In a recent blog I mentioned distressed furniture and how perfect it looks in a cottage. But the reality is that distressed pieces work well in just about any home. It’s a wonderfully relaxed look that says ‘come sit and unwind’. Distressed furniture is also very on trend, as it complements the cottage chic and casual living trends quite nicely.

Hidden Treasures Chest by Hammary

But what exactly is the distressed or weathered look? It’s making furniture or any object appear aged – it’s a lived-in, wonderfully worn look. Distressing is considered a finishing technique, but truthfully, it’s just the opposite. The finish is deliberately destroyed or manipulated during construction to look imperfect. It can be done with sandpaper, paint stripper, even nails to create ‘damage’. The unfinished look is often called the patina.

Timbuktu Dining Room by Largo

Why Is It So Popular? Everyone wants their space to be distinctive and one-of-a-kind. Distressing is a great way to help achieve that. It has a vintage quality and ease about it. It fits beautifully with today’s emphasis on homes that are comfortable rather than fussy, laid back rather than pretentious.

Hampton Coffee Table by Classic Home

Where Does Distressed Work? Another reason distressed furniture and art are such popular choices is that they work well with almost any decorating style. Distressed is most often associated with country or rustic decor, but it can also add delightful contrast in a modern or contemporary space. Likewise, transitional or eclectic styles, because of their flexibility, are a great setting for distressed pieces.

Chest by Hooker

Ready-Made Distressed Furniture. There’s a myriad of distressed pieces available at your favourite furniture store. Look for coffee tables, hall tables, hall benches with storage, dining tables and much more – there are a lot of different finishes to choose from to blend with your existing pieces. I am of the ‘less is more’ philosophy with distressed furniture. A whole room of distressed furniture might be overwhelming, but a single focal piece will stand out beautifully.

Hidden Treasures Chest by Hammary

…Or Do It Yourself. There’s a wealth of information available on how to transform a piece of furniture (or cupboards, or artwork, or whatever) with distressing. It’s labour-intensive but the results can be quite spectacular. Check out Pinterest for some ideas and inspiration. Be sure to start with an inexpensive piece.

Decor Elements. We’ve mostly discussed furniture, but distressing can be used in other areas in your home. One of my favourite ideas is to distress an old window frame and substitute mirror for glass. Look for window frames from old schools and churches with plenty of character. Another suggestion is to distress your hardwood floors. If you can find reclaimed wood, the work may be done for you, if not, bring on the chisel. A final thought is to consider distressed beams on your ceiling. Simply gorgeous.

Howard Miller Country Line Clock

Accessories. Don’t forget to add distressed accessories to complete the look. There are some wonderful message signs with the weathered look, as well as antiques with charming wear and tear – trunks, clocks, toys, dishware, pottery, etc. Don’t hesitate to mix distressed with refined – it only adds to the appeal.

Distressed is very low key and simple, yet very fashion forward. Consider adding furniture and accessories in this fun and captivating style.