Live-edge handcrafted furniture is a growing trend amongst decorators and homeowners. Now, more designers use this new form of design to create pieces that stand out from the rest, from handcrafted wood end tables to dining sets. In this article, we will discuss six things to know about live-edge handcrafted furniture so you can confidently buy pieces for your home or office.
What Is Live-Edge Furniture?
Live-edge furniture is a type of furniture that features an exposed natural edge on one or more sides of the piece. This means that the raw wood is left untouched, giving each piece its unique look and feel. The live-edge trend has grown in popularity in recent years as people become more interested in buying handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces. Another point: while there can be antique live-edge furniture, not all live-edge furniture is antique. Carpenters make live-edge pieces from fresh, untreated wood. Another type is reclaimed wood furniture, which they make from previously used wood, so it often has a more distressed look and feel. As a side note, live-edge furniture is typically more affordable than antique furniture but looks just as good.
Shopping for and Owning Live-Edge Handcrafted Furniture
Here are six things to know about live-edge handcrafted furniture while shopping:
- Live-edge furniture is unique and one-of-a-kind, so there is no guarantee you will find the same piece twice. The exposed natural edge can be a beautiful feature of the furniture, but it also means the wood is vulnerable to damage. Be sure to keep this in mind when choosing where to place your furniture.
- Live-edge furniture is typically more affordable than antique furniture. However, because each piece is handmade, the price may vary depending on the size and complexity of the design.
- Live-edge furniture is typically made from untreated wood, so it is essential to keep it away from moisture and direct sunlight to avoid damage. Untreated lumber can also be susceptible to pests, so be sure to inspect your furniture for any signs of infestation before purchasing. Some live-edge furniture pieces may not be suitable for everyday use. Be sure to read the product description carefully to determine whether the piece is meant for indoor or outdoor use.
- Not all live-edge furniture is created equal. Be sure to inspect the quality of the craftsmanship before purchasing a piece. Poorly-made furniture may not be as durable as higher-quality pieces.
- Like with any wood furniture, you should look after live-edge furniture and protect it from humidity and other things that can damage wood. Invest in microfiber cloths to keep it clean and ask the seller for advice on the best care for your furniture.
- Although live-edge furniture is becoming more popular, it is still a relatively new trend. As such, there may be limited options available when shopping for pieces. Be patient and keep an open mind while searching for the perfect piece of furniture!