How To Make Faux Bois Concrete Furniture

In my virginia studio i practice the 150 year old art form known as concrete faux bois meaning false wood in french.

How to make faux bois concrete furniture.

Spruce up forgettable furnishings or bare walls with the faux bois technique which results in paint that looks just like wood. I amassed quite an assortment of early 20th century concrete faux bois furniture after i bought my house in maine more than a decade ago. The history of three dimensional faux bois dates back to 19th century france when stoneworkers used a technique called ferrocement to create furniture planters and decorative structures from rebar wire mesh frames and concrete. I thought that using this heavy unusual rustic artisanal furniture would add a touch of whimsy to the rather formal arrangements of the mostly english antiques found throughout the house.

This project is inspired by the very old art form over 150 years old of faux bois which means fake wood in french. Faux bois is an artistic imitation of wood usually made with concrete. To create individual pieces or entire sets of durable beautiful and unique furniture. Starting with simple steel rebar and hi tech cement mixes i take inspiration from the natural world around me and create lasting faux bois furniture that appears to have grown in place by the unseen hand of nature.

Concrete faux bois up cycled chair. In some parts of the united states and mexico faux bois may also be referred to as el trabajo rustico. Diane husson designs and creates original contemporary concrete faux bois furniture. Faux bois was most popular in the late 19th century and a good portion of it has dissappeared because of the passing of its select few experts in the art.

She is commissioned by individuals and designers throughout the u s.