Ode to the Past with Western Dinnerware
There
is nothing as distinctively American as the Old West. Imagine cowboys
sauntering across dry and dusty streets, their spurs clanging
together, and gun-filled holsters hanging from their hips. Small
grocery shops and the ever-present saloon line the street, calling
for customers to park their rides and socialize.
The
Western style of home decor, including western dinnerware, has become
a popular among individuals wanting to emulate this purely American
influence. Also referred to as cabin, mountain, rustic or cowboy
style, the Western theme represents adventure and pioneering. Natural
products are emphasized, including the use of rock, leather, metal
and wood. Hand-made designs and details like antlers, birch, wood,
and beads bring authenticity to the Western style.
Western
dinnerware, including plates, saucers, mugs and bowls, are staples of
the Western motif. Hand-painted cowboys, cacti, horses, and Native
American designs signify the West, as do nontraditional color
schemes, like tans/browns, greens, gray and brick. Sepia-toned
designs add a distinctive illusion of aging.
Western
dinnerware is often made of stoneware, a type of clay that is fired
at more than 1200 degrees Celsius to make it impervious to water.
Other western-style dinnerware is made of porcelain, earthenware or a
sturdy plastic material called melamine.
Western
dinnerware, and the Rustic style in general, focuses not on bringing
elegance to a home, but a practical coziness that encourages an
appreciation of all that is natural. This style fits well in a log
cabin or western style ranch, but many city-bound individuals choose
a western theme out of a desire to connect to the natural world.
Fabrics
in the western-themed home are rough and tumble, just like the
region’s old pioneers. Textured fabrics like wool, denim, fur and
leather adorn large couches of cracked leather, covered in Indian
blankets.
Generally
speaking, western dinnerware complements other Western decorating
themes, including the use of wide-planked hardwood floors and wooden
shutters to give homes an “old-time saloon” feel.
Animal
skins or fur are often used as rugs, and the fireplace is an absolute
necessity. As long as the style isn’t too ornate, wrought iron
furniture can add distinction and substance to a Western-themed home.
Finally, there is an obvious lack of modern window treatments and
frilly drapes.
The
point of western style is to let the beautiful mountain air in, not
keep it stuck on the other side of a thick window. Pottery, pine
cones and other western “accessories” add to the total
effect, as do older electronics or worn books. Everything, from
flooring to cabinetry to furniture, combines into one visually
stimulating celebration of the earlier years of America.
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