THE ERA OF Deconstruction

What is deconstructed furniture, and

why is it so popular right now?

Want Sandra’s insider tips for shopping at the flea market? Find them at AmericanFarmhouseStyle.com.

WHAT? With deconstructed furniture, the frame and interior of old furniture are revealed and become the showcase of the piece. The material underneath, often burlap, becomes the furniture’s exterior. “When they’re deconstructed, you just take off a layer of fabric and find the fabulous layer of burlap that works,” Sandra says. The resulting piece of furniture adds a rustic look that can be incorporated into any style.

WHERE? Flea markets are a perfect place to find furniture that can be deconstructed. Heavier furniture often indicates the piece has original springs and is older. Occasionally a chair will already have a tear in the fabric, making it easy to see if burlap or another interesting fabric is lurking below.

NEW OR OLD? You can find both new and vintage furniture for deconstruction. The neutral underlayer of burlap or cotton on older furniture may need to be replaced, but frequently will be in good shape. While flea-market vendors sometimes sell newly deconstructed antique pieces, new versions of deconstructed furniture can also be found online or at specialty stores. “People redo things now with new burlap too because it has that look,” Sandra said. “I just embrace anything really old. I love things that are imperfect.”