost. For instance, a small recycled timber coffee table will fit perfectly regardless of the size of your living room. And if you often have friends and family over for get-togethers and game nights, to accommodate more people simply add a corner seat bench.

The bottom line is you don’t have to change everything in your house to make it more à la mode. Reclaimed wood goes well with different interior design styles and with only a few conversation pieces you can amplify the ambiance of your rooms.