Whether it adorns your walls or you put it to work, salvaged timber instantly adds character to your cabin. If you have some old branches, barn boards or wooden pallets lying around, you can repurpose these materials to create something new for the cabin. Incorporating reclaimed timber in cabin décor is easy, and it has beautiful side effects – for your cabin and the environment. Here are some simple ideas to get your creative juices flowing.
1. Coasters
Photo by Thinkstock.com
Slice a downed tree branch into “medallions,” then seal them to use as handy drink coasters.
2. Cutting boards
Photo by Thinkstock.com
Craft a cutting board out of reclaimed scraps to make chopping veggies practical and pretty. Note: Only use wood that hasn't been chemically treated, and be sure to sand down any rough edges.
3. Picture frames
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Rustic picture frames are ideal for showing off smiling faces or evidence of Bigfoot. Simply cut reclaimed slats at 45-degree angles and connect with staples, glue or finishing nails.
4. Shelves
Photo by Thinkstock.com
Retrofit scrap lumber to make beautiful, practical shelving – perfect for displaying your cabin photos, books and knickknacks.
5. Tree swing
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Okay, so it's not exactly cabin décor, but a tree swing is sure to thrill both the young and the young at heart. A short plank of sanded reclaimed wood and some sturdy rope are all you need for this project. A tall, strong tree doesn't hurt either.
6. Wall art
Photo courtesy Lisa K. Designs
Get colorful and design some wall art with scrap pieces of reclaimed wood. You can paint over the top of the wood, or leave it bare in its naturally weathered state. This abstract beach painting was created by Lisa K. Designs, www.lisakdesigns.com.
7. Furniture
Photo courtesy Roughing it in Style
Add instant history to your décor with weathered-looking furniture. This primitive TV stand is made from reclaimed barnwood and is available through Roughing it in Style, www.roughingitinstyle.com.
8. Kitchen cabinets
Photo by Tennessee Log and Timber Homes
You can make kitchen cabinets out of reclaimed wood, or order custom cabinets from one of several manufacturers. The owners of this outdoor kitchen wanted it to blend into the environment, so they incorporate natural materials. The kitchen features cabinets of reclaimed wormy chestnut wood and bark.
9. Serving tray
Photo courtesy Cabin Place
Wouldn't you like to treat your guests to mugs of hot chocolate on a serving tray made of reclaimed wood? This one (made of barnwood with cedar branch handles) is available through Cabin Place, www.cabinplace.com.
10. Flooring
Photo by Susan Teare
Reclaimed wood can be stunning as a flooring option. The hardwood flooring in this remote cabin is reclaimed wood from a barn in Vermont.
Photo by Thinkstock.com
Photo by Thinkstock.com
Photo by Thinkstock.com
Photo by Thinkstock.com
Photo by Thinkstock.com
Photo courtesy Lisa K. Designs
Photo courtesy Roughing it in Style
Photo by Tennessee Log and Timber Homes
Photo courtesy Cabin Place
Photo by Susan Teare
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