Oak furniture is both nostalgic and functional. Compared to other wood furniture, oak has many benefits. It is very strong, durable, sturdy and extremely elegant. Whether it is a chair, a dining table or a suite of bedroom furniture, an investment in oak furniture is value for money because if cared for in the right way, it will last a lifetime. Oak furniture is undergoing a huge revival and its popularity is soaring. It is easy to see why.
Oak is undoubtedly the most popular wood used for furniture. In fact, the earliest examples of English furniture were always in oak because of the vast swathes of oak forest which used to cover the countryside in the Middle Ages. Much of this furniture remains today; testimony to the durability of oak! Being a hardwood, the beautiful grains and the texture are enhanced when finished. Using modern tools, today's craftsmen produce furniture to rival that of days gone by. Look for dovetail joints in drawers - a sure sign of good workmanship.
There is very little maintenance required for oak furniture. As long as you remember the basic rules of looking after your oak furniture, it will look good many years from now. Blot up any spills immediately and use coasters and placemats on tables. Dust regularly and polish every 4-6 months. Avoid changes in humidity. If the air is too damp, solid wood can absorb moisture. If the atmosphere is too dry as it might be in a conservatory, wood furniture may warp. Simply putting plants or a small humidifier in the room can improve humidity and help your wooden furniture. Also avoid placing solid wooden furniture in rooms with under floor heating. That is all there is to it - it is mainly a matter of common sense.
Nowadays, almost all furniture items can be found in oak. Coffee tables, dining tables and chairs, wine racks, bedside tables, sideboards and computer desks are all made in solid oak.
If you have a lively family, oak is an excellent choice partly because it is not easily damaged and can stand a lot of wear. Real wood furniture improves with age and the minor marks picked up through using it will just add character. As the wood mellows, the colour and texture will acquire a look of its own, known as a "patina".
Oak furniture looks good in any setting. If you have a contemporary home or a period home, oak furniture will look right as it has universal appeal. Have a look at some pictures in magazines of rooms that are decorated using oak furniture. You will see the wonderful ways in which oak can be used with brightly-coloured objects such as cushions, curtains, ornaments and indoor plants. Stand a beautiful cut-glass dish on an oak table for true elegance. By investing in oak furniture you will, in the long run, save yourself money as you will probably never need to replace it. When you fancy a change, simply replace cushions or ornaments for a whole new look. You will only spend a few pounds as your oak furniture will be the backdrop for a room that looks and feels different. However, remember that although oak looks and feels expensive, it is surprisingly inexpensive considering its merits.
With its wide appeal, oak furniture is a wonderful investment and well-constructed solid oak furniture is worth the price. It will last a lifetime, in fact probably several lifetimes!