Live Natural Edge Wooden Furniture Manufacturers, Wholesalers, and Suppliers in India
“A tree is our most intimate contact with Nature,” said American woodworker George Nakashima. Nature has been our most generous friend since the beginning of time, providing for our every need. Now it’s our turn to celebrate this friendship. Centuries ago, humans were deeply connected with Nature. With the passage of time and ‘modernisation,’ this connection has worn thin. Nowadays, live edge furniture is helping us strengthen this bond.
The Historical Roots and Artistic Essence of Live Edge Furniture
Long ago, when the settlers were making America their new home, there was a great demand for liveable spaces and functional furniture. Trees were cut down, log cabins were built, and smaller pieces of sawn wood were ‘put together’ to create basic furniture. With the invention of machines, the natural look became less popular, while shiny and polished furniture became the trend.
This ‘natural look’ is what live edge furniture is all about. In this style, all the imperfections and natural grain of the wood are incorporated into the design. The unfinished edge of the furniture, unaltered by tools or machinery, retains the inherent characteristics of the wood. This is the beauty of live edge furniture.
Credit for reintroducing us to this beautiful style of woodwork goes to American architect and furniture maker George Nakashima, whose distinctive style integrates the natural, ‘flawed’ edges of the wood into the final design. According to him, Kodama (‘spirit of a tree’ in Japanese) refers to a feeling of special kinship with the heart of a tree. Live edge furniture is a way of showing respect for the tree, by offering it a second life. Each piece of live edge furniture is a unique work of art, crafted by artisans who have spent years mastering their skills.
Wood Selection and Techniques: The Foundation of Live Edge Furniture
Certain types of wood and wood-cutting techniques go into creating live edge furniture. Wood that is ‘deformed’ or gnarly and scarred, and unsuitable for modern, ‘unblemished’ furniture, is usually chosen. Examples include Alligator Juniper, Acacia, and Mesquite. Other popular types are salvaged wood—considered unfit for use—and reclaimed wood—saved from old buildings and repurposed for new furniture.
Slab
A slab is wood cut lengthwise from a tree, typically showcasing a live edge on both sides. It is commonly used for coffee and dining tables, highlighting the wood’s natural beauty.
Slice
A wood slice, or tree round, is cut horizontally from a tree, revealing a stunning live edge all around. This type often showcases the tree’s growth rings and is typically used for side tables.
Burl
Burl wood is sourced from trees with a large, rounded outgrowth, resulting in unique grain patterns and bumpy edges. Commonly sought-after trees for burls include California Redwood, Cherry, Oak, Ash, Elm, Maple, and Walnut. Burl is one of the more expensive options due to its distinct appearance.
Bowties
Also known as butterflies, bowties are pieces of wood inlaid across cracks in live edge slabs. They add dimension to the design while preventing the cracks from widening. Butterfly joints were popularised by George Nakashima, a key figure in the revival of live edge furniture.
Why Live Edge Furniture Is Gaining Popularity?
In the words of renowned interior designer Van Day Treux, “In design, Mother Nature is our best teacher.” This sentiment encapsulates the growing preference for live edge furniture today, despite its often high price tag.
Natural is the new normal
Change is the only constant in life, and this applies to furniture trends as well. As lifestyles evolve, so do our tastes in furniture. In the current ‘go green’ era, there is a high demand for natural-finish furniture. Live edge furniture, with its organic aesthetic, is rapidly gaining popularity as it brings a slice of nature into our homes, offering a much-needed refuge in our fast-paced lives.
Expensive means classy
Quality and class are often associated with price. The belief that more expensive items signify higher quality pervades various aspects of life, from clothing to food. Live edge furniture, being premium-priced, fits this perception. Its higher cost often translates to a sense of exclusivity and sophistication, making it a desirable choice for those looking to elevate their home or workspace.
Why Are Live Edge Furniture So Expensive?
Several factors contribute to the high cost of live edge furniture. Firstly, each piece is painstakingly handcrafted, leaving no room for mass production, which naturally increases labor costs. Secondly, the type of lumber used is often expensive; rarer woods command higher prices.
Longevity
Live edge furniture is entirely natural, with no plywood or veneers added. This makes it incredibly durable and long-lasting. Additionally, it is environmentally friendly, as it is typically made from wood sourced from trees that were cut down long ago, allowing consumers to make a sustainable choice for their home décor.
Perfect blend of aesthetics and functionality
The visual appeal of live edge furniture is striking. Each piece celebrates the natural beauty of wood, incorporating its unique knots and cracks into the design. These imperfections serve as a reminder of the beauty of life itself: there is no such thing as ‘perfect’ wood, just as there is no ‘perfect’ life.
Versatility
Live edge furniture is remarkably versatile, offering a wide range of designs and wood patterns. From table tops and kitchen countertops to shelves and decorative pieces, there’s something to suit every décor style.
Wood is wow!
Wood possesses a certain magic that makes it one of the most beloved materials for furniture. While trends in furniture have changed over the years, the preference for wood remains a constant. Its warmth and comfort are unmatched, making live edge furniture highly sought after.
One of the primary reasons for the popularity of live edge furniture is its uniqueness. Each piece is custom-made, ensuring that no two items are identical. In an age of mass production, the desire for individuality and uniqueness is strong, making bespoke furniture—including live edge pieces—an essential segment of the global furniture industry.
The Rising Demand for Live Edge Furniture in India: Suren Space Leading the Charge
The Indian furniture industry is witnessing a significant upsurge in demand for live edge furniture. Homes, restaurants, cafés, and offices are increasingly seeking unique works of art, making live edge furniture a sought-after choice. In response to this growing demand, Suren Space, a leading furniture designer and manufacturer, offers an extensive range of live edge furniture. Renowned for its quality products, exquisite designs, and superb craftsmanship, Suren Space is a market leader in live edge furniture.
Dining Room Furniture
- Cast Iron Folding Live Edge Acacia Wood Long Dining Table
- Live Edge Acacia Wood Solid Metal Frame Long Dining Table
- Live Edge Long Folding Metal Leg Solid Wood Dining Table
- Solid Live Edge Acacia Wood Folding Restaurant Dining Table
Bar Furniture
- Cast Iron Live Edge Folding Industrial Bar Table
- Indian Solid Wood Live Edge Metal Base Bar Table
- Live Edge Folding Metal Base Solid Wood Bar Pub Table
Bistro Furniture
- Folding Live Edge Solid Indian Wood Café Bistro Table
- Live Edge Acacia Wood Folding Metal Hai Pin Bistro Café Table
- Rustic Round Wheel Live Edge Acacia Wood Bistro Café Table
Other Live Edge Furniture
- Cross Leg Live Edge Solid Wood Farmhouse Look Table
- Live Edge Acacia Wood Metal Base Unique Restaurant Table
- Live Edge Lodge Solid Wood Metal Base Long Bench
- Live Edge Lodge Solid Wood Metal Base Unique Bench
Live edge furniture allows us to reconnect with our roots and rebuild our bond with Mother Nature. As long as we cherish this connection, and with the support of furniture experts like Suren Space, the trend of live edge furniture is poised to thrive.
