The myths and marvels of reclaimed wood

Luxe Kensington reclaimed wood dining table with glass

Luxe Kensington reclaimed wood dining table close up sleeper

Reclaimed wood has become increasingly popular in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. Here at Modish Living we supply some truly exquisite examples; we feel privileged to be working with such an exceptional material and we’re always happy to discuss the merits of reclaimed furniture.

There are a few well-held myths about reclaimed wood, and we feel it’s important to refute many of them, but first it may be useful to clarify the meaning of reclaimed wood in the furniture industry. If you’re buying a reclaimed wood dining table, for example, you’re not buying an original dining table that has simply been restored. Instead, you’re purchasing a brand new piece that’s using reclaimed wood that has then been turned into your table.

Myth number one: Furniture using reclaimed wood is more expensive

This isn’t necessarily true at all, and in fact some pieces may be cheaper. Reclaimed wood contemporary furniture can take a great deal of work, because the wood has to be de-nailed, cleaned and specially treated, so it’s not an easy process. The overall cost of many items, such as a reclaimed wood desk, may be cheaper than you would think.

Myth number two: Reclaimed wood is dirty

All our reclaimed contemporary furniture pieces are thoroughly cleaned by our craftsmen using tried and trusted techniques, and only after they have been deemed suitable does the major work begin. Reclaimed wood is often taken from old houses, so the environment may not be clean, but once the wood has been treated it is more than usable.

Myth number three: Reclaimed wood is not pretty

One look through our website will convince anyone of the sheer beauty of our reclaimed wood items, including our superb choice of living room furniture pieces. The wood that’s been used has a story to tell, and each piece has its own unique character. It may not feature the clean lines and sterile feel of brand new wood, but of course it’s not supposed to. Reclaimed wood is, in our opinion, utterly beautiful.

Myth number four: Reclaimed wood doesn’t need maintenance

Clearly this isn’t true at all. Every item of wooden furniture, including brand new wooden pieces, needs to be maintained. Wood, by its very nature, is strong, robust and can last for a lifetime and beyond, but only if it’s well looked after. Our rustic furniture will always look impressive if it’s maintained properly. If you purchase an English beam table, for example, from Modish Living you will receive information about proper care for the wood.

Myth number five: Reclaimed wood is poor quality

Our craftsmen select only top quality wood before creating heavenly pieces of furniture. Reclaimed wood is more dense than new wood because it has been allowed to grow naturally, and of course using reclaimed wood is better for the environment. It’s solid, dependable and extremely attractive.

Myth number six: Reclaimed wood makes a room look old

Reclaimed wood can be used to create many different styles, so it depends on how it is used. We supply many examples of iconic industrial furniture, for example, which use reclaimed wood to showcase modern styling. Of course, other themes such as rustic and contemporary can be created using reclaimed wood, so it’s worth remembering that it can be used to make rooms look old or new.

How to choose the TV cabinet of your dreams

We all enjoy a night in front of the TV at times, but your evening can be utterly wonderful if you choose a modern TV stand that matches your dreams. There are a number of styles to choose from, so whether you have a contemporary living room or you favourite rustic living room furniture, Modish Living have the perfect piece to add elegance to any quiet night in.

It’s important to measure the TV and other items, and perhaps to map out your project with sheets of newspaper before placing an order. Decide upon the location by placing newspapers on the floor to measure the space you have available if you would have to move around. You don’t want your sofa or footstool to be in the way when someone needs to go in front of the TV.

On the other hand, you don’t want your TV too close to your sofa, so by placing newspapers, you can simulate the location of your TV unit and how things will flow around it. Also, it will help you to determine the length and height of your TV unit, especially if you need a bespoke size for your living room.

You should also consider the need for storage space and shelving, perhaps to hold DVD players, satellite boxes and a veritable spaghetti junction of wiring. If you’re choosing a bespoke item such as the iconic Beam One Door Reclaimed Wood TV Stand, you can be flexible with size options.

Choose a size, choose a style… then choose a night in

The beautiful Beam Cube Reclaimed Wood TV Stand offers eye-catching design and a sumptuous finish. Reclaimed furniture has a style all of its own, and this is an example of solid wood furniture at its very best and full of character.

There has been a noticeable increase in the popularity of industrial furniture in recent years, in part because it allows for unique home designs that enable owners to put their own personal stamp on the design. The sublime Standford Industrial Reclaimed Wood TV Cabinet is an excellent example, with its clean lines and its use of solid steel legs to complement the reclaimed wood top.

If you’re looking for a wide cabinet with unique natural design, the Derby Reclaimed Wood TV Unit could be the one for your large living room. Farmhouse furniture is always popular, and the stunning Dorset Reclaimed Wood TV Stand is a particular favourite thanks to its distressed paint finish. Alternatively, why not explore the beauty of the new Soho Reclaimed Wooden TV Cabinet instead?

There’s so much choice, so by measuring your space and deciding on a style, you can take your TV viewing experience on to a whole new level.

Bring urban furniture into your living room and set a modern mood

Set a cool living room mood with urban furniture / Bring urban furniture into your living room and set a modern mood

The urban modern interior style is a fusion of contradictory, yet complementary design elements with a cosmopolitan and sophisticated heart set in a loft living cityscape. It’s an interior trend that transcends styles and with the right urban furniture you can create the same feel in your living room, whether you live in a contemporary apartment or a traditional house. Here, we take a look at the best type of urban living room furniture to help you bring this scheme to life.

Low sofa and Modern armchair combo

Minimalist with glamorous chic, this style has an edgy, experimental feel to its urban living room furniture. Expect large items of urban furniture dominating the living room landscape, but with a delightful low profile. Choose a low sofa and modern armchair that have a hint of the iconic Chesterfield but with sharp lines, metal detailing and a modern twist.

Create a sophisticated atmosphere with lighting

In any room, atmosphere is created first by lighting and then by decoration. Not forgetting that urban modern living is about adding a touch of glamour as much as it is about experimenting with something different. Why not pair urban furniture, such as an eye-catching mango wood side table with brass inlays and slim metal legs with a hanging pendant light or modern table lamp to add a touch of chic and elegance.

Another pendant light that will add appeal is a frame pendant, complete with decorative glass infills or for added impact, cluster pendant lights together. Floor lamps can also be used as practical embellishments to urban furniture. Think big and let your creative expression flow.

The best flooring solutions for urban living room furniture

For practical and budgetary reasons, most original loft living apartments styled the space with chic urban furniture on an original hard floor surface. Wall-to-wall carpets is not usually seen in this design, instead wooden, concrete or resin floors underfoot is favoured here. To soften a hard floor without losing its urban edge, add modern rugs to add tone and depth.

Choosing a rug in the right shape and size is important in any design scheme. For the chic modern living feel, choose a rug that throws the accent onto the urban furniture. Or, use it to add the edgy statement we mentioned earlier. Sticking with a muted colour palette, add a rug that makes a statement.

Embellishment and Accessories

Alongside the low sofa, the lighting and the rug, you need some practical urban furniture additions to make your modern living room both comfortable and joyous, such as a modern coffee table. Adopting natural materials is key – this industrial coffee table is the perfect urban living room furniture to bring the scheme together.

Fabrics, textures and throws should be used with caution – this type of space favours minimalism. However, these final touches are important in bringing any design together, especially when it comes to loft spaces filled with urban furniture. To prevent the living room feeling like a void or faceless space add a few accent cushions or barely there fabrics on the windows along with reclaimed wood furniture full of character and personality.

How to style your black Chesterfield sofa

Aviator Coffee Table styled with black chesterfield sofa in living room

What makes this such an appealing and pleasant living room?

The Chesterfield sofa is an iconic shape, a sign of decadence and luxury. The matching sideboard and coffee table fit perfectly within the scheme. The TV, although large, is not the centrepiece of the room. The armchair with lush, deep green upholstery adds another note of sophistication, the black lampshades and silver-edged accessories, including the mirror pulling the whole scheme together. Although the red flowers are the only red items in the room, the eye is not drawn to them immediately but to the gold-effect Roman numerals of the wall clock.

All in all, a pleasing effect, simple enough to recreate. But most of us struggle to make a space that is as harmonious and cohesive in design and appearance as this room.

So how do you get this glamorous, sophisticated look? We’ll show you how.

Black Leather Sofa

The centrepiece of the above living room is the brown leather chesterfield sofa. We are going to substitute it for an Italian leather sofa or, for added flair and glamour, the crushed velvet living room sofa from our range.

Both have an iconic, recognisable shape and delicious curves – let this shape sing in the room!

Black is a great colour to work with, mainly because it dovetails well with any other colour. However, bear in mind black accentuates other colours so a moderately bright pink cushion will be a very bright pink cushion. Dark colours will take on new depths, and pastel colours will look stronger too.

The Armchair

The armchair is this photo is a distinct colour to the sofa, great for breaking up the monotony of a colour scheme.

Depending on your colour scheme, you may want to choose a statement piece like this Cropwell Bartello Leather Jasper Wool Chair. Don’t be frightened to mix materials – this chair goes well with both the leather and brushed velvet sofa. Design your own armchair, by customizing mixing wool and leather of different colours.

Shop Cropwell Bartello Leather Jasper Wool Chair

For practicality and style, add this impossibly glamorous reclaimed wood round side table or for the industrial look, this reclaimed wood with metal frame side table is ideal. Reclaimed wood furniture works wonderfully in this setting.

Shop Luxe Kensington Reclaimed Wood Round Nest of Tables

If you don’t want to take the chance of introducing a coloured armchair for fear it will date, furniture such as this contemporary coffee table will surprise you with its versatility for sitting within any design scheme. The mirrored effect of this aviator-themed coffee table certainly adds glamour and appeal.

Lighting

The atmosphere in a room is important and it starts with the lighting, supported in its endeavours by the final choice of wall colour.

Don’t be frightened to add a mix of furniture accessories. This brass-based Martino table lamp works well with all contemporary living room furniture. Pendant lighting following similar lines and shape will also add atmosphere to a room.

Accessories and Colour

Once you have the ‘basics’ in the room, it can be tempting to add all kinds of cushions in various shapes and sizes, elegant and colourful drapes and window dressings, along with a rug or two.

But floor coverings and rugs should be neutral as like a light-coloured ceiling, a light floor helps to open up a room.

A mirror also helps to pull a room together, especially when you use more than one, using them as wall art too.

Creating a cohesive, glamorous space is about placing things together but not being ‘matchy-matchy’. It is about neutral floors and ceilings, lighting and the furniture and finally, wall colour. You too could have a beautiful living room, by just following the plan above, but with a black sofa – so how will you style yours?

Why your living room needs a mirror for impact

Golden Pebbles Wall Mirror in Living Room

There are some people who think the primary function of mirrors is nothing more than to provide an opportunity to check their hair or make-up, but of course, there is so much more to them than that. A carefully chosen, thoughtfully positioned and beautifully created reclaimed wood mirror can offer a stunning addition to any room design, so always be sure to select the right one for your needs.

One of the nicest things about mirrors is they can be placed almost anywhere in the room, and they will always enhance the overall look. It’s maybe best to avoid placing them on a wall beside windows, but apart from that you have free rein to go with your heart. Whether you go for a classic wall variety such as the Lily Wall Mirror or perhaps the free-standing Amalfi Mirror is of course entirely up to you.

Mirrors placed above the fireplace in a living room will always provide a focal point for all and will add a touch of class to any contemporary living room furniture collection. In larger rooms, two mirrors will enhance the overall look and will add to the sense of space. The important thing, as always, is to add your own touch to the room, so make it all as individual as you want.

Use your imagination, use your style and use your passion!

There’s nothing wrong with a room that has been laid out along familiar, classic lines, of course, but there’s also nothing wrong with creating a look that chooses to mismatch as a theme if it can be described as that! With so many different styles of a mirror on the market, finding one to match your desires is perhaps easier now than it has ever been.

A classic Chesterfield black sofa, or perhaps a brown leather sofa with matching armchairs, will provide a traditional look, but the rest of the room doesn’t have to reflect this if you’d rather add something a little more quirky. The wonderfully different Golden Pebbles Wall Mirror is attractive, practical and beautiful, and will augment any style of the room.

As with all items of furniture for living room locations, the mirror can make a great deal of impact, depending of course on the style and the placement. If you’re looking to make the room as light as possible, place the wall or free-standing mirror in an area which will reflect the light from windows, and always be ready to try various locations before making a final decision.

5 ideas for the under stairs space

In many homes, there is one part of it that is often forgotten about and under-utilised – the under the stairs space can be surprisingly large but awkward in shape to fit anything of real use there. This makes using it an awkward space to use, as well as style. However, with our under the stairs ideas, you could create a whole new space, perfect for all the family.

Create a Bar Area

If you entertain or just enjoy kicking back with a cocktail in hand, having a dedicated space to mix your drinks sounds almost too good to be true. Under the stairs space is the perfect spot. No matter how big or small the space is, it will easily accommodate a bar like this Standford Industrial Reclaimed Wood Bar Table – and finished with a couple of stylish bar stools or an industrial bench to perch on.

Create a Home Office

Working from home is increasing in popularity but space can be pressing in a busy house. An under the stairs office can be the ideal, distraction-free working space.

But don’t think this means working in a small, badly-lit ‘hole’. Our Office Desks offer the ideal solution. Made to measure and with a choice of finishes and options, you can create a stylish under the stairs work area, with everything that you need.

Create an Art Gallery and/or Relaxation Space

Fantastic wall art is not just for the hallway or the lounge. Sometimes, finding a quiet spot to meditate or to contemplate the bigger picture can be tough in a busy house. Creating your own ‘relaxing space’ using the space under the stairs is the obvious solution.

Contemporary art is, we think, simply beautiful, packed with colour and detail. For a quirky but not completely off-the-wall style, add different shapes and sizes of clocks that will add detail and depth without the drama.

Storage Heaven

If there is one thing that the modern home could do with more of, it is storage space.

With so many things needed to hand every day, finding the right storage solution seems to keep slipping through our fingers. Quite often, the issue is not just lack of space but solutions that allow us to store and access our things quickly and easily. And this is where our reclaimed wood storage chest comes in to its own. Beautifully and lovingly crafted from reclaimed wood, the dents, scratches and scuffs are all part of its unique story and history.

Shop Reclaimed Wooden Blanket Box

Thoroughly waxed by hand to give an even finish, this reclaimed wooden storage chest is versatile, fitting with most interior design scheme in your home but perfect, we think, for being an under the stairs storage gem.

The Reading Room

Reading is an activity many of us use to shut down the hubbub of the day, slowing our whirling minds from the reality of everyday life and transporting us to a land of infinite possibilities.

But again, with the TV on, people tap-tapping on tablets and smart phones, finding a space that is truly relaxing and perfect for reading the latest best seller is not always possible.

So how about squeezing in this Oswald 2 Seater Sofa Vintage Brown Leather under the stairs? Add a not-too-bright reading floor lamp and while away the hours with your favourite novelist and a chilled glass of wine.

How will you create your haven under the stairs?

How to style a sideboard to look at its best

Medium and large Reclaimed Wood Sideboard for living room

A sideboard really is a staple piece of furniture for dining rooms and living rooms offering both style and valuable storage space for all the items you want to keep tucked away. However, it also provides a perfect surface for the things that you do want on display like lamps and candle holders or for hanging canvas paintings and clocks above.

Which sideboard to choose?

With any large piece of furniture, white works beautifully to keep your space looking bright and open. In terms of colour, a white contemporary sideboard also offers a wonderful blank canvas for creating a contract against colour and other pieces of furniture. Go for all white furniture for a sleek, coordinated look or try a rustic reclaimed wooden sideboard for a more industrial look.

How to style a sideboard

The beauty of a sideboard, particularly a white one, is that it can be paired with whatever contemporary home decor your heart desires. Go for something simple or dramatic – either way, a sideboard is the perfect accompaniment to any room.

For a glamorous finish, add a stylish table lamp with a large luxurious shade. If you are looking for understated style, you can leave it there but you could also add more light by adding candle holders and tea lights.

There are also plenty of options for on the wall above your sideboard. A canvas painting or contemporary large clocks are a great choice to create a focal point in your room. A large wall clock is a great statement piece for any room. If you go for a white sideboard, a dark grey or black metal frame will create a stunning contrast and is bound to be a talking point – the perfect blend of classic and contemporary, industrial style.

Alternatively, a gorgeous canvas will look fantastic for a more classic look. Our collection of canvases come in a range of style and would look fantastic in any colour scheme. With a large sideboard, you could even place two smaller canvases side by side.

To find the perfect white sideboard for your living room or dining room, shop the sideboards collection at Modish Living or get in touch with our team.

How to choose the perfect modern armchair for your living room

There is nothing quite like unwinding after a long day by relaxing in a comfy armchair in the living room. But getting the right armchair takes more than just choosing luxury seating based on looks alone. There are other factors that come in to play, especially with modern armchairs.

Purpose

It seems odd to start with purpose because surely, an armchair is to sit in?

Of course it is but the armchair serves an additional function in a contemporary living room. Consider, if you will, your lounge in a cold, dark winter’s evening. The fire is ablaze, and you and your partner are sitting enjoying each other’s company, a good book and the heat of the fire – so why not have two armchairs on either side of the fire?

These Oswald Armchairs are perfect for fireside in the winter, and next to a vast window to enjoy the summer sunshine too.

Space and Measurements

Our eyes and memory can deceive us, especially when we choose an item of modern living room furniture as important as an armchair – we can think that the space is bigger or smaller than it is. The problem with this is that the dimensions of the chosen armchair once in the space can look too big, too cumbersome, too small, too insignificant.

Before you go on the hunt for the perfect armchair, measure the space where the armchair will be. When you find the armchair, use the dimensions of it to create an outline on the floor – does it look too big or small, or just right?

Choose the Fabric

Next is fabric, and this is essentially linked to the style of your interior, as much as it is to your likes and dislikes. Leather is a natural material that takes minimal effort to keep clean and supple. Fabric can add colour, depth and texture to a space. Or, you may prefer the best of both worlds and opt for a bespoke armchair design which mixes your choice of leather and fabric – paired with modern rugs, this can look fantastic.

The Chesterfield shape is iconic, associated with sofas but also available in a comfortable armchair. We can create a truly bespoke Chesterfield designed armchair, complete with your choice of leather and tweed.

Choose the Style

Style is, of course, important. We have already mentioned the iconic Chesterfield design but there are others.

There is a style of armchair that will fit your interior design style perfectly.

Leather tub chairs are also popular. If you have trouble choosing – and who doesn’t? – you will be pleased to know that there is no interior design rule that stipulates you can only have one colour leather or fabric, or have to make the choice between leather or fabric when it comes to armchairs.

Try for Comfort

You wouldn’t buy a mattress without testing it for comfort, even if it is only for a few minutes. The same can be said for both armchairs and sofas.

Why not make an appointment and sample the comfort levels of our stylish modern armchairs?

Our latest obsession: clever storage ideas

Zinc Top Aldsworth Outdoor Storage Box for garden tools and furniture

We’ve all been there – scrambling around to hide clutter and mess when unexpected visitors call. And how times have you felt like tearing your hair out when it seems there is nowhere to put (hide!) anything? This is why clever storage ideas are our latest obsession – because the right containers, offering the right solutions in the best style for the space are essential.

We find the most effective storage solutions lay in pairing the right type of storage furniture to the items that need to be contained – and that means taking a room by room approach. But, as you would expect, no matter what option suits you best, it should always be stylish as well as practical.

Hallway storage ideas

Shoes, boots, wellies, coats, hats, scarves, umbrellas… there are a plethora of things that need to be on hand yet stored away in the hallway. With so much already going on, it’s hard to know which storage option to plump for to minimise the clutter.

We have a collection of clever storage ideas solutions in the form of chic, rustic and quality rattan furniture such as the Rattan May Wooden Storage units with rattan drawers – super handy for separating family things to help that morning school and work routine run more smoothly. Another fantastic storage solution for the hallway is to add a rustic style Winchester wooden trunk, perfect for throwing in shoes and bags to keep the hallway clutter-free.

Bedroom storage ideas

Again, there are several items that routinely need storing in the bedroom that you need quick and easy access to from time to time, but you don’t want cluttering the space, especially if you’re looking for small bedroom storage ideas.

Anything from blankets and bed linen to towels and even clothes can be stored in this stylish wooden blanket box. Crafted in solid reclaimed wood and chunky in style and appearance, there is a satisfying quality to reclaimed furniture, and what’s more, high quality wooden bedroom furniture that will last a lifetime is the best investment you can truly make.

Living room storage ideas

The living room is the place where you go with visitors and guests to relax and enjoy each others company and so storage solutions in here need to be both practical and stylish. If you love the warm and welcoming qualities of the modern rustic style – plenty of wood and exposed brickwork, beams etc. – then rustic furniture with a modern edge, such as contemporary coffee tables will fit into your design scheme beautifully.

The Farringdon range of reclaimed wood furniture also offers storage perfection. The reclaimed wood coffee table is the perfect platform for drinks and nibbles, whilst having spacious drawers for all kinds of clutter to be thrown into and hidden from view – it’s great for storing the remote controls, drink coasters and magazines too.

Garden storage ideas

The outdoor space of your home should not be overlooked and has much paraphernalia that needs to kept tidily away both during the summer and winter. Whether you’ve been lounging on your rattan outdoor chairs or busying yourself with the bedding plants, you are no doubt looking for garden storage ideas beyond a shed.

An outdoor storage box crafted in faux rattan is an ideal solution. Weather can damage outdoor furniture even those made from the hardiest of plastic, metals and wood, but a faux rattan cushion storage box is hardy and can cater for much more than just cushions. Gardening gloves or smaller gardening implements like a hand trowel can be safely stored so you know exactly where to find them when the time arrives.

Storage doesn’t have to be boring – take a look at our range of stylish storage furniture options available and have your home clutter free and stylish in no time!