We especially love the use of live edge wood dining tables, as they lend an organic and elegantly understated tone to the dining room. The natural wood tones are unique to each table which makes every piece one of a kind. I am totally loving this live edge wood dining table right now. The simplistic design is timeless yet modern. It has me dreaming of using it in a client’s home, so I decided to show you how I would style it. Read on below for the inspiration behind this modern coastal dining room I created.
If you’re looking for furniture that will bring the WOW factor to your living space, a live edge table might be the choice for you.
What are live edge tables?
The term “live-edge” refers to the natural edge left on at least one side of a piece of wood.
Rather than the sharp, clean lines in more traditional wooden furniture, live-edge retains the natural beauty of the tree. Other natural characters of the wood, such as knots and cracks, are often left the way they are and become beautiful features of the live edge table.
Live-edge designs help you bring the outdoors into your home in the form of functional, modern furniture.
Each live-edge dining table is an original, one-of-a-kind piece. There’s a huge number of options when it comes to picking your table including the species, woodcut, colors, and more.
What to look for:
When it’s time to go shopping for your new masterpiece, it can be a bit overwhelming deciding between the various options.
Here are some of the more common features you’ll come across.
Wood cuts
Slab
A wood slab can be cut vertically from a tree. They will usually have a live edge on both sides. Due to the length, this is the most traditional option for coffee and dining room tables.
Slices
A wood slice, or tree round, can be cut horizontally from a tree. The slice will have a live edge all the way around and beautifully displays the growth rings. Side tables usually have this type of cut.
Burl
Burl tends to be one of the most expensive options. Some trees have a large rounded outgrowth as a result of a deformity, called a burl. Burl wood is highly prized for stunning grain patterns and unique, bumpy edges.
Features and traits
Bowties
Bowties, also known as butterflies, are inlaid pieces of wood across a crack in the tabletop. They prevent the crack from getting wider while adding another beautiful element to the finished piece.
Bark, or no bark?
Depending on the type of table and wood used, the craftsman will decide whether to leave the bark on or take it off.
It’s somewhat more common for the bark to be removed and edges sanded down slightly.
Will a live-edge dining table fit in with your decor?
Long gone is the myth that natural wooden furniture only belongs in remote cottages. As you know, live-edge dining tables have an ageless design that will always belong no matter how many times you redecorate your home.
From rustic country home to modern, minimalist spaces, these tables will complement their surroundings.
Wood conveys a sense of warmth and life that will bring a feeling of comfort to the room. The natural flow of a live edge table adds movement to an area full of straight lines and sharp corners.
The neutral tones of wood rarely clash with décor and the wood grain patterns make the table a natural work of art.
Recently, live-edge furniture is becoming increasingly popular in both home and commercial settings. Check out what your favorite interior designers have been up to and you’ll likely spot pieces of natural wood furniture.
What else can be made?
Just about anything made from wood can retain more of its natural wonder.
Finally, live-edge tables are just one of the many options quickly growing in popularity. You can get headboards, countertops, and stools made with the same craftsmanship of live-edge tables.
Coasters, cutting boards, bowls….the list is endless!