Guest Picks: Reclaimed Wood Pieces Full of Character
In the movies the things that always expose the nouveau riche as not being “old money” are brand-new clothing and houses full of shiny new furniture. Having things that show wear gives an air of their having been handed down over time. If everything is new, it means there was nothing of value to be inherited. So in the old days, the wise person pretending to be rich bought antiques that passed for family heirlooms and wore riding clothes that were a bit shabby. That is one of the many lessons I have learned from watching movies from the ’40s.
The other thing I learned is that it is fun to say something dramatic while turning abruptly to walk out of the room. To do so properly, you must throw your head back so that your hair whips around, while carrying a cigarette in one hand and a cocktail in the other. All this must be managed while sauntering seductively in high heels and stockings. I have found that it just doesn’t have the same effect when you are wearing yoga pants and carrying an energy drink and an iPhone (in case you were wondering).
The old movies may have piqued my interest in antiques and old things, but I have never been interested in pretending to be someone I’m not. I buy them not for what they say about me, but because of how much I enjoy them. Old things just give a room personality and a sense of history, and I have become a collector of the rusty, crusty and chippy. Here are a few items made from reclaimed wood, no antiquing required. — Anita from Cedar Hill Farmhouse
Reclaimed Wood French Country Curved-Front Whitewash Dresser - $1,294Curvy, French and made from old wood — say no more! I'm there.Buy
‘Key To My Heart’ Turquoise Reclaimed Wood Wall Art - $170Maybe it’s the mom in me, but this artwork is too sweet to ignore.Buy
Philippe French Country Reclaimed Wood and Iron 13-Light Grand Chandelier - $1,688I love this wooden chandelier, and the style just gets more popular every day. My handyman says he installs these routinely now.Buy
Cadey Reclaimed Wood Side Table - $283.80Curvy with a lovely patina, this side table is perfect for a small space.Buy
Altair Reclaimed Wood Console Cabinet - $481.80I like the straight lines and the warm finish on this console. I think it would go well in a casual or formal room.Buy
Anaheim Trestle Reclaimed Wood Dining Table - $2,795Very Italian, this piece reminds me of my recent visit to Tuscany. Outdoor meals under a trellis covered in wisteria were a must every day.Buy
‘Hello Beautiful’ Simplicity Vintage Reclaimed Wood Wall Art - $190Well hello, beautiful! Who wouldn’t enjoy being greeted with this plaque every day?Buy
Urban Design Reclaimed Wood Bar Stool With Steel Back - $199Modern and industrial, this bar stool is sturdy and would give any space a bit of a loft feel.Buy
Lafayette Desk - $399I love a big desk, and this one would function well as a dining table too. The cross bars underneath the top add architectural interest.Buy
Modern Industry Reclaimed Wood Dining Table - $445This isn’t a traditional dining room table, but that’s what I like about it. It’s unexpected, and a little bit of industrial works in almost any room.Buy
Stratford Reclaimed Wood Rolling Box - $184.80Magazines, books, toys — just about anything that gets tossed in a corner could be organized into this box on wheels.Buy
Reclaimed Wood Shelf With Towel Rack, Steel Pipe Finish - $129This shelf would make a great addition to a bathroom or kitchen — really anywhere you need storage and a place for hanging things.
Savoy House Alsace Unique Pendant Light Fixture, Reclaimed Wood - $864Mix traditional with industrial and you get this fabulously fun and funky pendant light.Buy
Sunburst Mirror, Barn Wood by Carpenter Craig - $362.56My parents had a metal sunburst mirror when I was little. I hated it. But I actually like this wooden version.
French Country Reclaimed Wood Folding Wrought Iron Side Table, Small - $248Sometimes you need to set up a table temporarily. Folding tables like this can be easily stored and pulled out when needed, and this is the best-looking one I’ve ever seen.Buy
Uttermost Genessis Reclaimed Wood 24302 Console Table - $657.80I love, love this table. It reminds me of a Gothic church arch. It would be perfect behind a sofa, but I would make room for it anywhere.Buy
Uttermost Auden 24802 Fireplace Mantel - $547.80Looking like an antique fireplace mantel retrieved from a crumbling cottage, this shelf has instant appeal.Buy
Eliseo Reclaimed Wood Mirror - $371.80I like using mirrors in a room to reflect more light. This one not only does that but also adds an element of interest and fun with its concentric circles and bull’s-eye effect.Buy
V17 Bar Table, Reclaimed Wood Top - $2,041.20This bar table can be wheeled to wherever it is needed. And there’s lots of room here for glasses, bottles, ice and whatever.Buy
Stratford Reclaimed Wood Étagère - $602.80Elegant and rustic would describe this bookcase. I love that the “X” design gives it a bit of punch, while the color is subdued.Buy
Arbre French Country Reclaimed Pine Wood Trestle Dining Table - $2,238Old pine and French styling — that’s all I need to hear. Love it!
Next: Design Elements: Beautiful Reclaimed WoodBuy
