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It’s a hot one…just about everywhere right now! So, turn up the heat in your room with something unique like these centuries old Indian lintels, horizontal supports made of varying materials like timber, stone, concrete or steel which were once used as load-bearing building components, decorative architectural elements, or both. They are often found over entryways, doors, windows and fireplaces and can also add a degree of rustic warmth and character to any bare wall.

Antique Indian Lintels from Hammer & Hand Imports

Antique Indian Lintels from Hammer & Hand Imports.

We love how HGTV Design Star, Emily Henderson hung them vertically behind the sofa in her design challenge winning room!

The natural elements of the vertically hung Indian lintels play well with the modern lines and furnishings in this room!
HGTV Star Emily Henderson's winning room. source: hgtv.com

The natural elements of the vertically hung Indian lintels play well with the modern lines and furnishings in this room. source: hgtv.com

Found on our travels to India, we added a hanger to our antique Indian lintels and voila! It’s the perfect accent piece for your otherwise bare wall. Also, a great way to add interest to your snooze-fest of an entry or doorway.

Vertical headers, antique Indian lintel from Hammer & Hand Imports

Vertical header, antique Indian lintel from Hammer & Hand Imports.

We are in love with the rich colors and hand-carved detail of these gorgeous artifacts. Hammer & Hand is always looking for a way to help our clients add a touch of rustic to their home décor, and these are the perfect accent pieces!

Hanging header. Antique Indian Lintel from Hammer & Hand Imports

Hanging header, antique Indian lintel from Hammer & Hand Imports.

One day we received a collection of Indian door headers, and I noticed that several of them were thick enough to be used as a shelf.  I was like, “Wait a minute! We can use these as shelves!”

Cart full of antique lintels in their natural state

Cart full of antique lintels in their natural state.

My husband, Chris told me that for the past two years, we have actually had them cut down. He then mentioned it would be easier, after we picked them, to leave them in their original state.

How amazing are these colors? Gorgeous 100-200 year old lintels

How amazing are these colors? Gorgeous 100-200 year old lintels.

some of these antique lintels still have the address marker on them! Pretty rad, huh?

Some of these antique lintels still have the address marker on them! Pretty rad, huh?

The wood is incredible! Raw, natural beauty. We love our unpainted lintels, too! How about grouping them and using them as a headboard? Yes!

The wood is incredible. Raw, natural beauty. We love our unpainted lintels. How about grouping them and using them as a headboard? Yes!

Gorgeous from all sides!

Gorgeous from all sides!

You can’t just go out and buy a shelf like this anywhere. So, from now on…no more cutting! Au natural baby!

The finished look! All it takes is one antique Indian lintel and a couple hangers

The finished look! All it takes is one antique Indian lintel and a couple hangers.

You can find these beautiful artifacts at Hammer & Hand – singular, sustainable, timeless.

All photography (except noted) by Chris and Amy Plaisted, Hammer & Hand

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