Monday, 23 June 2008

Reclaimed Indonesian wood - the way forward!

Using reclaimed Indonesian wood is one of the most ethical ways to update the furniture in your home. In fact, don't consider doing anything else!

Old Teak is a forward-thinking furniture company that specialises in reclaimed Indonesian wood and old growth plantation wood from Indonesian Government managed plantations.

The reclaimed Indonesian wood is, as the name implies, 'teak wood' and comes from old houses, bridges and other old constructions that are being replaced by more modern buildings all over Indonesia. The furniture company only uses reclaimed teak wood that still has natural teak oils and so retains its strength and durability.

Old Teak also uses Indonesian plantation teak wood, which is the highest quality 'old growth' teak. The timber is not forced as force-grown immature timber is often poor quality.

The company’s range also features funky natural-woven furniture. It is all made from organic material such as water hyacinth, rattan, banana fibre and sea grass. The furniture is constructed on a solid Indonesian teak wood framework and is incredibly hard wearing. If you 're of an eco-friendly mindset, and desire furniture of the highest quality wood, make this site top of your list!

http://www.oldteak.co.uk/


Made on Earth sits comfortably with its ethical responsibility to the Indonesian community


If you’re planning to chill out on your garden furniture this summer, you simply have to check out the Indonesian furniture website Made on Earth. Its Indonesian furniture is not only beautifully made, but ethically sourced. The ethical furniture company also donates five per cent of its profits to children’s charities in Indonesia as a thank you for their superb craftsmanship.

The donated money so far has enabled a school in Indonesia to buy a minibus; teachers no longer pick up pupils on motorbikes. Indonesian orphanages have also benefited, with bedding and mattresses being purchased so Indonesian children no longer have to sleep on floors. The owner of Made on Earth visits Indonesia every year to monitor the working environment of the local Indonesian people, so buyers can guarantee that ethical standards are being maintained.

Ethical furniture products on the website include teak tables, chairs, garden loungers and ethical furniture accessories. There are also uber cool ‘weave’ furniture designs that can be added to any room in the home. Made on Earth was established in 1998 with the help of a grant from the Princes Trust, and has been featured on the BBC website.
Visit http://www.made-on-earth.co.uk/

Thursday, 15 May 2008

Java Style - Indonesian furniture which is ethically aware


Take a look at JavaStyle for an excellent selection of furniture all handcrafted from various Indonesian woods such as Teak and Mahogany.

Javastyle are an environmentally responsible company who ensure that all the wood used in their Indonesian furniture is recycled plantation grown or reclaimed.Consumers are increasingly interested in purchasing ethically sourced furniture.

The company's online store is handily split into sections,Live Eat Dream and Grow with furniture for every room in the house and also your garden.

The selection of Indonesian furniture is excellent with some contemporary and more ornate pieces to be found.For example the Padi Bench is a classic style teak bench which is traditionally Indonesian in style and has all the elements of a handcrafted piece of Indonesian furniture.
If it's an Indonesian dining table you are looking for, Java Style have a wide selection to suit all tastes,the Solo dining set is made from Mahogany wood and comes complete with a set of four chairs which are woven out of traditional Indonesian sea grass.

Tuesday, 22 April 2008

Indian Furniture - An exciting trend


The popularity of Indian furniture continues to grow with many online retailers now offering both traditional and contemporary ranges which use authentic Indian hardwoods and metal detailing.
Traditionally wooden furniture is is renowned for it's durability and style and with the current trend for ethnically styled furniture it is no surprise that Indian furniture is so popular.
Despite the developments which have been made in the furniture making industry and the move towards mass produced items many consumers seek a more individual,traditional and ethical product.
Traditional Indian furniture making techniques are still widely used,ensuring that they continue and support the industry.Regional specialities include Rajasthani and Gujarati woodcraft.The unique features of these being an antique appearance and intricate craftsmanship.
Sheesham and Acacia woods are predominately used in Indian furniture and they are extremely glossy and exotic in their finish. A recent development in Indian furniture making has been to distress the finish in order to make it appear older and more authentic.This is particularly popular with chairs, cabinets and tables.
For a wide selection of Indian furniture see www.tangkoko.co.uk

The best in Indian hardwood furniture

If you're looking for both contemporary and traditional "Indian furniture" then take a look at http://www.worldfurniture.co.uk/ which has a great of Indian hardwood furniture ranges.



The contemporary range has something for every room in your home with simple yet elegant pieces all made from Sheesham or Acacia hardwoods.Sheesham in particular is one of the most practical and well used timber sources from India.It seasons very well and does not warp or split which makes it a good wood to be used in furniture making as it is also very durable and has a highly glossy appearance.There are three contemporary ranges available from world furniture,the Madrid,Tuscany light and Tuscany dark range.



If you prefer something more ornate and traditional then there is also an excellent choice of pieces available.The Kalanpur range consists of dining suites,cabinets and coffee tables again made from Sheesham hardwood.The golden brown colour of the timber is hand waxed to allow the unique colours to shine through.



The Rajasthani range has many wonderful features,all pieces are made from Acacia wood which is dark and nutty in colour which is quite typical of traditional Indian furniture.
Also the addition of hand forged fittings and jali ironwork makes the range extremely authentic.

Indian Furniture - A New Direction

Indian furniture has taken a new direction with the introduction of the new onlne store.

Thursday, 10 April 2008

Reclaimed wood = ethical furniture


Ethical Wood Furnishings are a company who specialise in creating bespoke ethical gifts and eco friendly furniture for the home and garden from reclaimed and recycled wood.

The company was started in 2006 with the aim of creating beautiful affordable and ethical furniture.They believe that ethical furniture should also be affordable so that the increasing number of people who want environmentally friendly furniture can purchase it easily.

All of the furniture in the range is made from reclaimed wood which ensure each piece is unique in appearance which adds to its consumer appeal.Time is taken to find the right wood for each piece which is designed with thought and care ensuring that they work together allowing the natural contours colours and character of the wood to shine through.
The wood is purchased from The Wood Store which is part of the National Wood Recycling Initiative.
All furniture is made on a bespoke basis according to the individual customer requirements.They can design and produce coffee tables, dining tables and TV stands for example.Prices depend on sizes,type of wood,the finish used and the time taken to create the piece.