Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Primitive Furniture Has Timeless Appeal

By Chloe Gib


Primitive furniture refers to the style that was popular in the early pioneering days. There was some influence from European styles, but the pieces were constructed in a simple way with straight lines.

Pieces from this era are hard to find today. They are found in various collections and are sought after by collectors because of their rarity. The demand for this furniture has grown recently. As originals are no longer readily available, new pieces are artistically created. One could be fooled into thinking that they came out of an attic somewhere.

As these pieces are rare and expensive, many manufacturers are now producing furniture inspired by the originals. They may be beautifully made with quality wood but are treated with various techniques to look worn and aged. Cracks and distressed paint all add to the appearance of authenticity.

The finish of the furniture is usually the first thing you notice. The paint may look crackled, the wood surface may be marked and the handles of the drawers may show some wear. Cracks, chips, stains and distressed paint all add to the overall look.

Furniture used to be painted with organic paints, which did not hold the color as long as modern paints. The colors faded with years of wear. The muted colors form part of the appeal and are recreated today with good effect. Colors such as barn red, sage, mustard and colonial blue are all part of the palette.

There are many different pieces of this style of furniture available for every room of the house. No single type determines the style. In a bedroom, a wrought iron bed and handmade wooden cupboard might be found. A bathroom might feature a distressed cabinet. A kitchen may have authentic looking old utensils hanging from a beam. A rocking chair may be found in a living room. Hand-painted signs in this style are an inexpensive way to decorate a wall or sit on a shelf. An eclectic mix of primitive and modern is also possible as long as pieces fit harmoniously together.

Decorating a home in early primitive decor adds homeliness to any living space. It is simple in design and often mixes well with other styles. Homeowners enjoy the flexibility it gives them with their decor.




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