The post Craftsman Style Living Room Furniture: Timeless Charm for Your Home appeared first on UK Construction Blog.

Are you looking to create a cozy and inviting living room with a classic, handcrafted feel? Craftsman style furniture may be just what you need. With its emphasis on natural materials, simple lines, and quality construction, craftsman furniture brings a sense of warmth and character to any space.

As someone who loves the timeless charm of craftsman homes, I’ve always been drawn to this style of furniture for my living room.

The exposed wood, the clean geometry, and the attention to detail all combine to create pieces that are both beautiful and built to last.

What is Craftsman Style Furniture?

Craftsman style furniture emerged in the early 20th century as part of the Arts and Crafts movement. Born as a reaction against the mass-produced furniture of the Industrial Revolution, craftsman pieces celebrated a return to traditional craftsmanship, simple forms, and natural beauty.

Some key characteristics of craftsman style furniture include:

• Straightforward, linear design
• Exposed joinery and wood grains
• Minimal ornamentation
• Sturdy, durable construction
• Emphasis on function and comfort

The most common woods used in craftsman furniture are oak, maple, cherry, and walnut. Upholstery tends toward natural fabrics like leather and canvas. The overall aesthetic is solid and unpretentious.

Essential Pieces for a Craftsman Living Room

So what furniture do you need to create the perfect craftsman style living room? Here are some key pieces to consider:

Sofa

The sofa is the centerpiece of most living rooms, and in craftsman decor it’s all about simple, sturdy shapes. Look for a sofa with clean lines, exposed wood, and leather or textured fabric upholstery. Avoid anything too ornate or fussy.

Armchairs

A pair of matching armchairs is a classic addition to a craftsman living room. Again, prioritize simple silhouettes and natural materials. Leather club chairs or slatted wood rockers are timeless choices.

Coffee Table

A large, rectangular coffee table with visible wood grain anchors the seating area in a craftsman living room. For added storage, look for a table with drawers or a bottom shelf.

Bookcases

Built-in bookcases are a signature feature of craftsman homes. But even if your shelving isn’t built-in, a large mission style bookcase provides the perfect place to display books, plants, and other decorative items.

Lighting

Craftsman style lighting tends to be simple and understated. Look for table lamps with straight lines and minimal detailing, or a geometric pendant light over the seating area. Mica or art glass shades add a touch of period charm.

Arranging Your Craftsman Living Room

Once you have your key furniture pieces, it’s time to arrange them in a way that feels balanced and inviting. Here are some tips:

• Create a focal point: In most craftsman living rooms, the fireplace is the natural focal point. Arrange your sofa and chairs to face the fireplace, with the coffee table in the middle.
• Use symmetry: Craftsman style thrives on symmetry and balance. Try placing matching armchairs on either side of the sofa, or flanking the fireplace with identical bookcases.
• Layer textures: To add visual interest to a simple craftsman room, layer different textures like wood, leather, wool, and greenery. A patterned rug or throw pillows can add a pop of color.
• Keep it uncluttered: Craftsman style is all about clean lines and uncluttered spaces. Avoid overcrowding the room with furniture, and keep surfaces relatively clear. A few well-chosen decorative items are all you need.

Where to Find Craftsman Furniture?

If you’re ready to start shopping for craftsman style living room furniture, you have a few different options. Some top sources include:

• Antique stores and flea markets: For authentic vintage pieces from the early 20th century, try browsing antique shops or flea markets. You may find some beautiful one-of-a-kind items.
• Specialty retailers: There are some furniture companies that specialize in craftsman and mission style pieces, like Stickley, Bassett, and Room & Board. These can be pricey, but are high quality.
• Online marketplaces: Sites like Etsy, Amazon, and Wayfair have a wide selection of craftsman style furniture at various price points. Read reviews carefully to ensure quality.
• Local artisans: To find truly unique, handcrafted pieces, try seeking out local furniture makers in your area. Many will work with you to create custom items to your specifications.

Craftsman Furniture on a Budget

If you love the craftsman look but are decorating on a budget, don’t despair. There are ways to get the style you want without breaking the bank:

• Start small: Instead of trying to furnish your entire living room at once, start with one or two key pieces like a coffee table or bookcase. You can add more over time as your budget allows.
• Look for used pieces: Buying secondhand is a great way to find quality craftsman furniture at a discount. Check out estate sales, consignment shops, and online marketplaces like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
• Opt for simple designs: In general, the simpler the piece, the less expensive it will be. Stick to clean lines and minimal detailing, and avoid intricate inlays or carvings.
• DIY it: If you’re handy, you can try your hand at building your own craftsman style furniture. There are plenty of free plans and tutorials available online. Even simple projects like a wooden tray or blanket ladder can add to the craftsman feel of your room.

Conclusion

In a world of fast furniture and passing trends, craftsman style living room furniture offers a timeless and inviting alternative. By choosing pieces with clean lines, natural materials, and quality construction, you can create a space that feels warm, comfortable, and uniquely yours.

Whether you hunt for antique treasures, invest in heirloom-quality new pieces, or get creative with DIY projects, the key is to stay true to the simple, honest aesthetic of the original Arts and Crafts movement.

With a little patience and attention to detail, you can craft a living room that will be a joy to come home to for years to come.