If you’ve just bought your first house, moved into a new one or need to replace some old, worn down furniture, then going for oak can be a great choice. For literally centuries wooden oak furniture has been used, in historical castles to modern architectural designs, such are the many qualities it holds, whether you need a new bed, dining table, chairs or anything else. It’s not just for traditional cottages either; those that prefer more contemporary homes can still find plenty of benefits in oak furniture as well.
Appearance
Image courtesy of Furniture Plus
Oak furniture just looks good. Whether it’s a solid dining table, an old-fashioned rocking chair or even the blanket box at the end of your bed like in the photo, it adds a touch of class to any room. The ripples give it that natural feel and add a bit of character, while it can be combined with other materials for a more modern look. Plus, it won’t fade or rust over time even if it gets exposed to the sun or other elements. Treat it right and its wonderful appearance should last a lifetime.
Price
Ok, oak furniture isn’t the cheapest and you can get plenty of metal and plastic alternatives for a fraction of the price. However, it is highly cost-effective as oak is incredibly long-lasting. Especially if you’ve got active children, you could get through a few cheap plastic chairs in the same time as one solid oak chair. If you spread out the overall cost among the many years it should last, this can work out a lot more affordable than other woods and materials. You can even find second-hand oak furniture to further lower the costs.
Durable
It is one of the most durable and resilient hardwoods available, meaning any furniture made from oak should last for centuries (unless it becomes victim to a fire, for example). Regular maintenance is required to prolong its life and keep it looking as good as new, but this won’t take much time or cost a lot. It doesn’t warp easily with time unlike some other woods, which means you could end up passing down that solid oak armchair to your grandchildren. The strength also enables oak furniture such as bookcases and cupboards to withstand and support heavy items, without sustaining any damage. Even scratches and stains can be easily resisted by most oak furniture items, ideal if your kids (or partner) are constantly spilling things.
Versatility
As oak is such a versatile material, it can be used to create all sorts of furniture. From shelves to coffee tables, it’s used for everything. If you like to have a do at DIY, you can even reuse old furniture by cutting it up and reshaping, if you wanted to make a stool from an old chair or dresser, for example. The versatility means that it can look good in any home too, whether you want a traditional aesthetic or are going for a cosy cottage look.
When it comes to kitting out your new home with furniture, consider oak if you want something that will last and look fantastic for generations to come.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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