What is bone inlay furniture, and why is it expensive?

Bone inlay furniture is a form of handmade luxury furniture that shows true craftsmanship and real beauty of natural bone. Known for its unique patterns and design, bone inlay furniture is handcrafted by using traditional techniques passed down through generations.Because of the time, skill, and detail involved, bone inlay furniture is considered high-end and is normally pricier than normal furniture.

In this blog, we explain what bone inlay furniture is, how it is made, and why it is more expensive than regular furniture.

What is bone inlay furniture? 

Bone inlay furniture is a process of embedding small, hand-cut pieces of bone into solid wood to make decorative patterns.The fine shaped and placed pieces of bone by hand are then sealed with resin and polished to make a smooth & beautiful finish.

This is a skill that dates back several centuries and is still practiced today by master craftsmen from Rajasthan, India.

The most popular furniture pieces inlaid with bones include coffee tables, bedside tables, cabinets, chests of drawers, mirrors, cupboards and decorative trays.

How is bone inlay furniture made? 

Making bone inlay furniture is a very long process:

1. Solid Wood Base

A strong wooden frame is prepared to ensure durability and long life.

2. Hand-Cut Bone Pieces

Natural bone is cut into small shapes with hand tools.

3. Inlay Work

Each piece of bone is placed separately into sections of carved wood to form patterns.

4. Filling & Polishing

The resin is then filled between the pieces of bone, and after that, the surface is sanded down and polished multiple times in order to achieve a smooth, glossy finish.

Because all of this is done by hand, a single piece might take weeks to finish.

Why is bone inlay furniture so expensive?   

There are some important reasons for the cost:

Handmade artistry

Each piece takes several hundred hours of painstaking manual labor from highly skilled craftspeople.

Best materials

Use of solid wood, real bone, or high-quality finish for durability and quality. 

Limited runs

Bone inlay furniture is not mass-produced. The items are handmade.

The Final Solution

These are not just furniture pieces; they are also art which can be used.

Long Lifespan

If properly looked after, bone inlay furniture may last for several decades.

Is it durable?

Yes. When kept inside, bone inlay furniture is quite durable.In fact, it is best suited for a luxurious villa or home. However, it should be kept away from sunlight, water, or harsh detergents.

Bone Inlay vs. Other Furniture

Bone inlay: unique designs done by hand, exclusive materials used, durable, luxury product

Regular: machine-made design, repeating patterns, typical materials, typical life span, simple appearance

Where to buy genuine bone inlay furniture.

Seek reputable companies or brands who directly deal with artisans. At Vinayak Handicraft, we offer a variety of uniquely handcrafted bone inlays designed by expert artisans in India.

Check out our bone inlay coffee tables, bedside tables, and chests of drawers meant for luxury home decor.

Final Thoughts

Bone Inlay Furniture deserves the premium pricing because this type of furniture carries with it the essence of tradition and patience. Every single article of Bone Inlay Furniture has a story to tell. If you’re looking for some furniture that will really stand out and last, bone inlay is definitely the way to go. 

Explore our complete range of handmade bone inlay furniture at Vinayak Handicraft.