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The Timeless Appeal Of Primitive Furniture

By Chloe Gib


Primitive furniture was handmade out of the wood that surrounded the early colonists in abundance. This included pine, maple, cherry and walnut. European styles with which they were familiar had some influence on these pieces. However, the shapes were simpler with straight lines. Little decoration was used.

Many collectors search the country for rare pieces of this style. There has been a growing interest by people who look back with nostalgia to a bygone era. Few items add a sense of permanence and history to a room like a piece of early American furniture. However, the originals are so expensive they are out of the reach of many people.

A weathered finish is deliberately created to give a feeling of history. The finishes used are created by using various different techniques such as distressing. Although the furniture may look worn, this does not mean that it is of inferior quality. Some pieces are such good quality that they will no doubt be passed on to future generations.

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.

Another feature of this furniture is the colors of the paint used. Those early craftsmen did not have access to the paints we use. They were forced to use whatever was available, including organic plant dyes. The colors were different to those we use today and faded with wear. The muted colors are part of what appeals to us and colors like barn red, sage and mustard are used to create the look.

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.

Primitive furniture has found its way into many homes today. There is something about it that helps to connect our modern lives to the past. This gives a sense of continuity and adds homeliness to our living spaces.




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