reclaimed Archives - Page 3 of 24

Create a cosy reading nook for World Book Day

For many of us, there is nothing more relaxing than getting cosy and stuck into a good book. If that’s your thing then creating a space using your favourite rustic furniture where you can sit back, relax and enjoy your favourite read should be high on your home wish-list. This month we celebrate 25 years of World Book Day and so what better time to create an area that is as personal as your beloved book collection?

Ideas to create a cosy reading nook for World Book Day and beyond

The great thing about a reading nook is that it doesn’t have to be a big space – just somewhere that’s in a quiet part of the house with some good lighting. If you have a window with the sun streaming in then that may perfect for some, but not everyone likes to sit in a bright sunny spot so an alternative darker space will be better suited. If you are short on space you can make a window seat your reading spot, the landing might have a spare corner to make use of or put a comfy armchair in the corner of your guest bedroom or home office and combine the two – this would be perfect if you read a lot as part of your work.

Sitting comfortably

Comfortable seating is important for your new reading nook, however, you may be restricted by what space you have available. Decide what type of seating suits you best – if you like to sit and read with the kids then we love the idea of bean bags and cushions on the floor – wonderfully cosy to stretch out and lie down on. Or if reading is a moment of ‘me-time’, choose a seat that is comfy for you – maybe you want a Oswald Armchair and leather footstool combo to put your feet up on, a chaise long or a small armchair and a blanket to curl up.

The best seating for modern rustic living rooms

Add a bookcase

Book storage is also important for us bookworms! If you like your books on show then consider an open rustic bookcase. As well as being the perfect display place for your favourite tomes, a wooden bookcase is also a great room divider, helping your zone an open-plan space and create the ideal reading nook.

If you prefer for your books to be safely stored away and not on show then a wooden sideboard with doors is worth considering. You can use this reclaimed wood furniture to make your reading space personal by adding some wall prints, a house plant and some of your favourite photos of family and friends on the surface.

Keep a side table at your side

Aside from having somewhere to sit, the next most important consideration for a reading nook is a spot to place a lamp and cup of tea or coffee (or wine!) whilst you escape into your story. An industrial side table like the Mitcham Industrial Oak Side Table is a great choice – it doesn’t take up much space and can be easily moved around to your desired reading area and tucked away when not in use.

Mango Wood – How suitable is it for furniture?

Where do you like to sit when you read? We’d love to hear how you make your reading nook special. Leave a comment in the box below or join the conversation @modishliving.

Quick ways to transform a room over the weekend

It’s that time of year when we tend to get many jobs around the house ticked off the list and a perfect opportunity to get stuck into a few quick indoor weekend DIY projects before spring is upon us. From dusting down your wooden shelves or reclaimed wood furniture to updating cushions and decorative accessories, see our tips on how to give your home a refresh in no time at all.

We are a proud nation of DIY’ers and spend millions every year on projects to personalise and improve our homes. This became even more of a thing during the lockdown months when home improvements were about the only thing we could do! There’s always something needing refreshing, from the hallway to the bedroom, so if you have some weekends free over the next month take a look at our handy ways to transform a space.

How to give your home a weekend makeover

1. A splash of paint

A lick of paint brightens a room in an instance and it can completely change the atmosphere of the room whether in the living room, dining room, bedroom or kitchen, and it doesn’t have to take weeks. When you choose your colour you can pick a different shade of what you already have in the room or go for a bold contrasting colour if you’re really wanting to switch it up.

Little final touches make all the difference here – hang some new pictures or family photographs on the wall, place a new plant pot on an industrial coffee table with a houseplant and get some new scatter cushions for the sofa and your living room will feel fresh and new.

2. Move your furniture around

Moving the furniture around is a good excuse to have a declutter and deep clean. In the bedroom make some space for a new solid wood chest of drawers or wooden dressing table for some extra storage – maybe even a blanket box at the foot of your bed? You can bring in a reading chair near the window to make yourself little space for some quiet relaxation – maybe add a new throw and scatter cushions on the bed and a new rug – your bedroom will feel as good as new. The same applies in the living room. Move a velvet armchair and wooden side table into a bay to create a new zone that can be used anytime of the day.

3. De-clutter and rearrange the cupboards

This is mostly for a kitchen makeover. The kitchen is always one of those places where clutter seems to accumulate. Have a sort out and sell or give away kitchen items you no longer need or use. Move everything off any open shelves to give them a good wipe down and clean any items you’re putting back up there. For a change of scene, buy a couple of new decorative pots, jars or storage containers to go on your shelves and don’t forget to add a houseplant – this always makes a room look brighter. If you need extra storage and don’t have room for a kitchen dresser add some open shelving or a small sideboard to create more space.

4. Hallway makeover

Here is one area of the home that is easy to refresh and one that will have a big impact to everyone stepping into the home. Give the right first impression by clearing away and tidying up any shoes that don’t need to be in the hallway. Give any shoe-scuffed walls a wipe down and clean or even a quick lick of paint and look at refreshing the styling on the tops of your hallway storage furniture, such as an industrial console table. Add a houseplant, table lamp or fresh bouquet of flowers or dried flowers to add a new colour. For an instant transformation, hang a mirror on the wall to not only change the look, but bounce light around your hallway.

Reclaimed wood furniture is great for heavy traffic areas in the home – salvaged wood already has marks and undulations so it really won’t notice if someone bags a heavy school bag into it as they’re rushing out the door. Finally, add a new doormat to for a fresh new feel every time you walk through the door.

Get more makeover ideas here

What is sustainable wood and why is it important?

We constantly hear the terms eco-friendly, environmentally friendly, recycled and sustainable when it comes to home interiors, but you’re not alone if you’re not clear what makes wood sustainable? Here, we look at everything you need to know about sustainable timber.

For many hundreds of years when people wanted to build something, they would go into the forest or woods and chop down the trees they needed for the job. Of course, after 1000’s of years of people just helping themselves and with the huge increases in population across the world, the forested areas were starting to get a bit sparse. After the first world war, the forested areas in the UK was at an all-time low and so the Forestry Commission was formed to replant and manage forest areas in the UK.

What actually is sustainable wood?

Sustainable wood is timber that can be used for building, furniture production etc. without having a detrimental effect on the environment. It generally comes from a renewable source where trees can be felled and replanted with little knock-on effect to local wildlife, eco-systems and the environment in general. The felling of trees is responsibly managed by organisations whose main concern is the long term well-being of the environment.

Why buy sustainable wood?

It makes perfect sense to buy wood from a sustainable source as opposed to other sources. Sadly, still much of the wood sold around the world is not from a sustainable source, even in Europe. The impact of deforestation, even rain forests 1,000’s of miles away, affects us all. There is a human element to deforestation too – tribes people are forced out of their homes and local farmers are often subject to exploitation if the felling of trees is not regulated correctly. All of these reasons point to why sourcing sustainable wood for our rustic furniture is the responsible choice.

Types of sustainable wood

There are many types of sustainable wood you can choose from – mango wood is a fast-growing hardwood that is a by-product of mango farms, so this is ideal to produce sustainable furniture from. Other materials, such as, rattan, Douglas fir, certified oak and ashwood are also sustainable. Of course, the best wood to use is reclaimed wood – this can be used to craft the most gorgeous reclaimed furniture such as a full of character farmhouse table, a sturdy and solid wood bed frame or a decorative rustic sideboard.

How can you identify sustainable wood?

You can easily check if unprocessed timber or a piece of reclaimed wood furniture is crafted from a sustainable source by looking out for the internationally recognised FSC certification.

Which woods should be avoided?

When it comes to choosing wood furniture or timber for construction then there are some woods that should be avoided….unless of course, you are satisfied it has the correct FSC certification. These include teak in general, Mahogany, Ebony and Sapelee. Many of these tree species are endangered and frequently felled and exported illegally even though they are vital to the people, the wildlife and ecosystems that surround them.

If you want some ideas on how to furnish your home in a sustainable way, we’ve created some top tips, or read our blog on creating an eco-friendly interior design.

Top tips to furnish your home in a sustainable way

reclaimed wood dining table with rattan dining chairs

We are constantly hearing the term “sustainably sourced” or “sustainably produced”, but what does it actually mean and how can we ensure that the rustic furniture we put in our homes meet the sustainable criteria?

Anything that is described as “sustainable” is basically eco-friendly, for example, it has been sourced and produced in an environmentally friendly way. This will mean that the seller or the producer will have minimised any environmental impact before selling to the end-user. When items are described as sustainable you know that the way the item has been produced, the raw materials used and transportation have all been done in as friendly a way to the environment as possible. Rattan is a prime example of a sustainable raw material – it is a vine tree that grows fast, much faster than wood, it needs very little processing and at the end of its life, it is biodegradable. Other materials include reclaimed wood furniture and mango wood furniture. Let’s find out more….

Reclaimed wood furniture

We all know what reclaimed furniture is these days – the wood used to produce a reclaimed wood dining table, for instance, will have been salvaged and skillfully repurposed after already “living” one life as part of a building, boat or as a railway sleeper. This solid and strong old wood is full of character so it goes on to become a beautiful piece of furniture. If you are looking to invest in a new rustic dining table, choose considerately and opt for a reclaimed wood one.

Mango wood furniture

Mango wood is the perfect wood from which to produce sustainable furniture. Mango wood is actually a by-product of mango farms, mango trees grow very quickly and once they grow too tall or too old to produce a full harvest they are felled and a new tree planted in its place – it’s at this point the wood can be sold to furniture manufacturers for a new life. Although it grows quickly, mango wood is a hardwood which means it can go on to be crafted into long-lasting quality furniture.

Investment pieces

A sofa is a prime example of a piece of furniture you invest in. You should only really need to buy a sofa every 5 to 10 years, the average age a sofa starts to sag and lose its comfort is considered to be around seven years. When it comes to buying a sofa, be it a fabric sofa or leather couch quality matters, buying a poor quality sofa will be a false economy, not to mention worse for the environment. To ensure it blends in with new decor schemes over time, pick a classic shape and refresh it with modern throws and cushions. A good sofa can also be re-covered or re-upholstered if it does need a revamp after time.

Reuse furniture

We are trying to stop furniture from being used for a short while and then being disposed of in landfill sites. If you are having a change around and reorganising your home then try to reuse furniture items in other parts of your home, garden shed or garage. An old wooden dining table can be used as a desk in a home office, old shelving can be used for storage in the garage, a wooden sideboard you once used in the living room can be moved to the dining room, a hallway or even a bedroom. If you really can’t use it then try to sell it or give it away – all these options are better than simply disposing of old furniture.

Easy ways to mix rustic and elegant interior styles like a pro

Easy ways to mix rustic and elegant styles like a pro blog

If you love an elegant interior style, but have a fondness for the modern rustic look that is so popular right now, you’re not alone. Rustic furniture makes a space warm and homely, but it doesn’t have to be rough and ready. Reclaimed wood furniture in an elegant design or with sophisticated detailing can bring the two styles together. Here we explain how you can easily blend rustic and elegant interior design to create a home worthy of a glossy front cover.

Tip #1 – Make a statement

We think every room should have at least one focal point and if you are mixing rustic and elegant in the dining room the obvious choice is an eye-catching rustic dining table. This is a great foundation to build around and where you can add elegance via upholstered dining chairs for comfortable and stylish dining. A rustic console table or, for handy storage, a solid wood sideboard will give you an extra surface area to stand an elegant table lamp or a vase of flowers to further cement your blend of rustic and elegant.

Tip #2 Less is more

Less is certainly more when it comes to effortlessly blending rustic with elegant. Don’t be tempted to overcrowd your room with too much furniture or too many accessories, simplicity is key. Keep it uncomplicated with gentle neutral colours. White is a naturally easy colour to work with and provides the perfect backdrop for more elaborate and textured accessories. Consider pale reclaimed wood furniture or white painted rustic furniture as a perfect starting point for your elegant theme.

Tip #3 Use rustic accents

You don’t have to rush out and buy new furniture to achieve this look – you can upcycle and repurpose pieces you already have and just buy one or even two new statement investment pieces that bring in a rustic feel. Reclaimed wood furniture is skilfully crafted from solid wood and with so many different styles and finishes available to choose from you are sure to be able to find just the right piece that will add a statement in your home for many years to come. Pick one accent piece per room, such as a reclaimed wood coffee table or a wonderfully natural rustic bed and keep the rest of the scheme paired-back and elegant.

Tip #4 Combine and contrast

The say opposites attract and we have to agree. Combining contrasting textures is an effortless way to mix rustic and elegant styles. Reclaimed wood rich in character, natural undulations, grooves and splits paired with polished metals in silver or gold bring together opposing materials that work together so well. Good examples of this are the Onslow and the Farnham mango wood furniture collection. The Onslow reclaimed wood furniture collection never fails to make a statement whichever room it is in.

The sustainable mango wood Farnham collection combines natural wood with interesting brass inlays as well as brass metal hardware. The combination of wood, metal and a contemporary design ensures this stylish collection will add a touch of glamour to a room.

If you found this helpful, pop over to our Ideas and Inspiration for plenty more styling tips, product news and interior insights.

5 of the best unique coffee tables for a modern rustic style

Without a doubt, a coffee table is one of the most important furniture pieces in your living room. It’s usually the centrepiece of your sitting area, so although coffee tables generally aren’t as big a purchase as a sofa, they can be as important by helping to centre and liven up the room – not to mention provide an opportunity to introduce some of your personality and style into the room.

We love a unique rustic coffee table for adding a style statement to a living room. It brings an instant warmth and individuality to a room no matter if the overlook look is contemporary or classic. Let’s dive right in and take a look at our edit of 5 of the best unique coffee tables for a modern rustic style.

5 of the most unique rustic coffee tables

1. Oasis Coffee Table

This gorgeous wood coffee table is a surefire way to make a dramatic impact in your living room. The table top is crafted from rustic wood that has been sand blasted clean to showcase the natural beauty, grains, shakes and splits of the wood, whilst the highly polished steel crossed leg adds a wonderful contrast. A beautiful blend of modern and rustic all wrapped up in one statement piece of living room furniture.

2. Cadagan Glass Coffee Table

If you want some pops of glamorous gold in your sitting space then you should seriously consider this industrial coffee table. Beautiful in black set in an on-trend parquet design, this large square coffee table sits on glitzy gold industrial style legs. With the right centrepiece sat atop this table you have everything you need to create the perfect unique feature piece in your living room.

3. Eastwood Rustic Oak Coffee Table

An environmentally conscious purchase doesn’t have to be overly rustic or reclaimed. Whilst reclaimed wood furniture is a great eco-choice, other sustainable options include woods such as mango wood furniture. Mango wood features a rich honey colour and although it is a hardwood, it’s malleable and easy to work with. The Eastwood Rustic Oak Coffee Table is a perfect demonstration of how unusual and eye-catching sustainable furniture can look.

4. Serenity Reclaimed Wood Coffee Table

An ideal choice in a smaller living room, the rustic wood and curves present an attractive piece of industrial style furniture for your living space.

5. Derby Reclaimed Wood Coffee Table

The Derby reclaimed wood furniture collection is a timeless classic with each piece being authentically unique and one-of-a-kind.

Which one is your favourite? Now that’s you’ve picked your unique wooden coffee table for your modern rustic living space, read our style tips to transform a coffee table into an Insta-worthy centrepiece.

9 of our Best Extendable Dining Tables

Rustic style dining room with a reclaimed wooden trestle table

If after the festive period you feel like you could have done with a bigger dining table then maybe it’s time to invest in an extendable dining room table. If you love to entertain then a wooden extendable dining table really is one of the most important pieces of furniture you can have in your dining space. It offers you the best of all worlds – a dining table that is just the right size for day-to-day mealtimes and life, but one that can be easily extended when you’re having a gathering of friends or family. We’ve put together a list of our top 10 best extendable dining tables for you to decide from..

1. Derby Reclaimed Wood Extending Dining Table

reclaimed wood dining table with black painted legs

Contemporary, industrial, rustic and Nordic, this stunning 100% FSC-certified reclaimed dining table will add style and charm to any dining space. We love everything about this industrial style dining table, from the rustic wood full of history, natural markings and rustic imperfections to the contrasting sleek wooden black painted legs. The pale finish to the wood gives this rustic dining table a fresh feel that would fit with either modern furniture, rustic furniture or industrial furniture. Perfect for adding a statement in your dining space, the wooden extendable dining table extends to 220cm long via a butterfly extension leaf stored under the table, providing ample seating for larger dinner parties and gatherings. A wonderful example of how reclaimed wood furniture can be chic and modern. Pair with an dining bench or a dining chair set with metal legs for a cohesive rustic industrial look in your dining space.

2. Standford Reclaimed Wood extendable dining table

The perfect industrial dining table for those born to entertain. Its smooth butterfly extending mechanism is cleverly concealed within the tabletop, making it a breeze to open up, whilst the rugged reclaimed wood and black metal frame make a chic and functional statement in any dining space.

3. Skyline Reclaimed Wood Extending Round Dining Table

This Skyline Extending Round Dining Table offers versatility and elegance. Its circular design is perfect for intimate meals, and when extended, it comfortably accommodates additional guests. The reclaimed wood top and sturdy base provide a durable, stylish surface for any occasion.

With stylish dining chairs, you can be ready to entertain at the drop of a hat!

4. Branford Oak Extending Dining Table

This minimalist solid oak dining table, the Branford Oak Extending Dining Table is crafted from the finest solid oak and oak veneers, creating the ultimate contemporary aesthetic that embodies the essence of Nordic interior design. The perfect addition to any dining space, this oak table combines a modern design with functionality. Featuring clean lines, smooth curved corners and tapered legs, the simple shape of this modern extendable dining table is both modern and timeless, whilst the natural hues in the oak wood have a pale palette that is typical of the Nordic style. This goes perfectly with our Faux leather dining chairs.

5. Soho Extending Reclaimed Wood Dining Table

Bring a contemporary rustic mood to your dining space with this stylish reclaimed soho dining table with distressed dark stained legs. The Soho Extending Reclaimed Wood Dining Table is a wonderful mix of old and new. By marrying a character-rich reclaimed wood top with simple modern lines and contrasting tones, this wooden extendable dining table is a rustic classic that will never lose its style. Available in two sizes with the extension handily concealed within the table top and operated by a simple butterfly mechanism, this soho dining table is perfect for both small and spacious dining spaces. Pair with other pieces of reclaimed wood furniture from the Soho collection for a charming modern rustic scheme.

6. Madeline Extending Dining Table

Designed to offer a ‘new traditional’ look with its timeless elegant style with a modern touch, this stunning Madeline Extending Dining Table will add a sophisticated look to a room. The exquisite dark salvaged coffee coloured Mindy wood veneers and marquetry are complemented by the solid Mindy wood turned spindle legs. For added practicality the table features butterfly center leaves, so it can be extended to seat up to 10 people.

7. Kendrick Extending Dining Table

Designed to offer a ‘new traditional’ look with its timeless elegant style with a modern touch, this stunning Kendrick Extending Dining Table will add a sophisticated look to a room. The beautiful marquetry in a stunning rich tonal mid brown Mindy wood solids & veneers features inlaid book-matched details for an elegantly refined look. For added practicality the table has butterfly center leaves, so it can be extended to seat up to 10 people.

8. Worcester extendable dining table

This is the reclaimed wood dining table you are looking for if you love to fill your home with the light and minimalist vibe of Scandi design with a rustic twist. Perfect for smaller spaces and homes, the extension leaf is concealed inside the table meaning all you need are some classic modern dining chairs to complete the look.

9. Branford Round Extending Dining Table – Oak

Made from the finest solid oak in a washed finish for practicality and functionality. This Branford Round Extending Dining Table features an easy to use butterfly mechanism and tapered legs. This table cleverly extends from 110cm to 165cm comfortably seating 6 people.

Which would be your choice? For more of our extending dining tables see our collection of reclaimed wood, rustic and industrial wooden dining tables with extending options.

If you like what you’re reading and want to read more see our blog journal for product news and interior ideas and inspiration.

Discover why textured furniture is a popular interior trend for 2022

why textured furniture is an interior trend for 2022

Our attention at this time of year turns to what changes we would like to make in the home and what interior design trends 2021 will continue to be popular. As well as sustainable furniture and reclaimed wood furniture, we have identified another hot new trend emerging in 2022 – textured furniture.

Interesting textures have been increasingly incorporated into interior design in the last few years in the guise of fluted glass panes, tiles with a twist and three-dimensional wallpaper and now furniture is jumping on the tactile trend.

Drawers, wooden wardrobes, rustic sideboards and desks are offering an alternative to flat fronts and level tops with something a little more decorative and textured. Slats, grooves, pattern and wonderfully rustic surfaces can be seen on all types of furniture and storage from a textured sideboard and rustic coffee table to wooden chest of drawers. From furniture to floors and even up the walls, texture is set to be an interior’s friend this year.

For natural texture, reclaimed wood furniture is oozing with tactility and ideal for this emerging trend. The visible individual features of each piece is unique and can be as rustic or modern as you like. Discover more here…

Natural rustic texture

The Kensington Reclaimed Wood collection never fails to make an impression – this collection really is all about texture! Salvaged wood with highly visible grains, grooves and evidence of its past use is been paired with modern shiny silver industrial legs to create the most glamorous furniture. A sublime mix of warm rustic wood and industrial metal, nowhere is this more apparent than on the statement-making industrial dining table from the collection.

Glamorous golden texture

The grain and rich honey colour of mango wood already make it beautiful, even before it has been crafted into furniture but when it comes to the Farnham and Canford sustainable mango wood furniture collections it has been transformed into stunning textured sensation. The Farnham features glitzy brass inlays and a textured design which will definitely draw attention in a room. The Canford has a more retro feel showcasing striking patterning skillfully crafted to create texture over all the pieces in the range.

Modern natural texture

The Glasgow reclaimed rustic sideboard is expertly crafted from solid reclaimed elm. This is one of our top picks when it comes to texture with the solid salvaged wood arranged in a stunning sun ray mosaic design. The wooden sideboard is supported by metal industrial legs with the rustic metal door handles providing an additional attractive finish.

As well as texture, a home that is eco-friendly continues to have a strong influence on interior trends. Discover how to create a stunning home that is good for the planet as well as to look at here.

Top tips to create an eco-friendly interior design

Many of us will have welcomed the new year with a reassessment of our impact on the planet. The pandemic and pressing climate change focus has encouraged us to look at our homes and interior design from a different perspective. If you’re planning any renovation projects this year, take a quick look at our tips on ways you can create an eco-friendly home and space that benefits your life and the environment.

Reuse what you can

Now that we are all so much more aware of the climate issues, we are looking at our living spaces and looking for ways to live more sustainably. One easy change to making your home more eco-friendly is to avoid throwing old furniture pieces out when you can give it a stamp of individuality and a new lease of life by upcycling. That old rustic wardrobe can be brightly painted and used in a child’s bedroom or even in the garage for storage! Reusing and repurposing what you can, when you can will help create less waste and energy. If you want to buy new items, invest in good quality pieces that will last or look for reclaimed wood furniture, such as a reclaimed dining table, that has been crafted from wood previously used for other purposes.

Be energy efficient

Talking of less energy, if you are replacing your fridge freezer, oven or washer/dryer in the January sales, then pay special attention to its energy consumption. Yes, the more energy-efficient appliances do cost a little more upfront but with energy prices showing no signs of decreasing anytime soon, you will get this money back many times over in ongoing usage costs, not to mention the wider benefit to the environment.

Introduce plenty of greenery

Leave some space in your renovation plans for plants and greenery. During the lockdowns we all realised how much we need to connect with nature so make sure you can bring a little (or a lot) of it into your homes where you can. Plants are good for your mental wellbeing as well as simply looking good in the room. Do some research and pick easy to care for varieties to start with. Industrial wall shelves can be softened by displaying some greenery on them, you can put a house plant on an industrial sideboard in your dining room or on a rustic console table in the hallway to bring a sense of the outdoors into the home.

Natural materials

Think about filling your room with natural materials – a rug made out of jute, a stone floor or a leather couch – look out for the words eco and sustainable when shopping around for accessories or furniture. Mango wood furniture is completely sustainable; it’s a solid hardwood that is easy to work with and has a lovely rich honey colour and features stunning wood grain patterning. Find out more about mango wood and why its the sustainable furniture of choice here.

Get smart

Try to use smart technology where possible to help you run your home in a more eco-efficient way as well as save you money on your household bills. Things like intuitive heating systems, smart strips and power adaptors which stop electricity travelling to idle appliances or chargers, automated lighting and smart irrigating systems for the garden.

If this has inspired you to make some eco-friendly changes in your home see our other blogs for more tips and ideas…

Create an interior that’s good for you and the planet

3 reasons why reclaimed wood is the eco-friendly choice

Simple ways to reduce plastic in the home