Rustic Furniture: The Unique Alternative In Home Decorating
By Jason Gerth
Introduction

Rustic is usually hand made using the primitive methods of days gone by, leading to unique pieces that have a natural charm. One of the most popular styles right now, it is displayed in homes from Maine to Hawaii, Alaska to Florida. Rustic is usually handmade and not factory produced from wood such as hickory, cypress, cedar and pine wood.

What Really is Rustic?

The word "Rustic" is a wide-ranging term that corresponds to almost any type of or decorating style that has a less refined, "outdoorsy" appearance. Rustic was brought indoors in the Adirondacks during the building boom of the great camps and opulent mountain mansions commissioned by turn-of-the-century magnates. Rustic furnishings literally "spring" from the earth and give a home a homespun look that other just cannot match. and accessories with a more raw look like these help create a less formal, "country living" atmosphere where ever they are used. Rustic can also blend well with a variety of decorating themes, and are an excellent choice if you are redoing your outdoor living space.

Rustic Style

Every style makes a statement. Rustic comes in many styles, shapes and colors, and most of them say "warm and comfortable" and/or "inviting." Quality homemade rustic continues to remain very popular nationwide. It’s no wonder as well -- like jazz music, this style is truly American-invented.

The rustic style is as valid as any enjoyed today. Whether it be the delicate lines of a Queen Ann highboy, the kitschy boldness of a Louis XV vanity, or the resolute proclamation of a log dining table, rustic can add texture, style, and charm to any home décor. It can add country-style appeal to a guest room, warmth to a game room, or a welcome atmosphere around the fireplace. "Rustic" used to mean "rickety or cheap." No more. The quality rustic today is all grown up and now even borders on sophisticated and trendy. Beautiful wood, polished logs, and twiggy charm has made "rustic" one of the most popular styles in the market today.

Rustic in the Garden

Rustic garden is a favorite among those who like to have even more of an "outdoorsy" feel in their gardens or backyards. One of the big reasons people tend to like rustic garden is because it is typically not made in a factory (or if it is, it is made using hand tools one part at a time.) Another feature of rustic garden that endears itself to people is the fact that every little imperfect knot or twist in the wood shows up. Some of the types of wood that are often used in building rustic garden are cedar, hickory, cypress, and pine.

Handcrafted Rustic Furniture

The term "rustic furniture" can mean one of two things: that is handcrafted out of authentic raw materials, or that is built to look handmade. One key to finding unique is to look for that has truly been handcrafted or hand painted. The look and individuality of handcrafted rustic peeled wood cannot be matched by mass-produced offered in many specialty shops. In most cases, each piece of truly rustic is one-of-a-kind in character and materials. Another benefit of handcrafted

furniture is that it can be custom made to meet your unique design needs.

Cedar Rustic Furniture

Cedar works wonderfully in rustic furniture. Cedar is used in many places for its comfort, long use, and durability at the cabin, on the patio, in the garden, or most anywhere else outdoors, but it also looks great indoors! One of the more beautiful kinds of cedar is aromatic cedar. Another variety of cedar -- Northern White -- weathers to a beautiful silvery gray if untreated and exposed to the elements. Northern white cedar can with stand the elements for years. You can expect between 20-50 years of useful life out of your rustic if you choose cedar wood.

Conclusion

The label "rustic" when applied to is most accurate when labeling older, more primitive furnishings, like the famous Adirondack chair. While it is cherished for its combination of form and function, the charm and appeal of rustic is the unfinished look, the roughness and ruggedness made comfortable and homey.

Jay Gerth is the author of several articles on home outdoor furnishings and backyard living. With and expertise in Adirondack chairs and other furnishings, his insightful and helpful opinions have helped others find satisfaction with and great uses for their home's outdoor living spaces.