- tip of the day
- When it comes to furniture, are you a conformist?
- the bite
- Then have fun at Ethan Allen. But if you want wood furniture that's a little more unique, look for artful pieces made from reclaimed (read: recycled) wood, you rebel-with-an-eco-cause, you.
- the benefits
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- Preserving endangered trees. 50% of the world's forests are gone. Reclaimed wood furniture avoids using virgin wood from threatened tree species such as mahogany.
- Less energy use. A lotta wood is shipped from thousands of miles away (example: some teak comes from 8,000 mi away in Phillipines). Our picks are from U.S. designers who typically source their wood locally.
- Good news for nonconformists. Reclaimed wood pieces are one-of-a-kind, so you're not gonna see these beauts anywhere but your own place.
- personally speaking
- Jen is hiring a local MT furniture maker to whip up a custom, reclaimed-wood coffee table. It's setting her back $450, but she figures it'd cost that much for a nice hardwood one anyway.
- wanna try?
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- Yelp - search for local antique and consignment shops using this yellow pages-like directory.
- Alan Vogel Furniture - has studios in MT and WA state; specializes in rustic benches and tables.
- Mi-Workshop - CA designer with a playful, simple aesthetic.
- Moe Design Studio - NY designer who creates modern-ish pieces using reclaimed lumber. .
- Staples Cabinet Makers - New England craftspeople who specialize in reclaimed-wood pieces.
- Sustainable Furniture Council - if you aren't in any of the above locales, check out this listing of eco-conscious furniture makers.
