Although fashions in furniture come and go, the popularity of oak furniture has been consistent over the decades. It is classic, high-quality furniture that lends itself to a wide range of different styles, purposes, and finishes.
The perennial appeal of classic oak furniture
In the United Kingdom, oak is one of the most popular hardwoods and has long been a favourite for high-quality furniture. Traditionally used for building and shipbuilding, it is not uncommon to find oak furniture built in England in the 14th century still in use.
Whether you're looking for oak bedroom furniture, oak dining sets and tables, or oak furniture for your living room or home office, you can be confident in the quality and durability of oak furniture.
An enduring favourite
When it comes to furniture, oak is still a very popular material, and this popularity is due to a variety of characteristics. To begin with, it is a very appealing wood, having a rich, natural colour that complements many interior design styles. In addition to appearing nice on its own, it will respond well to being stained or painted to complement a certain colour scheme.
Secondly, oak is also extremely tough and long-lasting. It will look just as wonderful for years to come if properly cared for. In reality, the passage of time can actually improve the appearance of oak, distinguishing it from many other materials. Because of this, antique or weathered oak furniture is in high demand. Take a look at our Rimini Weathered Oak Range that combines to (almost) perfection aged and weathered oak.
Featuring: Bentley Designs Rimini Aged & Weathered Oak 1 Drawer Nightstand
Oak is also great to work with and lends itself to all kinds of different uses. This makes it a popular choice for manufacturers. It’s tough and hardwearing, meaning it will last longer than products made from cheaper materials.
Is it worth buying solid wood furniture?
Oak furniture may initially cost more than some of the alternatives but because of its longevity, it’s always a worthwhile investment. It is a natural, premium product that is used to create high quality furniture. When you buy oak furniture you are investing in quality that will last for years to come. It will still look as good in a decade as it did the day that it was purchased.
Oak furniture never goes out of style
Oak furniture has been around for centuries which might lead some people to believe that it’s now dated. With the introduction of new materials, along with painted, high gloss and other furniture designs, many believed oak furniture to be old-fashioned. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
Oak furniture has always been the material of choice for discerning customers and it is now enjoying a huge renaissance. There is a huge range of designs and styles including some of the most contemporary pieces that you will see on the market today.
In fact, oak furniture has never been more popular nor accessible with designs available to suit every style and budget preference.
Featuring: Vintage Weathered Oak & Peppercorn Nest of Lamp Tables
Does oak furniture match grey flooring?
If you have stripped wood floors or laminate, you might be wondering if oak furniture will complement your overall interior design. Grey is an increasingly popular colour for both walls and floors, and exposed wooden floors will usually look great with your oak furniture. Opt for lighter oak furniture that contrasts with the floor colour.
Is oak furniture easy to clean?
Taking care of oak furniture begins with some general care tips. Firstly, don’t site your furniture in direct sunlight as too much can lead to cracking and fading. If your furniture is near a window, tilt blinds to break up sunlight on sunny days. Keep oak furniture away from radiators and ovens to prevent overheating. Likewise, do not place oak furniture in damp areas, which can cause damage and warping.
Keeping your oak furniture clean and looking its best is simple. Allowing dust to build up can damage oak furniture so make sure that you dust your furniture regularly. Once it’s dusted, use a soft damp, damp cloth to clean your oak furniture. Then use a soft, dry cloth to wipe your furniture and remove any excess moisture. You should then reapply protective layers, such as wax polish, as regularly as recommended by the manufacturer.
How does oak compare to other types of furniture?
Contemporary furniture is now available in a wide range of materials, each of which has a range of advantages and disadvantages. How do they each compare to oak?
Beech Furniture
Beech is a versatile, straight-grained wood that is often used to make furniture. It’s flexible and reasonably hard-wearing and is usually cheaper than oak. However, beech furniture isn’t as hard-wearing as oak and is unlikely to be as long-lasting. Both beech and oak wood are sustainable materials.
Pine Furniture
Pine is a cheap, plentiful and practical wood used in a wide range of different furniture products. It comes from quick-growing commercial forestries and can easily be worked. Despite being fast-growing, commercial pine forestry is less beneficial to the environment than commercially managed oak wood. It's also a softer, less durable wood that doesn't have the longevity that oak does.
Walnut Furniture
Walnut is an attractive wood that is strong and stable and can take intricate carving. It has a dark rich colour which makes it a favourite for luxury furniture. Walnut is one of the only dark woods grown in the UK, making it an alternative to less environmentally friendly tropical woods such as mahogany. Walnut furniture is high quality but will usually cost more than oak, which is just as durable, sustainable and attractive. Worth checking out our walnut furniture collection.
Featuring: Julian Bowen Kensington Walnut 195cm Extending Dining Table
Reclaimed wood
Reclaimed wood is increasingly popular for manufacturing furniture. It can come from a variety of sources and is often used to create rustic, or industrial-style contemporary furniture.
While reclaimed wood is often a sustainable choice, it can be of variable quality. It’s important to remember that when oak from sustainable commercial sources is used to make furniture, new trees will be planted to replace to those cut down for wood in a continual cycle. Careful sustainable management of commercial timber makes woodlands and forests more viable, which not only helps to sequester carbon in the atmosphere but also creates habitats for wildlife.
Choose long-lasting oak for furniture that will last a lifetime
Oak furniture is a sustainable, attractive and practical choice. When you invest in oak furniture you are guaranteed, high-quality furniture that will last for years to come.
