Wednesday, November 11, 2009

This Week's Top 5 Favorite 1stdibs Items: Versatile and Flexible Wood!

We've posted about great-looking wood pieces we've seen on 1stdibs before. We just love the warmth, texture, variety and colors that exist within the large body of wooden furniture work out there. You know what we also love? Its versatility. Able to be carved, cut, molded, shaped and assembled, wood is the go-to material for those creative designers looking to stretch the limits of furniture design, and for artists and sculptors who need a material that can transform into their vision. We've gathered some fun wood pieces that prove wood's versatile nature:

1) Monumental Couple of Hand Carved Hippos
When we first thought that these hippos were only regularly-sized accessories we were impressed by them, but now we just can't get enough realizing just how huge they are! We love that they retain a warmth and character that you just wouldn't see from something made out of another material.
Price: $2,800
Dealer:
Palm Beach Antique and Design Center

2) Marionettes
How magical and whimsical! These marionettes prove that wood can be used to create fantasy and enhance imagination. We just don't think you'd be able to suspend disbelief with any other material.
Price: $3,700
Dealer:
Just Folk

3) Adjustable hanging shelving by Zanini de Zanine
We love these hanging shelves from Brazil. So amazing-looking. Combined with the functionality of shelving, wood here really elevates this home furniture item into art.
Price: $12,000
Dealer:
NOHO Modern

4) A Rare Multifaceted Mahogany Bar Cabinet attributed Ico Parisi
How fun! Wood in this piece has turned what could be a ho-hum bar cabinet into a study of geometry! Without adding any ornament or detail the wood's shape here adds a lot of interest and depth to this piece.
Price: $6,500
Dealer:
Gary Rubinstein Antiques

5) Mäder Rocking Armchair by Mendes-Hirth
We just love the sculptural wonderfulness of this rocking chair. Though we can't read this description, we bet it says something about how this chair being made out of wood gives it a warm, organic feel despite its uber-modern look.
Price: contact dealer
Dealer:
Espasso

Don't forget to check out the rest of this week's listings from 1stdibs, where you can find more fabulous, one-of-a-kind show-stopping pieces, as well as a number of other great pieces!