Have you noticed the wave of live edge furniture pieces that have been gracing the pages of the most recent design magazines? We have, and we’re excited to share with you what it is and what to look for if you’re in the market for a live edge piece of furniture.

You may be asking yourself, live what? Live edge is a term used in woodworking when the carpenter leaves the natural edge, curve or holes in a slab of wood. The end result is a furniture piece that highlights the organic beauty of the tree.

From extremely rustic to organic and modern, there is a plethora of different styles within the live edge category of furniture.

This type of woodworking is not new to the market, but it has gained popularity in recent years. George Nakashima designed the first “live edge” piece of furniture in 1946 for Knoll. His piece was born out of the Arts and Crafts movement, which focuses on the art of woodworking.

While many of the popular pieces seen today have a modern aesthetic, they are also rooted in that Arts and Crafts style and are dedicated to preserving the beauty of the wood.

While live edges may not be for everyone, many are drawn to their organic forms. If you are in the market for a live edge piece of furniture, there are a couple of things you may want to consider.

First off, the wood species is going to dictate the form and stability of the piece. If you want something dramatic, look for curly black walnut and maples for some of the most beautiful shapes and styles.

Also, the nature of the construction often times has gaps or crevices, which the carpenter may or may not fill depending on the location and size.

Finally, as with all wood pieces, you’ll want to make sure all of the moisture has been drawn out of the wood to avoid warping in the future.

There are some fantastic craftsmen who are dedicated to this style of furniture. Seek them out and create timeless and beautiful heirloom pieces that will stand the test of time.

Photo Credit: Uhuru, Rosten Furniture

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