A growing trend in interior design is repurposing used wood as reclaimed wood furniture and wall art. It brings a rustic and earthy feel to any room, and always creates a great focal point or centerpiece. Not to mention, reclaimed wood is also great for the environment as it reduces carbon footprint. With so much to offer, why not use reclaimed wood to enhance the look of just about any room in your home?

What is Reclaimed Wood?

Reclaimed wood is any wood that has been previously used in construction or building. It could also be sourced from dead or felled trees, or wood scraps leftover from construction projects.

Why Use Reclaimed Wood?

Reclaimed wood is not only useful for its aesthetics, but it’s also a green option for decorating. Reclaimed wood is recycled or upcycled from its previous use, enabling you to give it new purpose and meaning. By choosing to go with reclaimed wood, you are decreasing the demand for newly sourced lumber, which helps fight against deforestation and reduces landfill waste.

How to Find Reclaimed Wood

One of the easiest places to find reclaimed wood is through lumber dealers or hardware stores. If you are looking for a cheaper or more authentic reclaimed wood, you can try to harvest the lumber yourself.

The key to finding reclaimed wood is communication. Do not take lumber that is not yours. If you see wood that you would like to reclaim, talk to the owner and see if he or she is willing to sell or even give it to you. As soon as an agreement is reached, then it becomes yours to take.

You might consider looking into the classifieds in your area (both online and in newspapers) to find something close. These might have listings for free or cheap reclaimed wood from contractors looking to get rid of renovation debris. This is not a constant supply and can vary depending on your city, so you might have to be patient.

Construction sites can also be a good location for reclaimed wood. Before you jump into dumpsters, make sure to talk to the foreman as the contractors might have plans to recycle the wood themselves.

Local farms are a great place to look for reclaimed wood as well. The most authentic sliding barn door is made from an actual sliding barn door. Due to the harsh weather barns face in some areas, barn siding, doors, beams, poles, and floorboards are often replaced. Talk with the farmer about what you’re looking for and see if he or she can accommodate you rather than trespassing and taking the wood without permission.

How to Use Reclaimed Wood

Once you get access to reclaimed wood, it’s up to you how you use it. You can use reclaimed wood in as many ways as you would normally use it in woodworking. Here are a few ideas of how you can use reclaimed wood as part of your interior decoration.

Reclaimed Wood Wall

A reclaimed wood wall can add texture and warmth to a room. When choosing your accent wall, consider the wood that you are using. Some wood has more character and depth than others and can overpower the room. Make sure that the space can handle the dynamics of the wall and plan accordingly. You want the wood to be a stylish accent, not an overwhelming force.

If you don’t want to dedicate an entire wall to reclaimed wood, consider including reclaimed wood wall art as part of your design. These smaller wooden pieces of art can work in a variety of rooms without overtaking the flow and feel of it.

Reclaimed Wood Dining Table

Choosing to go with a reclaimed wood dining table is a great option for growing families and dinner parties. Depending on the amount of finish that is incorporated in the table, a reclaimed table doesn’t require much additional decoration when eating on it, and the best part is that spills, scrapes, and scratches don’t stick out because the wood already has depth and personality to it.

Reclaimed Wood Desk

A great place to consider using reclaimed wood in furniture is with a reclaimed wood desk. The reclaimed wood in a desk can help a workspace connect to the outside and feel less sterile and more organic. This can also help inspire and motivate you while you work.

Reclaimed Wood Coffee Table or End Table

In a modern and contemporary setting where sleek and smooth lines are king, a lightly finished reclaimed wood coffee table or a reclaimed wood end table balance out the setting. The roughness of the wood contrasts nicely with the smooth feel of the rest of the room and can bring unity between the two.

Reclaimed Wood Flooring

Hardwood floors alone can be a theme that entire rooms are built around, and reclaimed wood flooring is no different. Depending on the stress and wear, as well as the finish that was used, you can get very different results. Make sure to get finished samples before using it as the raw wood will not always be the best way to tell what you will get in a final product. There can be a large difference in grain, texture, and color from purchase and finalized floor.

Reclaimed Wood Shelves
If you have found your own shred of reclaimed wood, reclaimed wood shelves can be a great way to use your limited supply. Small shelves around a room give it highlights of natural texture. If you have more reclaimed wood available, larger shelving units like a bookcase can be a home for plants, pictures, art, and other design elements.

Reclaimed Wood Countertops

For a kitchen that has a unique feel and style, you can install reclaimed wood countertops. This can make your kitchen feel a little more rustic, with a lounge or farmhouse vibe to it.

Reclaimed Wood Barn Door

An old, reclaimed barn door on sliders can add a rustic country touch to any crisp, clean space. Barn doors come in a variety of sizes and styles to match a wide variety of interior designs.

Spring Power and Gas Cares

Spring Power and Gas wants to help you reach your goals in being thoughtful about the environment and creating a sustainable future. When you have questions about your account with us, or how you can help come closer to living a sustainable life, don’t hesitate to contact us right away. One of our trained customer care representatives can help you with any questions you might have.