New bedroom arrivals to fall in love with

Chelwood Reclaimed Wood Bed collection including reclaimed wood bed frame

Adding a new range to our reclaimed wood furniture collections is always an exciting time, something we will never tire of! As we welcome the Onslow Bedroom Collection, you can imagine just how excited we feel about it – and once you see it, you’ll feel the same too!

With clean lines, a light wood finish and beautiful rounded textures, the simplicity of the collection belies its beauty. There is a nod to the Scandinavian furniture style, just as there is a natural rustic and modern farmhouse appeal about the pieces too. In other words, it has a style of its own, perfect for any bedroom.

Starting with the bedframe

The Onslow king size wooden bed frame is certainly one to take a closer look at. Made from beautifully crafted reclaimed wood, the tall headboard of the reclaimed wood bed frame gives it a presence in a room without being overly imposing. The beautiful knots and grooves in the reclaimed wood give it an air of romance too, something that is strong throughout the entire collection.

Moving on to the bedside table

The bedside table with both drawer and shelf is a desirable piece of rustic furniture for the bedroom. The perfect companion to the bedframe, this small bedside table is mighty in the storage space that it offers.

A Chest of drawers suitable for every bedroom

We know that bedrooms come in all shapes and sizes, which is why we always offer different sizes of chest of drawers. There are three options in this range so you have a choice from which choose, meaning you make the best of the space in your bedroom.

 

The lithe dimensions of the the six-drawer large chest of drawers not only solves many storage solutions in one, but makes quite the impression. Likewise, the smaller chest of drawers in this collection is a welcome addition too. Perfect for the master bedroom, this set of three drawers would also be ideal for a teenagers bedroom, the guest room and the nursery too.

Not forgetting the wondrous wardrobe and beautiful blanket box

A restful and clutter free bedroom is what we all desire and this can only be achieved with stylish storage. No bedroom is complete without a wardrobe and the reclaimed wood wardrobe in the Onslow Bedroom collection will inject instant warmth to a room. Standing 195cm, it has height and grandeur, something that we have come to expect from a bedroom wardrobe.

But it doesn’t tower above you or swallow too much space or light in the bedroom, two things that are often a concern when creating the perfect bedroom. There is an abundance of hanging space, however. And with a drawer for extra storage, this is a truly versatile wardrobe for any bedroom.

And finally – but by no means least – is the reclaimed wood blanket box. Beautifully crafted, this rustic wooden blanket box is a treasure to behold, and the ideal storage spot for blankets, cushions and all your bedroom linens. It also makes a lovely spot to sit before you start your day.

A delight from top to bottom

Every piece in the collection features sleek black steel A-frame legs, ideal for many reasons but especially if your bedroom is on the small side. The legs optimise the feeling of space allowing the eye to wander across the room unhindered.

There is a presence to the Onslow Reclaimed Wood Bedroom Collection that is both subtle and elegant, as well as being versatile and practical. A truly beautiful collection of rustic and Scandinavian furniture for the bedroom.

A Match Made in Heaven

Mathematical calculation drawn in the sand for love

One plus one equals heart written in the sand

With Valentine’s day near, it can mean only one thing – love is in the air! And for us, that means celebrating the partnerships that stick together through thick and thin. In the world of furniture, there are many and our love for them is as strong as ever…

Armchair and side table

Is there anything better than sinking into the warm folds of an armchair after a long day or when you need to escape real life for a while? We think not, which is why the partnership between armchair and small side table is as strong as ever.

For an armchair to be truly useful, it needs its trusty sidekick of a side table or if space allows, a rustic coffee table to perch your feet, coffee cup or wine glass. One ties in with the other…

Dining table and chairs

… which is exactly how the companionship between a reclaimed wood dining table and chairs can be described. Both have their uses separately but they are better together. Whether you opt for wooden dining chairs or the plush fabrics of upholstered dining chairs, the chemistry between both is the ultimate love affair.

Wooden trestle table with cream fabric dining chairs

Bed and bedside table

No matter the dimensions of your reclaimed wood bed frame, without a bedside table it offers little apart from a place to lay your head. Taking care of everything from your alarm clock to bedside table lamp, this small but mighty piece of bedroom furniture has one of the biggest hearts and is a must in any bedroom. There is an undeniable connection between the bed and bedside table that is set to last for all eternity.

Kitchen island and pendant light

No man is an island, a saying that shows we all need some kind of emotional connection in our lives. The same could be said of the kitchen island and the relationship between it and the hanging pendant light. Casting light where there is shadow is its number one priority and catching the light when it falls is the kitchen island’s job. When you are working, eating or sitting at the kitchen island, you need light, something that our stylish pendant ceiling lights offer. The only problem is deciding which one…

Breakfast bar with glass kitchen pendant lights

Console table and mirror

Another couple that every could benefit from having it its life is the console table and mirror. Commonly found in the hallway, this must-have combination is so stylishly versatile it can lend itself to anywhere in the home. The slimline features of a narrow console table give it an elegant style and with handy storage solutions combined, it’s no wonder so many of us choose to have one in the home.

And with a mirror hanging above it, reflecting light in what can sometimes be a small space, you see how the two personalities complement each other.

Coffee table and rug

Both have a streak of independence but that makes their partnership even more wonderful. The rug provides the colourful, patterned platform that the coffee table needs to shine. And if there is one thing that makes any relationship a success, it is the mutual support that one offers the other.

Velvet armchair and sofa with reclaimed wood coffee table

Spread the love if you can you think of other furniture combinations that are perfect together.

What Dining Room Table Shape Should You Choose?

Rustic dining table and chairs with white soup bowl

Woman eating at wooden table

The dining table is a piece of furniture that will be in your home for years. It will be the place where homework is completed, where meals are shared and where family meetings take place. Getting the right one is, therefore, of paramount importance. As well as style and size, you also need to consider shape. So which shape of dining room table is right for you?

The shapes of dining tables

There are four shapes from which you can choose – oval or round, square or rectangular, with all offering something different.

The round dining table

If it is inclusiveness you want, then the round kitchen table could be the perfect option. No matter how big or small the round dining table, you can see everyone sat around it.

There is also no ‘head of the table’, something that you may decide is important. In fact, in boardrooms, negotiations often flow better around a round table which is why many people opt for the circular shape.

There is also one other benefit to opting for a round dining table and that is space. It affords plenty of dining space but doesn’t swamp the room.

The oval dining table

Another great and sociable shape is the oval dining table. Effectively, a circle has been stretched between two points to create a shape that is wide at its middle, but less so at either end.

Like its cousin the round table, this shape is perfect if you prefer a friendly and all-inclusive dining space.

There is also an elegance to this shape that marks it out as something different. In a formal dining room setting, it has a splendour all of its own. It can also work in the kitchen diner, especially as its shape makes the best use of space too.

Having said that, many oval dining tables tend to have generous proportions, so take care not to swamp a small space or room. If you want a statement dining table, the oval shape ticks both of this box.

The square dining table

Simple, elegant, functional – there are so many ways that the square dining table could be described. Its sharp corners and pleasing angular shape makes it perfect for ‘fitting’ into a space.

For example, if you want the table to sit against a wall, the square shape is the better option. Its symmetrical qualities are not its only selling point, either. Available in a range of sizes, you can have a small square dining table in the kitchen/diner that still offers plenty of dining space.

Again, they are available in a range of styles and sizes. Pair with detailed and sumptuous dining chairs and you have a dining table that offers everything that you need.

The rectangular dining table

The stretched version of the square table, the rectangular dining table is a popular choice. You could choose a modern dining table in the kitchen or industrial dining table in the formal dining room. Whatever your choice of style, it delivers.

The beauty of this shape is that as well as opting for dining chairs, you can also opt for a dining bench along the longer sides, great for squeezing in guests at an impromptu gathering.

With a range of leg options, you can emphasise the space you have available too. There are smaller versions as well as extendable dining tables that afford more flexibility.

Have you made your choice? Which reclaimed wood dining table from our range would fit best in your dining room?

Top tips to add character to a new kitchen

A white and sleek kitchen with light wooden flooring

A new contemporary kitchen is a wonderful thing to behold. Smooth, clean surfaces, gleaming tiles and backsplash… but there is something missing. As beautiful as it may be, if your new kitchen is lacking character, it can feel soulless. Here’s how to add that little extra something to your fabulous new kitchen.

White kitchen with wooden stools

1 Add a plant or two

Any room, from the kitchen to the hallway, is given an immediate uplift when a plant is added. Clearly, in the kitchen, you’ll need to add a variety of plants that enjoy heat, so opt for evergreen plants, such as Aloe Vera (also great for the bathroom). These types of plants flourish without too much fuss and care, apart from the occasional watering. Place one on a reclaimed wood dining table as a centrepiece, or on the windowsill.

2 Layer the kitchen lighting

We often see the kitchen as being only a functional space but in truth, it is an important room with a variety of functions. This is especially true if you have opted for a kitchen/diner.

Layering lighting in the kitchen needs as much considering as it does in any other room. That means as well as bright lights that you can work under, you could choose softer lighting, such kitchen pendant lighting hanging above the kitchen table and chairs, for when you are eating or entertaining. Different light levels can also be important, as the kitchen table is often the place that homework is done and other important work. A rattan pendant light might help to add texture too.

3 Add wood accents with freestanding kitchen furniture

Pale reclaimed wood dresser with hanging plant

When designing your new kitchen, you may have assumed that the more everything is fitted and streamlined, the better. Whilst in some kitchen spaces this is the better option, if you have a larger kitchen, freestanding furniture can be a workable alternative. Consider reclaimed wood furniture as a contrast to the modern kitchen design.

From a large kitchen sideboard to a wooden kitchen dresser unit, adding freestanding kitchen furniture that complements the overall design will be simply perfect.

4 Make a feature of the dining table

A kitchen/diner is a popular choice and that means the kitchen table becomes the focus of attention with style being the main ingredient. For example, a rustic dining table is not only functional but stylistically dramatic. Team this with functional and equally dramatic rustic styled chairs and you have an immediate focal point.

White farmhouse dining chairs with upholstered seat

5 Add pattern and colour

The easiest way to lift any room is to add hints of colour and pattern. Colour brings a homely feel to the space and pattern is perfect for giving it a lift.

Choices of both depend on the style you have chosen for the kitchen. Popular pattern choices can work well with most styles but with some, you need to make careful choices. Choose a neutral and muted palette for the industrial and Scandinavian styles, sticking with natural colours for the farmhouse style. For a modern look, any colour and pattern will work although geometric patterns are on-trend.

Make it YOURS!

An important room, you will spend a lot of your time in the kitchen, cooking and eating with family and friends. In our drive for style, we can sometimes leave out the important things – us. And so those small personal effects, such as photographs and your children’s paintings are never out of place, even in your new contemporary kitchen.

Live, laugh, love print with pom pom garland

How To Avoid the Floordrobe Effect

A rustic wooden bed with a matching bedside table and a table mirror

The floordrobe, the piling of clothes on the floor and in other areas of the bedroom, is more common than you think. And it is not just a phenomenon on the teenager’s bedroom either. Poor storage solutions and inaccessible storage solutions are the cruces of the problem so how can you stop this happening? Just what are the solutions?

Introduce a bedroom chair

If you research the original bedroom chairs, you will notice that they are far smaller than a ‘normal’ chair. A small armchair can be more easily accommodated in the bedroom whilst still being of use.

A brown leather club chair

Don’t opt for a larger armchair as it will immediately become a dumping ground for clothes, despite your best intentions.

Make use of under bed storage

Easy storage solutions mean that you are more likely to stop storing clothes on the floor because you are able to reach and use the drawers quickly and easily.

A reclaimed wood bed with white bedding

Our Beam wood bed is possibly one of the most beautiful pieces of reclaimed wood furniture that you would come across. As well as being beautifully stylish with a strong rustic tone, it also comes with optional under bed storage drawers. From bedlinen to clothing, under bed drawers can be the tool that solves your floordrobe problem.

Hooks can work too

Not overcomplicating storage solutions is key. If there is one tool that is the simplest yet most practical of them all, it is the humble hook.

Hooks on backs of doors, a hook on the wall in different places in the bedroom and even a hook or two on the back of a wardrobe door can work wonders for keeping that the pesky pile of clothes off the floor.

Don’t dismiss shelving

Again, the simplest solutions can be the most effective. Reclaimed wood shelves in the bedroom in the shape of a bookcase or display unit can be useful for everything from hats to shoes, books and more.

An industrial style reclaimed wood bookcase

But – and this the only the caveat – whilst shelving can be useful, it can look cluttered, becoming an essentially different place for things to gather. Keep an eye on the styling and don’t let it become a place where useless and unused things gather.

Easy storage with a blanket box

The blanket box or blanket chest was an automatic staple of the bedroom at one time but as bedrooms decreased in size, it became a casualty.

A reclaimed wood blanket box in white paint with a green plant on top

But now, we are looking again to the versatility of the wooden blanket box. And for those of us who have an unfortunate habit of making use of the floordrobe, the wooden blanket box is perfect because all you need to do is open the lid, put things in and close the lid. Can you get any simpler than that?

Go for an open wardrobe

The open wardrobe can also be a wonderful addition to the bedroom. As well as being an uber-stylish solution, for those who struggle with hanging clothes or don’t have the patience to do so, this wardrobe is the easy to access piece that you need.

An open wardrobe made of oak

With a shelf for shoes and jumpers, this minimal piece with a welcome Scandinavian edge is ideal, no matter how big or small your bedroom.

Top tips to bring Classic Blue into your Bedroom

Reclaimed wooden beam bed with classic blue bedding and a blue rug

A reclaimed wooden bed with blue bedding, a blue recycled glass lamp, a blue rug and blue linen

As we head into a new year and a new decade, Pantone has released its Colour of the Year 2020. This year, it is luring us into a world of relaxation with a subtle hint of drama in the shape of Classic Blue. It’s a beautiful shade and one that has a place in every room, but for the bedroom, it is simply sublime.

How to use Pantone’s Classic Blue in the bedroom

Blue has a natural cool undertone, one reason why it is so popular. But this year’s colour of the year is a darker, dramatic shade and yet there is something tranquil about the hue too. If you are a fan of blue and what it brings to your home, then you will love this shade.

1 Team it with the rustic style

A blue recycled glass lamp on top of a rustic wooden bedside table in a bedroom

If there is one style that this colour suits it is the rustic furniture style. As a style, there is an elegance to it that makes it ideal for the bedroom. Essentially, you want to create a relaxed, luxurious backdrop to your bedroom, a calming space where you can unwind at the end of the day.

Classic Blue has the level of warmth you need but if you feel it will be too overpowering on the walls, add main accessories using this colour. For example, a rustic reclaimed wood bed frame with dark blue bedding would welcome your tired self at the end of the day. The dark blue shade of the recycled glass bedside lamp would also slot right into the rustic bedroom scheme and would look at home on other bedroom reclaimed wood furniture too.

2 Works with the Scandi and Nordic styles too

On one hand, you want the drama of this beautiful shade, but you’re worried it will feel too dark or oppressive.

A Scandi style living room with a grey sofa, wooden coffee table and blue wall

The solution if you want the darker shades on the walls is to opt for lighter coloured wood furniture.

The Scandinavian and Nordic styles are ideal. Both are similar with only the smallest of differences between the two.

As well as a lighter coloured wood, Scandinavian and Nordic style furniture tends to be lighter in silhouette too. And so whilst rustic reclaimed wood furniture for the bedroom has a decisive and ‘present’ style, the leaner silhouette of these two styles lend themselves very well to creating a fresh, contemporary feel with all the warmth and cosines you want in a bedroom.

Against the backdrop of Classic Blue walls, opt for light oak bedroom furniture, including an opulent king size wooden bed frame. Opt for lighter shades of blue or grey bedlinen, perfect for complementing the wall colour with a layer of texture and cosiness.

It’s important to match the litheness of Scandi and Nordic style furniture in accessories too. And so a beautiful rattan pendant light would be ideal, along with lighter shades on bedside table lamps.

3 Layering is essential

A Louis De Poortere rug in a blue ombre pattern

Classic Blue lends itself to any style and no matter which you choose, it will be sure to work. But don’t forget to lift the room by adding texture, as well as colour. A bedroom rug is more or less essential in our style bible. A blue rug will bring cohesion and balance to the space, giving the room the ‘border’ and emphasis it needs. Opt for one large enough to frame the bed frame or opt for two smaller, identical rugs either side of the bed.

Wood Trends – Discover latest Textures & Styles

Rattan chairs positioned around wooden stools and tables in a bohemian cafe

Wooden furniture has been around for so long, that we could all fail at times to recognise its real beauty. Wood is a versatile material and can be made into so many different shapes and styles of furniture that there is a different texture, finish and style for every room in the home and any design style. Let’s take a look at what is trending in the world of wood right now…

Geometric heaven

A large geometric sideboard made from reclaimed elm

Top of our list is the texture and pattern that can be created with wood, including timbers used in reclaimed wood furniture. The geometric shapes included in the reclaimed elm large sideboard from the Glasgow Collection, for example, showcases the true versatility of wood but also the warmth and detailing it brings to a room. What stories could this piece of reclaimed wood furniture tell?

The elegance of parquet

An oval, industrial dining table with spider legs

Who would have thought that rectangular wooden tiles laid in a fishbone pattern could be so elegant and, in the 21st century, coveted by so many? Oozing sophistication, the parquet design can be used to good effect on tabletops such as an oval dining table and a reclaimed oak coffee table.

The beauty of rattan

A bohemian dining chair made of rattan with black, industrial legs

Rattan, like wood, is a natural material, taken from fast-growing vines in countries with tropical climates. Once cut and dried, the strips are incredibly strong, more so when woven together. Some people consider rattan a ‘wood’ or a timber because it has the strength and versatility of wood. As well as rattan dining chairs, it can also be used in light shades too, perfect for a pendant light over a reclaimed wood dining table.

Texture and warmth

A reclaimed wood bed with blue and grey bedding

A smooth surface is delightful and the less polished texture of the rustic styles are equally as appealing and popular. But when you want to ‘lift’ a piece of furniture so that it stands out from the rest of the room, texture is the means by which you can do it. The panels created by wood and exquisite craftsmanship on the head and footboard of a reclaimed wood bed, for example, are perfection as too, is the texture of such as a reclaimed wood sideboard. As well as the grain, there is the dimples and scarring of its previous life to add to the overall appeal.

A 3D effect

A large squared sideboard made from rustic oak

Building on the idea of panels and textures is when the wood itself is worked so that it has a raised, three-dimensional effect. The beauty of this is shown to its maximum in the large oak industrial sideboard from the Mitcham Collection. Ever popular, it is the panelled details that make this piece a really ‘stand out’ piece of furniture for the dining room, the living room or even the hallway.

Curved edges

A Scandi style oak dining table with matching benches

Corners and angles don’t have to be sharp. In fact, a curved edge is so much friendlier and brings more than a hint of refinement to any wooden piece. From the oak dining table to the oak carver dining chairs to a hallway bench, these pieces are perfect for any home but, if you enjoy the simplicity and warmth of the Scandinavian or Nordic style, these are a must.

And, on top of all this, you have different timbers giving different colours, from dramatic dark furniture to light oak and elm. Our world would be so much less vibrant without wood, wouldn’t you agree?

5 Brilliant Need-to-Knows about Reclaimed Wood

A reclaimed wooden coffee table with bowls of food and a plant

A wooden dining table with plates and food on top and wooden dining chairs around

We have been using wood for hundreds of thousands of years. Even before early man discovered fire we were using wood to make tools, implements and weapons and our long love affair with this magnificent material is as strong as ever.

Despite modern breakthroughs, wood is still considered the most versatile and beautiful of materials for making furniture. Resilient and adaptable, it can have multiple lifetimes and although you can use any type to make furniture, not all woods are equal. In fact, every piece is different, which is why we love it so much, but that does mean it’s important to understand all of its amazing intricacies to make sure you choose the right furniture for you.

This is why we’ve put together our Top 5 brilliant need-to-knows about reclaimed wood.

HAPPY HISTORIES – AGING GRACEFULLY

If only wood could talk, what stories it could tell! You can’t beat the history reclaimed wood furniture brings. Reclaimed wood is experienced, grounded and wise – qualities that are as invaluable in furniture making as they are in life. Some wood can be as old as 200 years and still look better than its younger counterparts!

An old wooden door with a brown padlock

YOU OLD CHARMER – FULL OF CHARACTER

One of the things that we like most about reclaimed wood is that it is full of character, and by character, we mean imperfections. Much of this comes from its age and history – nail holes, bolt holes, bug holes, staining, open knots and even scratches We love the process of finding ways to use reclaimed wood to create unique furniture and give it a new story to tell. For example, old scaffolding boards with tall stories crafted into a modern office desk ready for a new and very different career ahead.

Scaffolding boards

EACH DIFFERENT, EACH UNIQUE

Reclaimed wood furniture is genuine and comfortable in its own skin. It has evolved over the years to become what you see today and its proud of how it looks. And just like us, no two beams, planks or boards are exactly alike. We love this about reclaimed wood and think it adds to the excitement of buying a reclaimed wood dining table or reclaimed wood bed frame, but it does come with its surprises. Those wonderful cracks, nail holes, knots and tones differ from wood to wood and furniture to furniture, so when you’re buying reclaimed wood furniture you need to be prepared to expect the unexpected. There will be slight differences in tone and texture, all of which add to its individuality. If you’re looking for furniture with personality, warmth and one that will keep improving with age, you’ve found a friend for life in reclaimed wood.

Two cups of coffee on top of a reclaimed wooden surface

SUSTAINABILITY – GREEN IS THE NEW BLACK

As we become more socially and environmentally conscious, sustainability is becoming a key driver when it comes to home furniture. Reclaimed wood will not only make your home beautiful, it will benefit the planet and help you stay the right shade of green as it’s, by default, recycled and repurposed. It also preserves natural resources by reducing the need for logging; less trees being cut down equals more time to grow. Go on, give it a hug.

A wooden bridge in a green forest

REMEMBER, IT’S ALIVE!

Even after wood has been cut down and turned into furniture, it continues to be a living, breathing matter that responds to its environment just like a tree in the forest. It expands and contracts with changes in humidity, and can also change colour over time as it’s exposed to air and sunlight.

Trees in a green forest

Enrich Your Workspace With Biophilic Design

A man sitting by a wooden desk typing on a laptop with a green plant in the background

Biophilia is the “love of life and living things”, referring specifically to the connection humans often feel with nature. Many experts believe that when we nurture our connection with the outdoors, our creative self is enhanced. And that’s why getting to grips with biophilic design will reap rewards in your workspace.

Whether you work from home at an industrial desk or from your office in a corporate building, introducing elements of nature will help you. But how?

1 Introduce live and artificial plants

Man sitting at a dark wooden desk with a laptop and a cluster of houseplants and flowers

As you would expect, top of the list is the introduction of plants to the office space. We’ve long known the benefits of adding plants to a room, many of which are true for the work and office space too.

Real plants can help purify the air and also add a pleasant scent to a space too. Plants also make a space look welcoming and the great news is, you can opt for artificial plants too.

Top tip – simply clustering plants on a wooden table in the office or adding a plant to your reclaimed wood desk will add an instant welcome note of biophilic design.

2 Make the most of daylight

A laptop on top of a office desk with a white desk lamp and a green plant

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a real complaint that many of us suffer from at times during the drab winter months. But it can also affect us when we are shielded from natural daylight at other times of the year.

Natural daylight is a softer light for the eyes to process and so maximising this is an important part of biophilic office design.

What you don’t want, however, is harsh sunlight that makes you squint and drains the colour from everything with its harshness.

Top tip – maximise daylight in your office space by choosing office furniture that reflects light around, as well as metallic finishes that are stylish and reflective. As well as desk lamps, consider pendant lighting for darker areas.

3 Choose natural colour schemes

A bouquet of yellow flowers in a mason jar on top of a rustic wooden surface

Decorating the office with colours we find in nature that soothe and calm are perfect for firing up our underlying creativity.

As well as muted greens, consider light blue for notes of the sea or pale yellow to bring the feeling of warmth. Avoid dark hues and shades that swallow natural light as they can also be too brash and jar the senses.

Top tip – this design is all about maximising comfort and so opting for office furniture that supports and enables your creative flow is just as important too. From choosing ergonomic office desks and storage solutions to choosing the best office chair, this design embraces the ideals of how nature supports our wellbeing in every sense.

4 Use natural materials

Books and a vase with eucalyptus on top of a rustic wooden surface

Using natural materials is especially important. Reclaimed wood furniture is ideal within a biophilic designed office, for example. Repurposing hardwood such as English oak beams and fashioning into desks and sideboards is ideal for supporting your endeavours to create a welcoming and productive office space.

Top tip – as well as the industrial style, consider rustic furniture for the office space too, including reception areas and meeting rooms as this style has very close ties with nature.