The Increasing Popularity of Log Furniture

While rustic or log furniture will not be the answer for every decorating scheme, for many people there is nothing that can beat its look or feel.

Most of the furniture on the market today is constructed using wood, which is really nothing more sophisticated than refined logs. That said, rustic log furniture is the complete opposite of much of the other wood furniture on the market these days. Log furniture often features those aspects of the wood that many other types of furniture consider defects, such as knots, patches of uneven colors, and even a little bark.

The hallmarks of log furniture are thick verticals and cross members that convey a sense of strength and power, while many conventional furniture pieces pride themselves on delicate legs and refined designs. Hand tools are used to make log furniture much more often than machines tools are. To make tenons and peel legs the tools most commonly used are the spokeshave and drawknife. Other tools that will most likely be found the log furniture craftsman’s shop are chisels, handsaws, hacksaws, and a variety of other hand tools.

Log furniture is not only practical, is gives its owners an appreciation for the artistry and workmanship of the craftsman. As most log furniture pieces are hand made, each one is a unique piece that can not be exactly replicated. Another thing that leads to the uniqueness of each piece is the distinct characteristics of each individual log that is used in the piece. Hand made rustic log furniture really is a work of art.

This may be a large reason for its popularity. These pieces remind us of a time long gone when craftsmen gave form and function to materials beautifully created by nature. It brings to mind the adventures of the early pioneers who hand crafted log furniture for the use of their families under what were sometimes the harshest of conditions. Log furniture is warm and inviting, and yet still recalls that bold spirit that led the pioneers to new land and new opportunities. It is also an excellent way to give our homes a more natural feel.

It is almost impossible to determine why this style of furniture has become so popular; the answers will be as varied as the unique pieces are themselves. The one sure thing is that these pieces bring a sense of beauty, boldness, elegance, and simplicity all at one time.