The use of bamboo as a material for interior decoration is completely justified, since natural aesthetics and environmental friendliness create comfort and safety for humans. Bamboo in the interior harmonizes with a variety of natural materials and is used to create a traditional oriental flavor, as well as for a modern high-tech interior.
Bamboo is a difficult raw material to process, which in the past limited its scope of application. With the development of technology, it has become possible to produce products from this material that are not inferior, and in some respects superior to products made from wood and other materials used for interior decoration. Bamboo decor will harmoniously complement the interior of any apartment.
Application in the interior
Common exotic materials used for interior decoration include decorative bamboo trunks. They are used to create partitions that divide a room into zones and give the room a tropical style.
Bamboo trunks differ in:
- color;
- thickness;
- heat treatment method.
When bamboo trunks are split longitudinally into two parts, hollow halves are obtained, which can be used to cover a wall or make original baseboards from them. Bamboo in the kitchen gives the room the atmosphere of a cozy oriental restaurant. In order for the products to serve for a long time and not lose their visual appeal, you should not place them in close proximity to devices that emit heat. Moderate indoor humidity will also extend the life of bamboo trunks.
If you make holes in each of the knees of the bamboo trunk, approximately 2 millimeters in diameter, this will create internal ventilation of the trunk, which in turn will help remove moisture.
How to grow bamboo?
This can be done if you live in a region with a temperate climate and high humidity. If the latter indicator is not present, then it is necessary to sufficiently water and spray the plants. One of the beautiful qualities of bamboo is that it can grow in clay and sandy soils. Phyllostachys bamboo is considered the most winter-hardy. It can be grown from seeds:
- First, they are cleaned and heated in the sun for an hour and a half. Now you need to place the seeds in a cotton rag and soak them in water overnight.
- Now it is drained, the seeds are dried a little until they flow and planted in the prepared soil to a depth of 30 cm.
- You can take the soil for bamboo from a greenhouse and add small sawdust and ash.
- Shoots should appear 2 weeks after planting. But the germination rate of the seeds is low, only a quarter of them will germinate.
- You can grow bamboo not through seeds, but with seedlings, which are often sold in stores.
- Bamboo does not tolerate stagnant water, so the soil must be drained. If you have clay soil on your site, then loosen it with coarse sand. You can plant seedlings when the threat of spring frosts has passed. Before planting, water the roots, dig holes, add water and plant one bamboo in each hole.
- Pour soil on top and compact it with your hands. Cover the bed with peat, hay or leaves.
Bamboo loves regular watering, so do it often for the first month. Then you can water it a couple of times a week.
You can tell by the leaves whether you are watering your bamboo plant enough. If they curl, it means the plants need to be watered urgently. And if the soil is waterlogged, then some of the leaves will turn yellow.
In spring and summer, these plants are fed with fertilizer consisting of 2 parts potassium, 3 phosphorus and 4 nitrogen. And in the fall you need to do fertilizing, which includes:
- four parts potassium;
- four parts phosphorus;
- two parts nitrogen.
These fertilizers are dissolved in water and watered at the roots of the plants.
This feeding will help them prepare for the coming winter. Insulate the roots of the bamboo by adding mulch of leaves and pine bark, the height of which is 15 cm. If you live in a cool region, then cover the roots of the plant with geotextiles. If you managed to grow bamboo in your country house, then you can make crafts from it. To do this, you need to cut the stems, hang them vertically and dry. If you bought bamboo or grew it, then you can make the necessary things.
Eco-friendly furniture and other products
Bamboo accessories are appreciated by people who love comfort. The products have many advantages over wooden furniture:
- tolerate temperature differences;
- not subject to delamination;
- are not afraid of high humidity;
- do not fade when exposed to sunlight.
When purchasing bamboo furniture, you need to pay attention to the fact that it is a natural material and not an imitation of plastic. The stems from which the furniture is made must not have defects or cracks. Chairs and tables of varying complexity of designs are made from bamboo, which are used both in the home interior (in the hallway, bedroom, living room, bathroom, kitchen, office), and for verandas and gazebos in suburban areas. The incredible lightness of this material does not cause unnecessary hassle during transportation.
Product range and application
Today it is unclear how the textile industry could previously manage without bamboo. Its fibers are used to make fabrics, fillings for blankets, pillows and soft toys, home textiles and even shoes . The product range is constantly expanding.
Filler
The structure of bamboo fiber is porous, it is ideal as a filler. Micropores and microholes permeate the entire thread. This feature was appreciated by manufacturers of pillows and blankets. Along with bamboo filling, fillers are also used: Thinsulate or Holofiber.
Bamboo pillows
Bamboo pillows have their pros and cons, which we will tell you about below. The smooth surface of the fiber does not give dust the slightest chance to settle inside the pillow. And bacteria that get on the surface of bamboo fiber simply die. Dust mites inside the pillow cannot reproduce; they die in this environment. This is important for people suffering from asthmatic symptoms.
- Such pillows do not retain odors; they do not smell of anything.
- Green pectins and amino acids contained in bamboo fibers have a beneficial effect on facial skin and promote deep sleep.
- These products are recommended for children and pregnant women.
- They are suitable for allergy sufferers. The exception is people who are latex intolerant. To ensure the strength of the bamboo fiber filler, latex containing threads can be added to its composition.
Currently, bamboo pillows and blankets produced in Ivanovo are popular. Reviews about bamboo blankets produced in Ivanovo can be read in this material.
Blankets
Blankets made from this material provide normal heat regulation at any time of the year. They weigh very little and are almost unnoticeable during sleep. Read about which blanket to choose for sleeping in this article.
- Such blankets do not create excessive pressure on the body and promote normal heat and air exchange.
- They provide healthy, complete sleep and rest for children and adults.
In order for the blanket to retain heat well, its size must be selected based on the size of the bed. The blanket should be 40–50 cm wider than the mattress.
Napkins
Bamboo napkins allow you to wash dishes without detergents.
- They wash away dirt from difficult surfaces.
- They can easily handle greasy dishes, even if they use cold water for washing.
- The natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties of bamboo make dishes almost sterile. This is an opportunity to give up “chemicals” in the kitchen.
- After use, the napkin only needs to be rinsed in water and dried, and it is ready for testing again.
The video talks about bamboo towels and napkins:
Toothbrushes
If bamboo textiles are no longer surprising, then tableware, interior and hygiene items are not yet so popular. But they deserve no less respect. Bamboo was also used to make toothbrushes.
- Toothbrushes with bamboo bristles prevent inflammatory processes in gum tissue and activate tissue regeneration processes.
- They are completely environmentally friendly.
Dishes
Universal dishes made of bamboo fiber are very light, suitable for liquid and bulk products, do not break, and are not afraid of freezing and heating. It is made from natural bamboo.
- The cookware is suitable for the microwave.
- It can be washed in the dishwasher on a gentle cycle.
Some manufacturers use melamine to bind fibers in their tableware. Such dishes are more durable and cheaper. But it cannot be called 100% environmentally friendly.
The video talks about dishes made from bamboo fiber:
Application in design
In recent years, bamboo materials have gained popularity, so many are interested in the question: “How to properly combine bamboo with the design of a room.”
A ceiling made of rolled bamboo fabric or pressed slabs looks extravagant in combination with stretch ceilings. Bamboo fabric will complement the exotic Chinese style in the bedroom or dining room.
Bamboo blinds and curtains look great with fabric curtains. Their use brings sophistication and lightness to the design.
Bamboo wallpaper looks original and exotic and is used in decorating a bedroom or living room, which gives the rooms a cozy feel. In addition, such wallpaper is durable and does not lose its appearance over time.
Bamboo parquet has a lot of design advantages. Its use gives the room chic and presentability; it is suitable for rooms made in oriental or classic design.
Decorative bamboo trunks fit into any interior, adding shades of exoticism.
How to make a folding chair from bamboo?
Now you can work with this exotic wood and make a folding chair.
To make it, you will need:
- bamboo poles of different diameters;
- drill;
- round attachment for drill;
- wood glue;
First, you need to saw off 4 identical sections from the bamboo stem, then connect them into a square using staples and pre-made holes.
Using the holes and glue, fill this seat base with other sticks. Make the front and back of the chair by connecting the elements of each with cross bamboo canes. At the top, connect this front and back part to each other, also making the back. Now you need to fix the seat so that the chair folds.
Using the above methods of bending bamboo pieces, you can make such elements to create chairs with beautiful backs.
The canvas of the chair itself is filled with bamboo plates. To get them, you need to soak this exotic tree for a while in warm water, and then cut it lengthwise along the grain. If you have a lot of these parts, make blinds by connecting them with strong rope. You can paste over walls and ceilings in a country house with such elements. If you have a good flight of fancy and like to experiment, then you can make the base for the inclined walls from bamboo stems, and fill these elements with plates of this exotic wood. From such material you can make a hut in the country. Use fragments of plates to make panels or decorations for the ceiling. They are pasted here according to the “Christmas tree” principle or in another order. If you love sunbathing, then try making a comfortable bed out of bamboo. Here you can not only sunbathe, but also sleep. You will have a natural idyll and harmony if you turn a bamboo stalk into a water pump. It's nice to lie in the fresh air on a warm day and listen to the sounds of flowing water. You can tie pieces of sticks to a fishing line or rope, and hang 2 metal weights at the bottom, which will make sounds if the breeze blows.
You can also make a pergola with a roof from bamboo.
Place the posts vertically by digging them into the ground and securing them there with cement. Connect the bamboo plates together crosswise diagonally, tying them together with wire. Tie these fragments to the posts. From above you need to strengthen the structure with horizontal slings. Build the roof separately and secure it firmly in place.
You can place such a pergola on a path to pass under it or place it on a flat area, and install a bamboo bed below. Then you will have a great opportunity to sometimes relax in the shade in nature.
If you recently bought a plot and have not yet acquired a shower, that’s okay. Make the walls and roof for it all from the same natural material.
Moreover, even a shower stand can be made using a bamboo stalk, but of sufficient thickness. Remove the internal partitions from it in the manner described earlier and place a hose here. Fix the shower on top, and attach the bamboo stem itself to strong wooden stands. This way you will solve the problem of hygiene and you can take water treatments on a hot day.
We invite everyone interested in this interesting idea to watch the video. The first one will tell you what can be made from bamboo. These crafts are quite suitable for beginners.
The second video includes a master class in which you will see how to make a bamboo fence. And 10 interesting facts about this exotic tree await you in the third video. Look how it grows in its homeland.
If you love sushi, then you are probably familiar with the situation when it’s a pity to throw away used utensils, but there’s nowhere to use them... They just sit there, just in case! Today we have put together a selection of several ideas for their use especially for you! Hurry up and see our creative article - crafts made from Chinese chopsticks!
Jewelry stand
If you have enough time, then pay attention to this simple and very simple idea!
In this example, we used Chinese sticks and a hot glue gun. You can easily use regular wood glue or instant.
How to quickly transform your interior and put your decorations in order
Don't know where to start? Then take our advice! To begin with, connect three sticks into a triangle, and then connect your soul and imagination! How do you like these crafts made from Chinese chopsticks?
Update the design of a mirror made of Chinese chopsticks
Chinese chopsticks can be used not only for practical purposes, but also for decorative purposes! Using a large number of Chinese sticks, you can make a modern solar mirror with your own hands!
A short guide to decorating a mirror
The most problematic and painstaking work is to find the perfect symmetry. First, place long rays, and later work on small ones. By the way, you can lengthen a Chinese stick using two sticks using glue. After completing the work, paint the finished sun gold.
Original stand for dishes
The main thing is to remember that there must be a gap of 3-5 mm between the sticks.
Knitting needles and hooks
Have you decided to take up a new hobby? Then we advise you to save money on purchasing the necessary equipment! Making knitting needles and hooks is much easier than you think! First, sharpen the tip with a sharpener. And to give a softer tip, grind off the base with sandpaper. We use the same principle to make a hook!
Source:
German magazine of interior and decor “Deavita”
Author of the translation:
Maria Chvanova. Especially for the site
Various stores provide us with a huge selection of stylish decorative items for the home, and many of them can be implemented independently at home, which in the end will turn out to be much cheaper than possible purchase of a finished product. Today we decided to show how to make a frame for a mirror from bamboo sticks.
Main features of bamboo parquet
Until recently, it was generally accepted that the best parquet was made from larch or oak wood, but after the advent of bamboo parquet, the bar for the quality of floor finishing materials has risen.
Features include:
- exceptional strength and wear resistance during operation;
- high fire resistance;
- in comparison with parquet made from classical materials, it withstands moisture better;
- has an antistatic effect, which prevents dust from accumulating on it;
- increased resistance to various types of mold and insects;
- environmental friendliness;
- due to low thermal conductivity, provides floor heat;
- excellent sound insulation;
- unique appearance.
Caring for bamboo bedding
The demand for bed linen, pillows, blankets, bathrobes and towels made from bamboo is constantly growing. In order for bamboo textiles and bedding to please the eye and body for a long time, you need to follow simple rules:
- Bamboo products are wear-resistant, they can be washed by hand or in a machine, only for the “machine” you need to choose a gentle mode.
- Pillows and duvets are dry cleanable. If necessary, they can be washed in a machine with detergent. The temperature is set to 30 degrees, spin is minimal (up to 400 rpm), washing mode is gentle.
- The machine drum should be half empty. Maximum occupancy – 60%.
- Products with bamboo filling should be dried in a horizontal position. It is better to avoid sun rays. To speed up the process, you can use a fan; hot air is not suitable. Also, machine drying should not be used.
- Dry cleaning and bleaching agents are contraindicated for bamboo.
- Bamboo bed linen is not recommended to be ironed. A hot iron will “close” the pores on the bamboo fibers, and the fabric will lose its properties.
- Bamboo fiber products should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated area. Wrapping in polyethylene and pressing is highly not recommended.
Pillows and blankets need to be fluffed periodically: they should not cake.
How to lay parquet correctly
Before laying bamboo parquet, the base of the floor must be leveled with sand-cement mortar. When the solution dries, plywood is spread on it, after which the parquet itself is laid. If you strictly follow the technological process, use modern tools and carefully control the quality at all stages of installation, you will be able to lay parquet without the help of professionals.
The work of leveling the floor must be taken with full responsibility, since the quality of parquet installation directly depends on it. A properly executed screed should be free of voids and cracks. There should be no changes in the level of the frozen solution, as well as its peeling. The fill and base of the floor must be one solid monolith. During operation, the screed may be exposed to external moisture, which leads to partial destruction. To prevent such troubles, you need to lay a waterproofing material on the screed, which will provide complete protection from moisture. The next step is to secure the plywood sheets to the base using screws.
Before installation, bamboo parquet must undergo an acclimatization procedure. To do this, open the package and let the material rest for several days at room temperature.
How to turn bamboo stem into crafts?
The simplest thing is to make supports for climbing plants.
To make these, take:
- bamboo stems - 6 pieces;
- twine;
- hammer;
- stick;
- measuring tape;
- wire.
This pyramid will have a hexagonal shape, so for each design you will need exactly that many sticks.
They must be the same length. First you need to mark a circle on the ground and dig it up. Now divide this circle into 6 parts. Make an indentation in each marking using a stick and hammer. Insert a bamboo pole into the holes. You need to deepen them enough to make the structure strong. Connect all these elements from above and tie them with wire. Now wrap the bamboo pyramid with twine so that climbing plants can weave along it and the structure is strong.
You can fence such a bed with an old hose, sticks or bamboo cuttings. A decorative fence made of the same material will look very good nearby.
To make it, you will need:
- bamboo stems are thin and also thick for supporting pillars;
- durable, non-rotting rope;
- drill with a round attachment;
- self-tapping screws
Manufacturing instructions:
- Mark the area to place the fence in the chosen location. Dig holes for large posts. If your bamboo stem is not thick enough, then you can use regular timber as support posts.
- Now you need to make round holes in these large pillars using a drill. The pillars should be at the same distance from each other; connect them at the top and bottom using medium-thick bamboo stems. To do this, you need to make holes in large pillars and insert medium-diameter slugs here. For better adhesion, secure the joint with glue.
- Next, you need to place thin bamboo stems diagonally to make an openwork wall out of them. To do this, drill round holes at equal distances in horizontal racks and insert thin stems here, first tilted in one direction and then in the other. Secure them with a strong rope.
A bamboo stalk will also help decorate the barbecue area. See what torches you can make with it. But follow the necessary fire safety measures to completely prevent fire.
If you have scraps of this material left, you can make a birdhouse.