How to use Driftwood in your Home Interior

Coastal style home interiors and seaside inspired looks are hot on trend for 2015 which is why we have decided to embrace all things natural and textural with these fabulous driftwood items and accessories for your home. This simple wood can give a rich array of natural grey and brown colour tones and makes a great alternative to traditional oak and polished mahogany for a laid back and relaxed interior ambiance.

Headboards

Driftwood headboards look fabulous in neutral coastal colour schemes and bold pastel beach hut interiors for a focal point this is simple yet stylish. For a more feminine and traditional look then lay your driftwood planks in a horizontal position and finish with a white wash paint effect that is bright and illuminating. For a typically coastal and weathered appearance then place the planks in a vertical arrangement using varying widths and lengths for visual texture and detail. This look can also be achieved using branch style driftwood pieces that can be woven together to form a basket style appearance that can be linear or arched in its design.

Tables

Driftwood makes a great base for a coffee table, side table or dining table as its textural design can be complimented by a wide range of table tops depending on the style and tastes of your home. If you love the chunky and cosy nature of cottage style homes then create a personalised family dining table using a large flat driftwood table top and four chunky driftwood legs that will give a welcoming and eye-catching finish in any dining room area. For a more modern twist on this classic coastal look then select a singular driftwood tree trunk or large branch style cluster and use as a base for a clear glass table top that perfectly combines contemporary and traditional design features. The balance of the transparent glass and natural, textural base will sit comfortably in both minimal and classic home interiors.

Mirrors

A carefully positioned mirror can transform the look of the home and can be hung above a mantelpiece, sofa or bed frame for added visual impact. Driftwood frames will create a textural piece of artwork on a statement feature wall and can be arranged in a variety of styles to suit the overall design of your home. For a classic coastal look that will look fabulous in a chalet or holiday home interior then surround a rectangular or square mirrored centre with wide planks of driftwood with unfinished overshooting ends for a natural finish that does not look too polished. Alternatively for a more modern design then select a circular mirror centre and then surround with small twig like driftwood segments until you have encircled the entire mirror. This looks particularly great with a complimentary circular table in a dining room or living room area. For a bathroom inspired look then follow the same steps but use a white wash paint finish for a bright and illuminating design.

Flooring

Wooden flooring is as popular as ever in both modern and classic home interiors but why not create a more textural and character filled look by using weathered driftwood for a unique yet neutral finish. Select linear planks of the same width for a traditional interior look and lay as you would with any other wooden flooring with co-ordinating joints and lines. This can be finished in a light varnish for a glistening sheen. If you prefer a coastal cottage inspired look then select boards of varying sizes and widths and lay in a series of mix and match patterns for a jigsaw like effect. Finish the wood with a simple coating of light wax for a natural and weathered finish. If you have chosen to decorate with pastel tones for a British beach hut interior then choose either of these flooring designs and finish with a wash of white or pastel coloured paint for a bright and uplifting finish that is perfect for smaller or more compact rooms.

Seating

Finally why not get creative with a selection of seating designs that embrace the natural beauty of driftwood materials. For a unique and interesting sofa or armchair then source a selection of large and chunky driftwood trunks and arrange then in a rectangular or square based design to replicate the framework of the seating area. When the desired shape has been reached, take some foam pads and cut to size to sit neatly inside the frame for a seating and back rest area. Upholster in cool coastal blues and whites or bright pastel tones for a beach side ambiance that is classic and unique. This look can also be achieved on your stools and foot rests by taking three chunky driftwood pieces and arranging them in a triangular formation as a base and then secure a circular wooded disk topped with upholstered foam that will compliment the rest of your furnishings and upholstery.

For more ideas on using driftwood in your home interior, take a look at our latest Pinterest board - Pinterest - Driftwood Interiors