living room Archives - Page 7 of 31

Top pick living room sideboards for under £500

Top of a reclaimed wood sideboard with large clock

You can never have too much storage space in the living room and the best kind of storage is one that not only provides hidden storage but also looks great! A reclaimed wood sideboard is of course the sustainable option, it is an investment piece of furniture that will bring individuality and warmth into your room for years to come.

A living room sideboard is not only used for storage, but also provides an extra surface to place some of your prized possessions or to add another feature to your living space. This could be decorative vases, pot plants or candlesticks – by hanging a mirror, wall decoration or clock over it you can give this additional feature some height too.

Here we have a look at some fab sideboards….and, even better, are a steal at under £500!

Farringdon Reclaimed Wood Medium Sideboard

The chunky Farringdon sideboard is a great choice. Sure to stand out in your living room, this modern sideboard is produced from reclaimed wood and finished with a slight hint of grey. The beauty of this range is that there can be slight variations in the finish which ensure every piece wonderfully individual and unique.

Dorset Reclaimed Wood Medium Sideboard

The Dorset Reclaimed Sideboard range is almost identical to the Farringdon, produced in the same beautiful chunky reclaimed wood but hand-painted in distressed white with just the top in natural wood with the hint of grey. The white finish will help give your room a lighter airier feel. This sideboard, like the Farringdon, has two drawers and one cupboard with a shelf for storage.

Savannah Small Reclaimed Wood Sideboard

This gorgeous small white sideboard will add a touch of rustic charm to your living room, the vintage brass cup handles on the drawers add an elegant vintage element. What a wonderful place to clear away all your living room clutter into. Books, magazines, DVD’s and kid’s books all tucked away in order, ready to be easily found when needed.

Standford Industrial Reclaimed Wood Medium sideboard

A piece of furniture from the Standford Industrial range will always catch the eye! Rough sawn reclaimed wood, salvaged from factories and transformed into stunning industrial furniture. You will see the various shades of wood, the old nail holes and natural undulations shine through the hard-wearing finish, ensuring every piece from the range is completely unique.

Chelwood Medium Reclaimed Wood Sideboard

This simple but stylish sideboard is perfect for the Scandi style minimalist living room. Crafted from gorgeous pale reclaimed wood, with two drawers and double cupboards, the Chelwood Reclaimed Wood medium sideboard will add to a light and airy colour scheme with the neutral colour ensuring it will blend beautifully with other pieces of reclaimed wood furniture you already have in your room. If you need something a little larger then this is also available as a large sideboard.

How to zone to create a multifunctional living space

Rustic open plan living room and dining area with white sofa and furniture and large black wood burning stove

Open plan living just keeps increasing in popularity whether in the form of an extension, a new build or taking internal walls down in a current home. This is very effective in a smaller home as it gives the feeling of more space, of course, you do need to pay attention to load-bearing walls and support if you do this.

This style really only started to appear more regularly in the 1950’s where you would often find a dining room sharing a space with the living room – often an L shape area to help with the separation. At this point, the kitchen was still seen pretty much as a service room and as such was not included…. until we get closer to the 1980’s that is. Now we love a house with an open plan – a place where the whole family can spend time together.

The children can play safely, do homework or watch TV while the parents can work, prepare dinner or get on with household chores all in the one large space – but it still makes sense to have some sort of definition between the spaces.

Zone by using texture

Although you aren’t breaking up space, the use of different textures will draw the eye to the different areas in the open space – A feature brick wall can clearly define where the dining area is – a combination of a tiled area for the kitchen and wood or laminate flooring to define other areas. A rug on the floor to anchor a reclaimed wood dining table to help define the dining space, whilst the sitting area can be clearly defined by placing a rug in front of your large sofa and placing a modern nest of tables on it.

Zone by using plants

By now we all know the benefits of having house plants in our spaces – you can really embrace this natural and healthy way to zone a room. A tall plant in a floor-standing pot or some open wood shelving units are great for creating a natural divide, or how about an on-trend living wall to bring in a contemporary diversion.

Zone by using furniture

Use furniture to partition the space – it’s nice to have the option to section off an area when needed, especially if an open-plan room includes your home office. You can do this by opting for a tall bookcase, open shelving is great for this as you will still get the impression of space and see it flow. Sideboards are also great for this; the above dining space, featuring the Farringdon Reclaimed Wood trestle table, is zoned by the sideboard and a drinks cabinet. Of course, the most recognisable one is the breakfast bar or kitchen island – everyone will know that the kitchen space is beyond that point.

Zone by using colour

Painting sections of the walls in different colours is a great way to zone a large space. Or if you don’t want to commit to a wall colour, use furniture in pops of colour to define the space. We love the bright pink column radiator above for its bright and clever divide, together with the petrol blue fabric dining chairs that draw the eye to that area.

Loft living: how to get industrial style in 2021

Girl sat on brown leather sofa facing a large warehouse window with exposed brick wall

It was in the late 60’s / early 70’s that the trendy loft conversions really started to take off in NYC ….and to this day they continue to gain in popularity. This is now spilling over into UK suburbia. Here we have a look at some inspirations and ways to bring the industrial look to your home.

The features we associate with the industrial loft are bare brick walls, metal, neutral coloured walls, even bare plaster and concrete floors. You can interpret this look by having a grey tiled floor or using reclaimed wood floorboards and painting walls grey or off white. This all sounds a little harsh and cold but you can break it up by adding rugs, prints on the walls, houseplants, throws and cushions to soften the look. Mix different textures and materials together like leather, wood, metal etc. The loft look is supposed to be rustic, functional industrial furniture with simple sharp lines, and not too much fussines!

Loft spaces tend to be large open multi-use spaces – often incorporating a dining space, sitting area and even an office space. We love to see a brown leather sofa in a loft seating area – the brown leather will tie in warm reclaimed wood furniture on an industrial metal frame. The Oldman range is handmade, to bespoke sizes, right here in the UK – so you can furnish your open living space with an industrial reclaimed wood desk, shelving, coffee table and console table all from the same range in the sizes that suit your space. If you wanted an accent piece to slot in with the industrial theme then the Chestey 3 seater sofa in burnished orange velvet will definitely bring a pop of colour and luxury to your space.

Photo featuring: Oldman Industrial Reclaimed Wood Coffee Table

Of course you don’t have to go the whole way with this industrial look, take a more subtle approach by introducing a few elements to your home. The Standford range includes the perfect industrial coffee table that you can build an industrial theme around – bring in an industrial sideboard from the range or the TV unit to introduce more elements. Again, the metal frames have the industrial element with the reclaimed wood adding warmth. In the dining room, you can add an industrial style pendant light over the dining table and opt for a dining bench instead of just chairs.

Photo featuring: Standford Industrial Reclaimed Wood Coffee Table

5 reasons rustic furniture makes our heart flutter

Wooden heart with red gingham ribbon on rustic wood

Reclaimed wood and rustic furniture are so popular right now. We have found the top five top reasons why people fall in love with wood furniture produced from salvaged timbers.

1. It’s environmentally friendly

Why should we waste perfectly good wood? This is a natural resource that does not need to go into landfill or be burnt. Reclaimed wood furniture is generally hand finished meaning expertly skilled craftsman are employed to give each piece a unique and personal touch.

2. It has its own story and history

This is where reclaimed wood furniture really does shine – the timbers used are often over 100 years old and have been salvaged from factories being demolished or old railway tracks that are being replaced. It is full of character and history. Brimming with gorgeous natural undulations, just waiting to be given a new lease of life.

Photo featuring: Knightsbridge Reclaimed Wood Medium Sideboard

3. It fits into any scheme

A piece of rustic furniture adds character and texture to your room. A natural wood, large sideboard in a dining room or living room will bring a natural and warm earthiness whether your style is retro, traditional or ultra-modern. If you fancy a move around, this sideboard can be used in a different room as reclaimed wood pieces just slot in with so many different styles of furniture. You can move a wooden sideboard into a dining room, kitchen, living room, home office, conservatory or a hallway,

4. A love that will last a lifetime

Solid reclaimed wood is transformed into pieces of furniture, such as reclaimed wood dining table and reclaimed wood shelves that will last a lifetime – in fact they grow old very gracefully, looking even better as the wood ages! Your family and friends will love to gather around a rustic dining table for a family feast. Another great feature of choosing reclaimed wood is that any general wear and tear marks will blend in and add your own story to the piece. To keep reclaimed wood looking great, just go over it every now and then with some clear wax or oil – depending on the finish.

Photo featuring: Kensington Reclaimed Wood Dining Table

5. It’s glamorous too

Please don’t think reclaimed wood furniture is only for the farmhouse look! The Kensington table above is a perfect fit for a sophisticated dining space, as is the Redmond Reclaimed Elm dining table. These are just two ranges that elevate reclaimed wood to a higher level. A shiny industrial element is added in the shape of silver polished legs – pair these gorgeous tables with sumptuous velvet dining chairs for the ultimate high-end dining space.

Great films for a Valentine’s night in

White and red candles lit on a coffee table with two red mugs

This year Valentine’s day falls on a Sunday so you will get the opportunity to spend the whole day with your loved one. Obviously there isn’t anywhere special to go this year so we are having a look at some of the most popular romantic films that you can snuggle up to and watch together. Even if you are spending the day on your own, with a box of chocolates for company, these films will bring a touch of romance into your life!

Prepare some snacks

Whether you opt for cinema-style after-dinner snacks and nibbles or a buffet spread to share and pick at throughout the evening then think about this in advance to give you a chance to get food in. To make it a bit different to every other evening you can decorate your reclaimed wood coffee table with love-themed table decorations, and candles of course. Don’t forget to get some wine, beer or champagne chilling in the fridge.

Get the mood right

You can stage your front room beautifully – turn down the lighting for a romantic ambience, place a table lamp on a sofa side table and candles on your coffee table. Fresh cut flowers are a great addition on large sideboards – you can opt for fairy lights to keep the lights toned down but still draw your eye to the flowers.

Photo featuring: Knightsbridge Reclaimed Oak TV Stand

Sit down and enjoy the film

Reclaimed wood furniture paired with a brown leather sofa is a match made in heaven. Get your sofa super cosy with cushions, blankets and throws to snuggle into ready to pop your favourite movie (or two) on your TV on a romantic rustic TV stand. Below are some films to give you a few ideas…

Ghost
Dirty Dancing
Just Go With It
Love Actually
When Harry Met Sally
Crazy, Stupid Love
A Star is Born (2018)

Photo featuring: Chelwood Nordic Reclaimed Wood TV Stand

If you prefer the golden oldies then you can opt for Casablanca, Gone with the wind or An affair to remember – to name just a few!

Home improvements to improve your wellbeing

Girl sat crossed leg in bright white room with lots of hanging green plants

January, arguably the toughest month of the year, is over…..! Made worse by spending too much time at home of late – this may be starting to affect the wellbeing of you and your family. Here are some ideas to improve your home environment and help bring back some balance.

Bring in natural elements

House plants are a great start, but we are talking more than a putting a couple of house plants in the living room – this is making the most of nature and bringing in as many natural elements as you can. Add in organic materials – wood, reclaimed wood furniture in particular, will add an earthly, natural element to your home. With it still being winter, you should make the most of natural daylight – open your curtains to let in as much daylight and sun (if there is any) as possible. Make sure your windows are clean to make the most of it. Use essential oils to help your mood – citrus is uplifting while you can use lavender to calm down and relax. Fresh cut flowers are also great at boosting your mood.

Bright living room with large cream sofa, two armchairs, industrial coffee table and two big green house plants

Choose the right colour palette

Much is written about the use of colours in the home. Light colours for a room that feels bright light and airy, if you prefer a cosy, cocoon-like feeling in your home then you should opt for darker colours. Bold and bright colours will give your room an energised feel. Whichever colour scheme best suits your personality, what will always work with it is rustic furniture. Your living space can be bright and airy but why not give your dining room a more dramatic look by using dark colours? If you like to create an atmospheric mood when entertaining family and friends around a statement wood dining table, then dark accents bring in a touch of drama.

Round industrial dining table with four brown leather dining chairs

Photo featuring: Standford Round Reclaimed Wood Dining Table

Add round shapes

Circular shapes create balance and calm – reinforce this by adding a round kitchen table, round pendant ceiling lights over a breakfast bar and round coffee table in your living room. A round rug on the floor can help you zone a room as well as give it a warmer feel.

Photo featuring: Melbury Industrial Nest of Tables

Clear away clutter

We all know that a clutter-free room is easier on the eyes and the mind, generally more calming to be in. If you add one piece of furniture in your living room then it should be a large sideboard – this will give you so much space to tuck things away and also provide an extra surface to display something on, such as favourite family photos, a houseplant and a table lamp for when you want subtle lighting. Another great way to hide clutter is a coffee table with drawers – perfect to stash away remotes, coasters, books you might be reading, glasses and anything else you like to have close at hand while relaxing in your living room.

Photo featuring: Standford Industrial Reclaimed Wood Coffee Table

Get a modern farmhouse look with reclaimed wood

Living room with extra long rustic sideboard with white sofa and wicker armchair

The modern farmhouse look combines the traditional farmhouse with Scandi influenced minimalism. An eclectic blend of old and new. This look should ooze sophistication and style – with no need for loads of vintage-style bits ‘n’ bobs to clutter up your home. The colours should be light and airy opposed to the more traditional dark farmhouse look. For this, you need to contrast the old and the new, leaning towards crisp and clear rather than busy and kitsch.

So, in the kitchen for example you can use a rustic farmhouse table or reclaimed wood dining table and dining chairs but style this with modern elements like stylish floor or wall tiles. To accessorise choose eye-catching statement pieces like unusual pendant light fittings, a section of display shelving or sleek barstools around a kitchen island. We think the Newton Dining Table (below) is the perfect piece of furniture for the modern farmhouse kitchen – providing plenty of character and able to blend in beautifully.

Photo featuring: Newton Dining Table Small – Natural

In the living room, let exposed authentic brickwork, a traditional open fireplace or exposed beams be the main feature in your room. Keep the rest of the room simple and crisp – choose a classic farmhouse or cottage style light coloured sofa, pale walls and lots of lovely reclaimed wood! Adding the wood will bring warmth and cosiness to the room, we think a coffee table such as the Standford Industrial Wooden Coffee Table and a TV stand.

For the bedroom, we stand by the ever-popular Onslow range – solid wood furniture crafted right here in our UK workshop. Sturdy a wooden double bed, or king-size bed will provide the foundation for many wonderful night’s sleep – for bedroom storage you can add bedside tables, a chest of drawers and a wooden blanket box. Keep the bedding light and add an array of cushions to give your room a cosy but not too cluttered cottage feel.

Photo featuring: Onslow Reclaimed Wood Bed

Why every home needs a reclaimed wood sideboard

Large sideboard in rustic wood with gold floor lamp and tall green plant on the side

Humble wooden sideboards are fast becoming hugely popular statement pieces of furniture in the home – providing valuable hidden away storage space in the living room, kitchen or dining room – and when it’s crafted out of beautiful reclaimed wood, it becomes so much more than just storage.

The traditional and most obvious place for a sideboard has always been in the dining room. They were used to store the best dinner plates and occasionally used serving dishes – thus freeing up valuable space in the kitchen. Of course, there is no denying that this is still the case, but we as a nation are leaning towards clever storage and clutter-free living spaces and as such, they are being used in different rooms in the home. Sustainability is now also more and more important to us when considering what dining room furniture we want in our homes and this is why reclaimed wood furniture is becoming increasingly popular. You can buy a reclaimed wood dining table or ready styled dining room sets with the option to add on a beautifully coordinating modern sideboard to store away all those dining room essentials.

Photo featuring: Abingdon Reclaimed Wood Sideboard

A reclaimed wood sideboard, even a small one, provides an additional surface in the dining room when dishing up a meal – think back to a Christmas, an Easter or other celebration when you had a table full of guests with loads of serving dishes, drinks and festive decorations piled on the table- how handy would an extra surface area have been then?

Not only that, a sideboard in the dining room also means, you will have placemats, napkins, additional serving spoons, a corkscrew, a bottle opener…the list goes on…all at your fingertips – and you won’t have to do a dash to the kitchen every five minutes!

Photo featuring: Farringdon Medium Reclaimed Wood Sideboard

In between celebratory get-togethers you can use the top of the sideboard to show off some of your prized possessions. Whether that be house plants, some candle holders, a table lamp, family photos or simply a lovely vase with some seasonal cut flowers. With a mirror hanging over the sideboard you can turn this piece of furniture into an eye-catching feature in your dining room.

A large sideboard can accommodate all sorts of things in the living room as well – a music, book or DVD collection, kids toys and books to name just a few things. You can stand a lamp on it to provide mood lighting or your TV if you don’t have space for a rustic TV stand as well as a sideboard to provide hidden storage space. In open-plan living spaces, you try positioning an industrial sideboard in such a way that it will zone the space so you can define living space and dining space.

Have a go at upcycling old furniture!

Room with upcycled palette boxes with large black and white rug

Wouldn’t it be lovely to switch all your old furniture with lovely “new” reclaimed wood furniture! But it would be such a waste to just dump everything to make way for this so here we look at something that is really on-trend right now – upcycling. The possibilities for upcycling are as vast as your imagination. You can start off with one idea but as you get working go somewhere completely different.

Upcycling is a great way to introduce a bit of individuality into your home. You can upcycle your old rustic furniture, scour second-hand shops, car boot sales and internet advertisements to find pieces you want to work with – making it cost-effective as well as sustainable. Keep an eye out for old pallets that can be transformed into an outdoor sofa or into unique furniture for your home, you can make pieces to exact sizes that will fit into a corner or a small space.

Getting started with upcycling

If you have never upcycled anything before then start with a simple, not too large piece, something like a ladder shelf unit (great to hang pot plants on), a small wooden wardrobe or a wood bookcase.

– Invest in some good quality brushes and the right paints for the job, you can get advice on this from your local hardware store – no one wants bits of bristle incorporated into the design.

– Plan what you want to do with the furniture piece you have but keep an open mind.

– Preparation is the key to success – cleaning (and sanding) are vital to a perfect finish.

– Remember to take door and drawer handles off before painting, you might want to replace old ones with something new.

– Add a good layer of varnish or wax at the end to protect and seal all your hard work.

Once you have mastered the basics you can move on to more complex items and decorate with more intricate designs. An old wooden crate can be transformed into a rustic coffee table, an industrial side table or rustic TV stand – and take pride of place in your living room, add a large chest of drawers for storage and you have all the furniture you need in your living room. The beauty is you can do exactly the style, colour and finish you want so it will suit your room perfectly!

Tired old wooden blanket boxes can be given a new lease of life by transforming them into kids storage boxes for the playroom by using fun colours and stencils. Smash up old tiles to create a mosaic on an old tabletop. The internet is full of wonderful ideas and tutorials!