Log Furniture: A glimpse into American History
Log furniture, more than any other style, speaks of a love of nature. Instead of being cut into uniform and seamless boards, log furniture allows the natural beauty of the trees to shine. Log craftsmen celebrate the knots, showcase natural edges, and stain to bring out the natural color of the wood, not to conceal it. Often found in cabins and lodges, these unique pieces bring the beauty of the forest indoors
What is it?
Just like the original settlers who developed the style, log furniture is individual, rugged, and durable. These hard-working individuals made use of the most abundant material around them—timber. They wanted furniture that would last. Iron and metal were rare and expensive, and they traded ideas of wood joinery instead of utilizing nails.
Today, log furniture retains as much of the original shape of branches and trunks as possible. Some milling is done, but modern artisans will work with knotty wood, realizing all of the wood’s imperfections and distinctive features add to a piece’s individual beauty.
Why it’s still popular
Log furniture remains popular even though milling is easy today. It still symbolizes an appreciation of wood and rugged individualism. It provides a stark contrast to much of today’s mass-produced furniture. Instead of glue and particle board, its solid logs are usually notched into place. Instead of paint, the wood’s colors, grain, and imperfections are highlighted. Every single piece is unique.
As Americans moved into cities, they revived the log furniture in their country homes. In the 1800s, wealthy families began to furnish their skiing lodges, Adirondack cottages, and Smoky Mountain cabins with this rustic furniture. For them, its simplicity provided a welcome retreat from overstated elegance of city life.
Today, the style has experienced a revival as people once again want to return to a simpler life. Instead of only furnishing vacation homes with log furniture, more and more people use it wherever they live. It’s an every-day reminder of the restorative power of nature.
How to style it
Today, anybody with a home next to a lake, in the mountains, or in the forest should consider log furniture. However, it will fit into any home decorated with an emphasis on natural elements.
When decorating with log furniture, dark, neutral, or earthy colors complement the color schemes. Other types of natural materials, like woven bamboo window shades continue the theme. Cowhides or faux fur rugs provide some contrasting softness; greenery complements the woods. Don’t hold back on adding multiple pillows and throw blankets to add coziness. Consider lighting with warm, dim floor lamps.
Because of USA Furniture and Leather’s wide selection of log furniture, any home can incorporate it. They carry accessories like statement candle holders and one-of-a-kind kitchen bars made of aspen or red cedar. If you’re looking to add coziness to your basement or living room, consider a fireplace console and place your TV on top.
If you’re looking for something solid but refined, consider their Grand Teton collection. Made with walnut slabs and aspen posts, each piece is a work of art. The curves of the headboard follow the waves of the wood with a live edge. Ever since George Nakashima’s celebration of live edges in the 1950s, other Americans have been discovering the beauty of leaving wood in its natural state. The Grand Teton collection comes with a bed, nightstands, and dressers. Paired with a faux sheepskin rug, this collection would create a perfect combination of raw beauty and comfort.
Where to buy it
The best place to buy log furniture just might be USA Furniture and Leather. They are your Amish connection and sell log furniture in aspen, aspen walnut, pine, and cedar. You can visit them at their physical location in Tigard. If you prefer to search for log furniture on their website, simply type the keyword “log” in the search bar. There, you will find a large collection of beautiful, solid log furniture.
This store is known for their excellent customer service and fair prices. Don’t hesitate to visit in-person to see for yourself. Many of their pieces come in stair-step sizing, like their rocking chairs that come in three sizes: baby bear, mama bear, and papa bear. They carry reclining loveseats and gun cabinets. If you want to outfit your entire cabin with aspen, check out the USA Furniture and Leather’s quality selection of log furniture.