Insect and Spider Motifs for Custom Furniture

And now, for a story about catching a different kind of bug, artisan Peter Loh of Peter Loh Studio Furniture explains the origin of his maple, rosewood, and zebrawood “Recluse” entry table:

With smooth flowing curves, Recluse is an image of furniture in motion. Inspiration came in the guise of an insect bite received on a backpacking expedition. The legs of the brown recluse spider were the catalyst for the design of this table.

Check out Peter’s Arthropod collection to see more of his works inspired by insects and spiders or contact him about this particular piece or to commission something similar.

"Recluse" by Peter Loh Studio Furniture at CustomMade.com

To put it mildly, many people would shy away from anything resembling an insect or spider.  Nevertheless, the world of bugs has inspired a number of CustomMade artisans to create custom furniture and accessories like custom lamps.  (Hopefully, no one had a more painful muse than Peter).  If you’re looking for a provocative and unusual design to express motion, grace, and energy in a custom project for your home, put down your shoe, for a moment at least, and take a look at some custom pieces inspired by our arthropod neighbors.

Furniture maker Michael Wilson of Michael Wilson Designs has captured the forms of spiders in stunning tables that we’ve previously featured on our blog.  He has incorporated another hunter in this praying mantis lamp.  The hand carved walnut base curves gracefully as if to strike.  If you’re interested in this piece or would like to discuss handmade lamps in a similar style, contact Michael.

Praying Mantis Lamp by Michael Wilson Designs at CustomMade.com

Distinctive yet abstract insect motifs can also find their way into custom furniture uniquely designed for your home.  Master woodworker William Doub of William Doub Custom Furniture designed and built this Art Nouveau inspired cherry and walnut dining room set for art collector clients who had seen one of his chairs and commissioned a dining arrangement based on a variation of that design.  He writes:

We worked closely with these clients for several months, while refining drawings to reflect their vision and process, as well as our own. We enjoy working directly with clients to arrive at a design that they have ownership in, one that they choose to live with on a daily basis.

The legs and brackets of this dining set are abstractions of dragonflies.  The Art Nouveau’s turn to organic forms makes insect motifs a natural fit for this style.  Take a look at William Doub’s CustomMade portfolio and read his guest blog post on the Art Nouveau movement.  If you find a piece that inspires you, contact William and discuss your custom options.

Wayland Dining Room by William Doub Custom Furniture at CustomMade.com

Insects and spiders are natural homebuilders, and their designs and even materials like spider silk and wasp paper have inspired artisans and scientists.  Artisans Lâm Quảng and Kestrel Gates of HiiH Lights create lamps that combine papermaking and sculpture.  The honeycomb armature and paper of their “Bees and Hive” table lamp give a nod to the busy bee.  Read about their lamp making process on their website.  If you have a vision for a custom made lamp or want a new custom shade for an existing lamp base, get in touch with the artisans today.

"Bees and Hive" by HiiH Lights at CustomMade.com

Have an inspiration buzzing (or crawling) in your mind for unique custom furniture and accessories?  Post it on our “Get It Made” job board.  Custom furniture makers interested in bringing your project to multi-limbed and segmented life will then contact you.