Live Edge Slab Furniture

Although it may seem like the modernized live edge wood slab furniture is a relatively new trend, it began and was popularized back in the 1940’s by furniture designer George Nakashima.

The widespread appeal is easy to understand. Each piece is unique, telling its own story, and standing out as the focal point of the room.

What is Live Edge Wood?

Live edge wood refers to the unfinished or naturally finished wooden edge of different wooden furniture. Live edge furniture is often created from wood not usable in traditional carpentry, having warps, knots, gnarls or other imperfections.

Beyond the artistic beauty that live edge furniture provides, one of the most attractive things about it is its sustainability. In much of the live edge furniture being created, the wood used is often sourced locally from fallen trees, or salvaged from collapsed barns. By not cutting trees or shipping wood cross-continent, artisans are reducing the carbon footprint commonly associated with furniture manufacturing.

While we’re seeing it pop up everywhere; conference rooms, hotel lobbies, offices—no two pieces are alike. Which is exactly why we want it.

Live edge furniture transcends a particular style, which means it blends beautifully with its intended space. Rustic, modern, shabby chic, contemporary, minimalist—it’ll work. But if you have your eye on the gorgeous headboard your best friend just bought, you’re out of luck. There’ll never be another one like it.

You can, however, find something just as beautiful for yourself. Check out a few of these pieces to see which could transform your spaces!

Live Edge Bars

Walnut Bar Height Table

A table for entertaining: Fit for dining at a local gastropub or watching the game at home.
Buy it at michaelheuser on Etsy

English Walnut Matched Bar

The seller describes this as a reception desk, but it could also work well as a serving point for cocktails. The matched ends provide some options for mobility and curves or corners.
Buy it at Completelywild on Etsy

Curved and Reclaimed Bar

This curved bar features a live edge slab top and reclaimed walnut sides. A mixture of oak maple, and heart of pine—this is a truly one-of-a-kind piece.
Buy it at Custom Made

Live Edge Shelving

Fireplace Mantel

When hanging your stockings by the chimney on any old mantel simply won’t do. This might be just what you’re looking for.
Buy it at Harvestbilt on Etsy

Floating Shelf

The only problem with shelving like this is finding things to put on them that don’t detract from the shelves themselves.
Buy it at Stockton Heritage on Etsy

Burlwood Wall Shelf

This shelf is so unique it could be the focal point of the room. The key with this piece will be deciding which space can show it off best.
Buy it at Missouri Nature art on Etsy

Live Edge Headboards

When you’re ready for something that you haven’t seen pinned or posted or shared 1,000 times, and you don’t want your room to look like every department store in the country, go with a one-of-a-kind piece like this.
Buy it at Wayfair

Walnut Headboard

This headboard screams “luxury”. It’s also screaming for everyone to leave me alone because I want this bed all to myself.
Buy it at Custom Made

Live Edge Lamps, Cutting Boards, and Accessories

Amboyna Burl Knife Block

You won’t have to worry about having the same knife block everyone else does. You also probably won’t ever let anyone touch it. Not because it’s full of knives, but because it’s a work of art.
Buy it at Custom Made

Wood Slice Cheese Board

This would make a unique wedding or anniversary gift, especially for those people who already have everything.
Buy it at OSO Home on Etsy

Applewood Cutting Board

Highly functional, but also a conversation starter, this cutting board will beg the question, “Where did you get that?” Maybe it’ll also encourage your friends to put together a nice crudite platter when they’re in your kitchen.
Buy it at Ben Whitbeck on Etsy

Slab Lamp

Talk about a remarkable statement piece. If you could only choose one thing in a space to make it special, this lamp would be it.
Buy it at Slab Life on Etsy

Wild Cherry Wine Rack

This wine rack is so fabulous, your party guests may not even notice you bought the cheap wine.
Buy it at White Creek Crafts on Etsy

Natural Wood Business Card Holder

Imagine having this on your desk at work. It says, “You may be more successful than me, Bill, but I’m infinitely more interesting. Clearly.”
Buy it at Virginia Mtn. Woodworks on Etsy

Round Acacia Wood Bowl

The possibilities with this bowl are endless. Use in your kitchen, your living spaces, your back patio. Sure to be a favorite piece your whole life through.
Buy it at Wayfair

Live Edge Benches

Rustic Live Edge Wood Bench

This bench suggests sitting down in the back entrance to remove your shoes, and then maybe getting stuck there with some tea and a good book.
Buy it at Manchester Wood on Etsy

Live Edge Bench with Back Rest

This bench is almost too pretty to keep outside. Take your yard next level with this piece. (You’ll still need to cut your grass.)
Buy it at Wicked Grain on Etsy

Sheesham Wash Wooden Bench

The blends of colors in this piece give it a look all its own. The unique, whimsical placement of the legs lets your guests know you don’t take yourself too seriously.
Buy it at Wayfair

Live Edge Coffee Tables

Live Edge Hemlock Side Table

The grains of the wood and the sharp contrasts in colors are incredibly vivid in this table. The hairpin legs provide a delicate balance with the sturdy top, and make for easy placement within your home.
Buy it at Kalla Kreations on Etsy

Elm Slab Coffee Table with Resin River

A favorite feature among many live edge pieces are the deep natural grooves that provide an opportunity to fill it in with unique materials. Such is the case with this coffee table. The grooves are filled with blue resin.
Buy it at Frances Bradley Design on Etsy

Ozark Hickory Coffee Table

Made with wood harvested from the Ozarks, this table is sure to get noticed. The copper legs are a unique design element not commonly found and give it a warm touch.
Buy it at Amazon

Acacia Wood Coffee Table

I wish I could explain why I love the dovetails so much, but I can’t. This coffee table is the right size for just about any room. I’d have a hard time actually using it though. Who wants to cover that up with books and coasters?
Buy it at Wayfair

Live Edge Dining Tables

Reclaimed Harvest Table

This is just the right size to use everyday. Make family dinner nights more memorable around this warm, inviting dining table.
Buy it at moderncre8ve on Etsy

Log Slab Boardroom Table

Fun fact, when you order your custom log slab table, the creator will actually send you a picture of the original log it came from, plus progress shots and customization along the way.
Buy it at Tree Green Team on Etsy

Spalted Maple Dining Table

As evidence of this table’s tree origin, the stump bases provide both stability and charm.
Buy it at Ohio Woodlands

Rosewood Indoor Dining Set

Why stop at the table when you can get an entire set? This unique beauty seats eight and is sure to be the site of many memorable times.
Buy it at Amazon

Westchester Dining Table

If you’re set on a modern style, and really need something to seamlessly blend, this table has incorporated elements that are sure to please.
Buy it at Wayfair

Suarina Wood Top Dining Table

This table is so elegant you may not be able to take your eyes off of it. It is sure to become an heirloom passed down through generations.
Buy it at Wayfair

Walnut Nakashima Dining Table

Done in classic Nakashima style, this table is crafted from two separate slabs and held together by dovetails, leaving just enough of gap that you’re able to see the individual slabs.
Buy it at Corey Morgan Woodworks on Etsy

Live Edge Stools and Chairs

Walnut Slab Adirondack Chair

Because there’s an Adirondack chair for every Insteading occasion, check out this black walnut beauty! The matching slate coffee table adds a nice touch too.
Buy it at Completely Wild on Etsy

Live Edge Hickory Step Stool

Perfectly sized for little ones to use as a step stool or even a seat, it’s pretty enough to use as a decorative piece indoors or out.
Buy it at Designs 13 Co. on Etsy

Artisan Teak Wood Stool

Crafted with several pieces of teak wood, this unique stool can serve multiple purposes, while itself being a work of art.
Buy it at Amazon

Teak Stump Stool

The rich, dark hue of this stump stool highlights its perfect imperfections. Use as either a stool or a side table.
Buy it at Amazon

Woodpile Stick Stool

Functional but striking in its individuality. Just be careful someone doesn’t mistake it for a bundle of firewood.
Buy it at Wayfair

Walnut Stools with Natural Edge

Though the well-crafted look of these stools is something to behold, they’re sturdy, durable, and their comfortable appearance invites you to take a load off and sit a spell.
Buy it at Appalachian Joinery on Etsy