Bank on Branches for Beautiful Furniture

My husband and I made an ill-considered and somewhat disastrous move from the city to the country when we were 45 and going through a midlife crisis. The only happy things about it were the chickens in our backyard and the abundance of fabulous twigs that blanketed our acreage.

One day Mike wandered into the back 40 with his pocket knife, and before I knew it we had an intricate, rustic and elegant headboard that he had formed from both single and bundled twigs. It made me very happy, and started my love affair with twigs.

Native American leader Tecumseh said, “A single twig breaks, but the bundle of twigs is strong.” This quotation absolutely applies to furniture, which derives whimsy and appeal from the use of both individual and clumped twigs. Adding branches introduces yet another dimension and another layer of rusticity. The single twigs lighten the look of this welcoming chair, while the branch legs of the table lend a “Don’t worry, I won’t break” sense of solidity.


Painted twigs give this enticing four-poster bed such a romantic aura. Again, the mix of twigs and branches is critical to the magic.


I want to know how they did this! Are the bushlets at the top of each post real? If I were a bird, I would want to nest in them. This bed exhibits a great choice of branches and such a wonderful mix of angular and straight pieces. Well done indeed.


Twigs do not always speak in a rustic voice. These twigs have been carefully selected for their almost identical shape and size, for a modern, clean yet still organic result.


Is it obvious yet that I desperately miss my twig bed? Worse yet, I can’t remember what we did with it when we abandoned country life. Using entire trees created a simply dazzling bed frame in this room, with its soaring ceilings. I’m in love.


Here one simple branch creates the illusion of a headboard, with remarkable understatement.


And don’t forget the kids’ bunk beds! Really, how cool are these?


Moving on to bathrooms: The flat panels on this vanity’s Shaker-style doors have been created out of twig inserts, lending much natural interest and texture. The twiggy branch arching above, with its crooked shape, adds tremendous visual allure.


Here’s another twig vanity, but this one is a totally different iteration, built entirely from linear twigs. Twigs have also been applied to the wall, to great effect.


Can you say, “Twigs on steroids”? Can’t help myself — I love it.


Lots of other furniture pieces respond well to being constructed from twigs and branches. Like this console table …


… and these twig bar stools …


… and these tables, so cleverly crafted and so smartly used in triplicate.


Is this twig furniture? Absolutely! And what a wonderful and inventive interpretation of a nightstand/console table. (And proof that twig furniture doesn’t always have to look country.)

Now, if you are ready to tackle building your own twig pieces, here are some hints from my long-suffering husband, who, when asked how he built our headboard (and our willow gate, and our willow fences), said, “You do remember that was 20 years ago, right?”

But here’s his advice: Twigs are readily available, but they will need some cleanup before you invite them home. A wire brush works well to dislodge moss, loose bark and any lingering wildlife. Because twigs are irregular and round, not square, you will need to be comfortable with imperfections. They can be nailed together or tied with twine, leather or even rope. Mike says glue is also a helpful fastening medium.

Have fun with your twig project, and stay tuned for future ideabooks on how to use twigs as indoor architecture, art and lighting.

More: 10 Ways to Get the Modern Rustic Farmhouse Look

URL: Bank on Branches for Beautiful Furniture http://www.decor-ideas.org/cases-view-id-23854.html