10 Unique Ways To Use Timber In Your Home
Timber is one of the oldest and most timeless materials used in home decor. It’s commonly used for cabinets, furniture, doors and shelves. But it has a few other potential alternative uses too. Below are a few of the more unique ways to use wood around your home and the effect that these features can have.
Countertops
Timber such as reclaimed hardwood and butcher block can make an excellent material for a kitchen or bathroom worktop. Unlike cold stone surfaces, timber can provide an inviting sense of warmth and it isn’t as heavy (making it easier to install and putting less strain on any cabinets below). While timber countertops can get scratched and stained, it’s possible to apply a sealant to minimize this or refinish them by sanding them down. Take your time to explore different timber tones when choosing wooden countertops.
Shutters
When looking into shutter materials, timber can also be a reliable option. On top of successfully blocking out sunlight, timber shutters can also provide insulation, helping to keep rooms heated and cozy in winter. You could consider vintage exterior batten shutters or some modern interior plantation shutters. Basswood and poplar are common types of timber used to build interior shutters from - these can be unfinished or painted white for a bright look. Materials like teak are more common for exterior shutters due to their high water resistance.
Ceiling beams
Exposed timber beams on a ceiling can give a home a charming olde-worlde cottage feel. There can also be practical benefits to ceiling beams such as adding height to rooms and improving acoustics. While you may be able to strip back the ceiling to expose the original beams, a more common option nowadays is to simply install faux beams across the ceiling. Consider using reclaimed wood for an authentic aged look.
Internal wall panels
Wood is often used as cladding on the exterior of buildings, however it can also be used on the interior of buildings to provide added insulation and aesthetic appeal. Popular types of timber used for internal wall panels include maple and teak. These are typically arranged in a shiplap or tongue-and-groove design, and can be painted or left exposed. While you can cover all the walls in timber for a rustic wood cabin feel, internal timber wall panels are more commonly used on a single wall as a standout feature. Great locations to consider a timber feature wall include behind the head of a bed in a bedroom or behind a TV in a living room
Flooring
In years gone by, hardwood floors were the most popular type of flooring in homes. Nowadays, faux-wood materials like laminate and vinyl are more common due to being cheaper and lower maintenance. However, hardwood still has its benefits - a natural hardwood floor can last over 100 years, be continuously refinished if it gets scratched/stained, and it can provide a charming organic look that can boost the value of your home. The most common hardwoods used for flooring include oak, hickory and maple. Make sure your hardwood floors are well sealed to protect them from moisture damage.
Lighting
You can also incorporate timber into light fixtures for an unconventional and rustic look. This includes timber pendant light lampshades or timber geometric sconce lights. Timber has the benefit of being lightweight but sturdy, making these fixtures easy to hang and move, while still providing adequate support. For those who are environmentally conscious, sustainably sourced timber can also make a great eco-friendly choice that can be combined with energy-efficient lighting such as LEDs.
Fitted wardrobes
Wood is an excellent choice for custom-fitted wardrobes. The likes of plywood and cherry can be easily cut into shape and sculpted to fit the contours of a room to provide bespoke space-efficient storage for clothing. You’ll find local companies that specialize in fitted wardrobe design and installation. For those that are a dab hand at carpentry, you could even take on the personal project of building your own fitted wardrobe, saving you money and allowing you to completely personalize the design. Think carefully about what the most efficient design is when crafting your fitted wardrobe - make sure to allow space for pulling out drawers or swinging out doors, or stick to sliding doors/keep it open to save space.
Stairs
While most stairs in homes are made from timber, they are often covered in laminate or carpet. Exposed wooden stairs can provide an organic touch and often stay warmer underfoot compared to material like laminate. When choosing to build a new staircase, timber is often an economical choice compared to metal or stone. You can use wood to build a straight flight of stairs or you can construct a spiral staircase out of it. This can be left unfinished or painted to help it stand out.
TV cabinet
Modern TVs can sometimes clash with more rustic decor. By concealing your TV in a wooden cabinet, you can seamlessly blend it in with its surroundings. Wooden TV cabinets can also be customized to include shelves and storage for media boxes, remotes and cables. Types of wood like cherry and walnut are popular for this use - they look beautiful and can support the weight of TV.
Ceiling fan
You can also buy ceiling fans with blades made from timber. Compared to metal and plastic options, timber ceiling fans can provide a natural aesthetic. Many timber ceiling fans are also designed for quiet operation, making them good choices in bedrooms if you’re sensitive to noise while sleeping. Check out different styles of timber ceiling fans online.
Conclusion
Timber is incredibly versatile and is an excellent choice for homeowners looking to make their property look more natural and rustic. In many cases, timber can also help to provide insulation and noise reduction, while being an eco-friendly choice of material. Just be wary of using timber in areas of your home that are prone to water spillage or humidity as timber can easily warp or rot when exposed to moisture.