The term "rustic", according to the Merriem-Webster Dictionary, as it relates to furniture and which best describes its design is "appropriate to the country, as in plainness or sturdiness". While in the US and in Canada rustic furniture is associated with the actual wood itself, in Mexico "rustic" is associated with the finish of the piece - or, moreover, with the "lack of" such. In both instances, the individuality of the particular wood makes each piece of furniture unique and special.

Both in the US and in Canada rustic furniture, also known as "cabin" or "log" furniture, is popular amongst all social levels and interior decor fashionistas. Though rustic furniture is sold coast-to-coast, in the United States, the movement is more regional than by-state. The types of rustic furniture found in these areas are the willow-twig, the Adirondack style and the basic log. The pioneers were the first who worked the wood to make furniture out of necessity. Therefore, the lines were simple and the furniture was extremely durable - just like its makers.

As an art form the rustic movement in the US began in the early nineteenth century, in the Adirondacks, NY. Here, in the "summer camps" of the wealthy the servants would hand-make furniture during the winter months when the owners were in the city. These pieces of furniture were made from sticks, twigs or logs. Although willow is the wood of choice, whatever is in abundance locally is what is normally used. For example, the Southern rustic furniture differs slightly from the South Western version due to the type of wood available in those particular regions. In the American South, even palm fronds are considered as workable material for the manufacture of rustic furniture. Depending on the design all three materials may be found, at times, in the construction of the same piece of furniture. In the South West the furniture takes on a more "Wild West" style, with the addition of the actual antlers and horns of the local fauna, to the furniture decor. The Southwestern rustic decor also differs from that of the rest of the country in that artifacts such as wagon wheels and hand-forged tools normally found in a farm in the old West are incorporated in the furniture itself. Also, animal hides are employed in the upholstering of pieces such as chairs. In the US there are also different "versions" - i.e., in the region of the Rockies log furniture is considered "rustic", and which has a totally different look and feel to its counterparts in the rest of the country.

The differences in the manufacture of rustic furniture In Mexico versus the US and Canada though few, make a marked difference from those of their Northern neighbors. Actual Mexican artisans are responsible for the ornate designs on the furniture and, these vary according to the region where the furniture is assembled. The "anguished" or "distressed" look is achieved through the slight distortions created by the artisans to resemble oldness. Another difference in what is considered an art-form in Mexico is the use of the different woods. Here, kiln-dried wood is the preference. Another difference is the fact that another version of Mexican rustic furniture is made to look like the Spanish colonial times. These pieces of furniture are larger, heavier and in many instances their carvings are more ornate. Another twist the Mexicans add is the use of wrought iron in their rustic furniture. This is another manner in which the artisans achieve the look of old Spanish colonial pieces. Some of the wrought iron designs are even made to resemble sticks and twigs.