The primary concern of any parent when setting up the nursery is to provide a safe and healthy place for their child. Even though babies don’t notice the decor in the room, parents also want the nursery to look stylish and unique. What if you could also make the room environmentally friendly at the same time?
Using Reclaimed Wood in the Nursery
Styling trends in interior decoration change with time. But the latest trend of using reclaimed wood in homes is a welcome one. Reclaimed wood is lumber that has been salvaged from another use. Also called recycled wood or antique wood, it can come from a number of sources like old barns, shipping pallets, deconstructed wooden battles etc.
Reclaimed wood is stronger than virgin wood, relatively inexpensive, and a better use of old lumber than sending it to the landfill. Human beings cut down trees faster than they can grow, so using reclaimed wood instead of virgin lumber is good for the earth. It also reduces the demand for new hardwood and alleviates some of the issues related to deforestation.
Reclaimed Wood Looks Amazing
The biggest reason to use reclaimed wood is that it looks amazing, even apart from being good for the environment. It has a raw and rough feel that gives a feeling of warmth to any space. You can use reclaimed wood for storage units, nursery furniture or hang some pieces on the wall for a unique look. The best part is that reclaimed wood works well with any decorating scheme you have in mind. Modern, rustic, farmhouse, antique or nautical themed – everything looks good with it.
Reclaimed Wood Furniture
Furniture makers are starting to offer pieces made from reclaimed wood and nursery furniture is no exception. Natart’s Rustico Moderno (in Grigio and White bark wood finish) along with Nest Juvenile’s latest collections, Vibe and Matisse, all use reclaimed wood for the drawers fronts and headboard panels. The Matisse collection features flowing curves for a classic look while the Rustico Modern and Vibe collection offer a rustic and modern twist with clean, straight lines. Yet the reclaimed wood panels work well in all three.
Every piece of reclaimed wood is unique – even planks from the same farmhouse will not look the same. Unlike manufactured wooden boards, reclaimed wood pieces have a story behind them. The wood in your dresser might have been a Midwest barn in a previous life. The headboard in your baby’s crib could have come from old wine barrels in France. Imagine sharing the stories behind each piece with your child as they grow up!
Using Reclaimed Wood in Nursery Shelves
Shelves are a great way to maximize storage space in the nursery. It allows you to use vertical space on the walls, instead of cluttering up the floor. Reclaimed wood shelves are a great idea for both utility and aesthetics. You’re not limited to straight shelving either. You can put together multiple pieces to create storage boxes or cabinets.
In most cases, the reclaimed wood is already weathered and you don’t need any more stains or finishes on top. Since reclaimed wood is harder than virgin wood, it’s a great option for a nursery that’s going to see its fair share of scratches, scuffs and bite marks.
Manufactured wood planks are made to look identical. Even a small dent or scratch will stand out. But reclaimed wood is already decades old by the time you use it. A few more scratches won’t make any difference to its character!
Using Reclaimed Wood As Wall Art
Reclaimed wood comes in a variety of finishes and colors. It all depends on the type of wood, where it was used and even how old it is. Wood from shipping crates will look entirely different from planks or beams from a farmhouse. It takes very little effort to create interesting art pieces for your nursery from reclaimed wood.
One popular option is to make a wall hanging sign with your baby’s name on it. Paint the letters in the same colors as the nursery and you have a custom nameplate! Reclaimed wood panels are great options for creating an accent wall or to highlight specific areas. Use it behind the crib or changing table to make the room cozy and warm.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to using reclaimed wood in the nursery. Make your baby’s room special with antique wood!
