Reclaimed wood is one of the signature elements of farm house decorations, adding warmth, texture, and a rustic charm that is hard to replicate with new materials. However, using reclaimed wood incorrectly can result in a space that feels too heavy or mismatched. Whether you’re incorporating reclaimed wood into furniture, flooring, or accent walls, here are the biggest mistakes people make and how to avoid them.
1. Overusing Reclaimed Wood
Reclaimed wood is a popular choice in farm house decorations, but using too much of it can make the room feel overwhelming and cluttered. While the natural texture of the wood adds warmth, too many reclaimed wood elements in a single room can make it feel dark and overly rustic.
Solution: Use reclaimed wood as an accent rather than the main material in your room. For example, consider using it for a feature wall or a piece of furniture, rather than covering the entire space in reclaimed wood. This creates a focal point without making the room feel too heavy. For more on how to use reclaimed wood in moderation, read our blog on balancing farm house decorationsr with modern design elements.
2. Choosing the Wrong Type of Wood
Not all reclaimed wood is created equal. Some types of wood may be too weathered or damaged to use effectively in farm house decorations. Others might clash with the existing materials or furniture in your home. Selecting the wrong type of reclaimed wood can result in a space that looks inconsistent and out of balance.
Solution: Choose wood that complements the other materials in your space. If your home has lighter tones, opt for reclaimed wood in a lighter finish. Conversely, if you’re working with darker hues, go for a more weathered, darker-toned wood. For tips on selecting the right type of reclaimed wood, see our guide to incorporating rustic materials into your home.
3. Not Treating the Wood Properly
Reclaimed wood often comes with imperfections, such as cracks, splinters, or signs of age. While these characteristics can add charm to farm house decorations, they can also make the wood difficult to maintain if not treated properly. Neglecting to treat reclaimed wood can lead to further damage over time.
Solution: Make sure to treat and seal the wood before using it in your home. This will help prevent further wear and tear and make the wood easier to clean. Additionally, consider sanding down any rough edges to avoid splinters or damage to your furniture and flooring. For more on caring for reclaimed wood, visit our blog on preserving vintage materials in your farm house decorations.
4. Using Reclaimed Wood in Every Room
Another common mistake is trying to incorporate reclaimed wood into every room of the house. While it can look beautiful in certain spaces, using too much reclaimed wood can result in a monotonous or overly rustic look that lacks variety.
Solution: Limit reclaimed wood to a few key rooms or pieces. For example, use it in the living room for a coffee table or on the walls of a cozy den. This will ensure that each space has its own unique feel while still maintaining a cohesive farm house decorations style. For more on diversifying your decor, check out our post on mixing materials in farm house decorations.
