5 Tips for Buying Rustic Furniture

That old saying, "Home is where the heart is," is true. It's the one place you feel most comfortable, and it's the heart of every family - big or small. It makes perfect sense then, that the home should reflect the owner's personality as well as impart a unique ambiance that everyone loves to return to at the end of the day. Rustic furniture can help create that warm, cozy atmosphere, bringing the beauty of the outdoors into your home, making it a beautiful and comfortable place to rest and relax. When looking to decorate your home in this country fashion, use these five tips for buying rustic furniture.

1. Decide on a layout beforehand.

What is the overall look you're trying to achieve? Will you use a rustic decor in more than one room, or will rustic furniture be just a small part of the overall theme? Using one or two pieces of rustic furniture in every room will lend a country air without overwhelming each room. You'll still have plenty of space to add more modern touches if you see fit. Sit down with the family and decide just what pieces you want to add. This may include changing other aspects of the room in order to achieve a complete rustic theme.

2. Size does matter.

Rustic furniture, in all its infinite beauty, does have the power to overwhelm a room, especially if its a small one. Large pieces can overpower a room, while small pieces can get lost in a huge space. For instance, in a bedroom you may want to add just a log bed, making it the focal point of the room.

3. Look for quality construction.

By nature, rustic furniture is well constructed, strong and durable. There are a few things to look at though, when purchasing wood and log furniture. Knots in the wood make for some interesting character, but watch out for ones that actually create holes in the wood as this can weaken the wood itself. Also, check joints to make sure they fit tight and are strong.

4. Check for durability.

Rustic furniture is very durable - it's made to withstand heavy use. The types of wood used in making rustic furniture ensure the pieces will last a lifetime. Look for pieces made from hickory or cedar, as these woods are very strong and will lend that rustic touch you're looking for. If you're looking for rustic outdoor log furniture, cedar is a good choice because it is naturally insect and decay resistant and turns a lovely silver-gray in the weather.

5. Consider the cost.

Keep in mind that you'll pay a tad more for pure wood rustic furniture versus pieces constructed of plywood or the like. A good rule of thumb to remember is the higher the quality of wood, the more you will spend. While this is somewhat inconvenient when purchasing rustic furniture, the years of use you'll get out of a piece is well worth the cost. In fact, rustic furniture is so well made, it will probably outlast you and become something that gets handed down from generation to generation.