Bring Nature Indoors With Tree Stumps, Trunks and Logs
Furniture formed from wood in its natural state adds earthy elegance to any room
One doesn’t have to scroll through too many pages of design inspiration before coming across a log cabin or rustic home that fully embraces unrefined materials from nature for both its structure and its furnishings. Something about these abodes are resonating with many of us today. But while few of us actually live in such a home, it’s easy to include a hint of the spirit that makes these places special by including furniture made of wood in its natural state. Such pieces lend an earthy warmth that can enhance virtually any space, regardless of design style.
It’s not often you see a length of tree trunk set on its side to become a bench at a dining room table, yet how amazing is this? With casters for ease of movement and a top surface planed for seating, this bench of Ponderosa pine is the outstanding feature of the room.
Another bench carved from a tree trunk provides unique seating in a courtyard.
This bench that captures the essence of driftwood is a fitting piece in the entrance of a coastal home near Newport, Rhode Island.
A log bench doesn’t have to be formed from a single trunk. In this Seattle-area home, a collection of logs cut to size are clustered together to create one long surface for sitting. It introduces warmth into an otherwise stark bathroom, sharing the same tone as the floating vanity.
Tree stump side tables make a convenient surface for setting down essentials in a wide variety of spaces, including bathrooms that feature free-standing tubs with no lip for soap and other items.
The wood side table in this bathroom coordinates beautifully with the successful mix of warm and cool surfaces.
Every chair functions better and is more welcoming with a side table next to it, regardless of size.
The genius of natural wood is its ability to work in virtually any style home, adding a welcoming earthy element to even the most modern spaces.
Tree trunk side tables look equally at home in a traditional environment, providing a small surface for a cup or a book in a spot where placing a larger accent table would block the flow in and out of the room.
Sofas and sectionals always work best when a coffee table is present. This custom table hits the right design note among the sharp lines and cool finishes of the room, while providing a connection to the wood stack running up the fireplace wall and the rough-hewn beams on the ceiling.
How about a cluster of tree trunk coffee tables? These three are set on casters, ready to be moved as needed in front of the pair of sofas. Large trunk slices were turned into artful, one-of-a-kind accent tables for this project.
A coffee table fashioned from a stump is always a natural in an outdoor space.
Though round sections of a trunk tend to be more common, here a massive slice of reclaimed wood was utilized by the architect to create a unique coffee table. He offers some advice, however: Before bringing any salvaged wood into a home, make sure it’s free of termites and other pests!
Worn wood has character like few other materials. This coffee table made from a length of reclaimed wood set on steel legs adds major charm to an already charm-filled room.
Log beds bring character to any bedroom and, if used in a child’s room, will stand up to any wear and tear they’re certain to face. But take note: Unless brought into an actual log cabin, such pieces tend to work best when used with restraint and in rooms that include other more refined elements for balance.
The willowy posts of this log bed convey a sense of whimsy in this cozy room.
Finally, perhaps the most stunning example of wood retaining its natural characteristics when used as a piece of furniture are the massive slabs turned into dining room tables. The heft gives so much character, yet the look can be quite elegant depending on the furniture and accessories the table is paired with.
Far more impressive than a veneer could ever be, the natural swirl and movement of the grain holds all the detail this dining room needs to be stunning.
Tell us: Are you ready to branch out? Is there a spot in your home that would be enhanced by the addition of a piece of furniture made from wood in its natural state? Tell us in the Comments.
More: Decorating With Nature in Fall and Winter
Tell us: Are you ready to branch out? Is there a spot in your home that would be enhanced by the addition of a piece of furniture made from wood in its natural state? Tell us in the Comments.
More: Decorating With Nature in Fall and Winter