There has been a return to natural materials when it comes to furnishing the home. Whereas the 60s and 70s saw man made decor options such as plastic furniture becoming increasingly popular, the current trend towards greener options has meant that wood has surged to the fore as one of the most sought after materials for the manufacture of high-quality furniture. Making the material even more attractive is the fact that much of the wood harvested today comes from sustainable sources – and there is a huge number of choices when it comes to the colors and finishes of various pieces of furniture.
If you are considering adding an attractive piece of furniture to your home and would like to explore the rich and natural appeal of wood then one of the first decisions that you will have to make is which type of wood will suit your individual taste – the decor style of your home. Here are some popular choices.
Walnut is today a popular choice for those in search of a wonderful wood for the manufacture of furniture. It is tremendously tough (it used to be the material of choice for airplane propellers) and it is available in a number of colors that range from pale brown to rich chocolate (sapwood can be extremely pale). For all its toughness Walnut is light and the variety of grains makes it suitable for anything from flooring to designer furniture.
Mahogany is another extremely popular choice. This tropical hardwood has long been favored by homeowners for its beauty and durability. According to Wood expert, it is perfect for heirloom furniture as the color tends to darken and become richer over time. The wood ranges in color from a rich red-brown to almost blood red. This is a wood that is in great demand when it comes to expensive and collectible furniture.
For buyers of high-end furniture in the United States, Red Oak is a popular choice when it comes to attractive furniture pieces. It is heavy and extremely strong. Another attractive property is that it is highly resistant to fungus. Colors can range from a light ‘blonde’ to a subtle pink-tinged red. The grain is varied making it suitable for everything from cabinets to flooring and furniture.
Birch is another popular choice due to the fact that it is tremendously hard-wearing. It is also a popular choice due to the fact that it is widely available and for this reason is relatively inexpensive when used for the manufacture of furniture. The color is typically a creamy brown. this is a wood that is perfectly suited for use as furniture, cabinets, flooring, and a multitude of other uses.
For those in search of a wonderful wood for use in the kitchen Maple is one of the choices that immediately springs to mind. It is another tough wood and resists splitting – and can be cleaned with the simple wipe of a cloth. Sapwood is almost white and the wood can also be reddish-brown.
These are only a few of the choices of woods available to the discerning homeowner. For those in search of a natural material that will only grow more attractive as the years pass, wood is the perfect solution for almost all furniture needs.
