Making Your Home Bad to the Bone

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If you’re anything like me, you absolutely love the trend of global/ethnic influence in home decor.  Globally inspired pieces add such an interesting layer of charm and authenticity to any space.  One of my favorite global styles is bone inlay - a beautiful technique that creates a stunning mosaic on a variety of items:  tables, trays, stools, chairs, beds, and more.  

So for a brief history lesson - where does this beautiful technique come from?  Bone inlay is a tradition that has been handed down through generations and is practiced in Jaipur regions of Rajasthan in India.  Inlay is the technique of inserting pieces of contrasting material into depressions made on a base object. In bone inlay, the discarded bones of camels passed away due to natural causes are used.  Isn’t that incredible?!  The production of bone inlay furniture is a three step process and requires up to a month to create….talk about commitment!   First, the fragments of camel bones are shaped delicately. Then, these intricate shapes are affixed onto timber frame in a detailed pattern. And finally, resin is filled around the bone shapes to craft the background. The bone pieces are offset by striking color of the resin to create an exotic looking oriental piece of furniture.  

As you can see from the process, the technique of bone inlay requires such a high skill level and time commitment, it absolutely explains the higher price tag.  Furniture pieces made with the bone inlay technique should definitely be considered statement-making investment pieces.  If you love the bone inlay style, but are looking for a more budget friendly option, check out the trays and boxes that would be stunning for your coffee table or nightstand.  

I’ve sourced and gathered some incredible bone inlay items for you to shop below (in a wide range of price points) - many are made with the more traditional floral pattern, and several are showing more modern/geometric applications of the age-old technique.  So give me a shout and let me know if you love the bone inlay technique, and where you would love to incorporate this furnishing technique in your own home!