Design questions answered: what is a live edge?

I have recently been asked by several different people what “live edge” means, so I thought it might be time to discuss this current trend.

Live edge refers to the natural edge of a table or shelf as opposed to an edge that has been smoothed out, sanded down and/or re-shaped.  This idea is most commonly found on table tops, counters and mantels.  Woods with a naturally gnarly design or reclaimed wood are often the best choices for this detail.

Live edge (sometimes referred to as natural edge) items are versatile enough to be right at home in both a rustic or a contemporary interior.  Take a look at these items and see if this is a look you might want to add to your home’s decor.

Incorporate a trend with small items like this dough bowl from Pottery Barn. Fill it with natural items like pine cones or green clippings or leave it empty to enjoy the beauty of the wood and the shape of the bowl.  And because it is a natural edge, each bowl will be unique.

Live edge dough bowl from Pottery Barn

Coffee and dining tables provide the perfect opportunity to display the natural edge of a slab of wood, as seen here.

Live edge dining table from West Elm

or for those who want something “lighter” in appearance, a live edge slab of stone or marble can become a beautiful and functional accent table:

Hadera table from Bernhardt

And how stunning is this live edge coffee table in this contemporary setting?!  The wood warms up all those colder surfaces and the edge of the table adds some softness to the straight edges found in other pieces in the room.

Photo by Dillard Pierce Design Associates – Search contemporary living room pictures

 

So what do you think?  Is this a look you could use in your home?