At some stage in our lives, we’ve all appreciated or wished for a beautiful piece of solid wood furniture. While solid wood furniture was the norm in the last century, today we all tend to choose veneered furniture first. And with good reason: the emergence of the big names in low-cost furniture has made them popular with many of you.
When a new room needs to be fitted out, it’s not uncommon to turn to the big names. We’re thinking in particular of a children’s room that will evolve and change, the fitting out of a kot for students, or simply a first rental or purchase.
And yet, at some point, after having moved your furniture several times and having nothing left but a shadow of its former self, many people want to invest in solid wood furniture. Why make this choice, and why is it a good idea? Here are 5 reasons why solid wood furniture is a wise choice for your home.
Solid wood furniture, a unique piece of furniture
At JOA, we always emphasize the unique aspect of all our made-to-measure furnishing projects. If the design and morphology of the furniture are unique, so are our choices of materials. The solid wood used in all our furniture is part of this experience. Each panel and each fiber is unique. Although they are multi-ply panels, the repetition of knots and wood fibers is never repeated.
These are woods specifically chosen to meet our quality standards dedicated to your projects. Whether bamboo, oak or ash, every panel and every feature will be unique.
Discover all our made-to-measure solid wood projects in our showroom.
The durability of solid wood
The durability of solid wood is well established. While we still have occasion to find old-fashioned furniture in good condition, it’s much less common to be able to buy plywood furniture in satisfactory condition from over twenty years ago.
Of course, the care and use of solid wood furniture will have an impact on its longevity. Nevertheless, solid wood has the advantage of being able to develop a patina over time.
Since JOA works mainly with solid wood and steel, the choice of style and treatment of our materials has been made with this in mind. That’s why our style is timeless, with a view to ensuring that the materials used in our bespoke furniture will endure.
Repair rather than throw away
One of the questions we are often asked by future customers concerns the repairability of furniture in the event of damage. During the lifetime of a piece of furniture, minor accidents can occur. The advantage of solid wood is that, unlike plywood furniture, it can be repaired or renovated. In fact, the thickness of solid wood makes it easier to consider refinishing or sanding to give the furniture a fresh look.
Of course, these are surface touch-ups, because if the wood is too damaged, renovation is possible, but not always guaranteed. In the end, it’s the care taken over the years that will really be an asset if you want to preserve it to the full.
As far as finishes are concerned, the solid wood used in our made-to-measure furnishings is treated with oils that won’t alter its natural appearance. In this way, surface treatment is not a major dilemma to coincide with a specific color. All you need is a natural finish.
The natural warmth of solid wood
Another important aspect, though less mentioned, is that solid wood is one of those materials that appeal to our senses. Sight is the first sense to put wood to the test. We look at the natural pattern of the wood, appreciate its converging shapes and the nuances of its shades that make it unique. We analyze the tree’s knots and the irregularity of certain shapes. In fact, there’s nothing more disturbing than exact repetition in a material that’s meant to be alive, as is often the case with low-end imitation wood furniture.
Naturally, touch is part of the seductive experience of solid wood. Who hasn’t been tempted to touch a beautiful walnut table or a superb piece of natural oak furniture? The workmanship of the wood, the softness of the surface and the details of assembly are all elements that attract. This sensitivity to touch has nothing to do with composite materials. The notion of living in solid wood leaves a lasting impression on our senses, and our sense of well-being is directly felt.
Elegance and character for your interior
We mentioned the visual aspect of wood above. It’s also interesting to talk about its aesthetics beyond the raw material. Solid wood always has one advantage: it blends perfectly with other materials, whatever the wood species. You’ll notice that when it comes to the overall composition of a room, wood is often one of the suggestions made by interior designers and decorators. And with good reason: solid wood furniture or fittings add character to the whole, even more so if they are in harmony with the architecture. This touch can be applied to flooring, exterior woodwork, bespoke furniture or architectural elements.
A wise choice
As you can see, choosing solid wood furniture means opting for quality, durability and authenticity. The price may seem high, but remember that it’s also a guarantee of quality over time, and adds value to your estate at the same time.
Whether you want to create an authentic ambience or add character to a contemporary interior, solid wood remains a safe bet for interior design that’s both aesthetically pleasing and responsible.
Would you like to find out more about the solid materials we offer? Contact us here to discuss your requirements.