Wooden furniture – is it worth investing in? Advice and products
Wooden furniture is coming back into favour. We increasingly appreciate natural materials and quality of workmanship – and these cost money. Is it worth investing in wood? Or is it better to choose MDF furniture? Read on and check out our suggestions.
Wood has had an impact on the development of our civilisation. Already in ancient times, it was used as a building material. The Romans, Chinese and Aborigines all used woodworking. Archaeologists have uncovered drawings from 3000 BC showing chairs, tables and beds, but much earlier mankind had already used the naturally shaped trunks and branches of trees as furniture. Today, the development of woodworking techniques has made individual forms increasingly sophisticated and refined. For centuries, solid wooden furniture has been a sign of its owner’s wealth.
The development of cheap plastics made wood lose its popularity at the turn of the 20th and 21st century. Manufacturers began to use plastic and other materials not only for furniture but also for flooring and doors. Fortunately, people soon realised that nothing can replace natural wood. This material began to return to our interiors and is no longer associated only with rustic or retro style.
Wooden or board furniture? Advantages and disadvantages of both solutions
At first glance, furniture made of solid wood is no different from furniture made of chipboard or MDF. However, we must realize that the differences are significant, especially if we compare their durability, resistance to mechanical damage and external factors.
The cheapest furniture is made of chipboard, but apart from the price they are not distinguished by anything special. They are not resistant to damage, their corners peel off quickly, and the material itself is difficult to process, so it is futile to look for sophisticated shapes.
Slightly more expensive is furniture made of MDF, which is more resistant, and the latest technologies allow to create of furniture resembling those made of real wood. Unfortunately, the more complex the form, the higher the price, and this leads to a situation where simple pine wood furniture is cheaper than stylized MDF.
Wooden furniture has one key advantage. As time goes by, they become nobler and nobler and more expensive. Just go to popular auction sites or an antique shop and see the prices of old wardrobes, sideboards and dressing tables. Wooden furniture also has a distinctive smell, gives a special charm to any interior, and over the years one can get the impression that it becomes a carrier of family memories.
Hybrid furniture made of wood and board
People who want to enjoy the benefits of wooden furniture, but cannot afford to buy it for financial reasons, have a choice. Furniture manufacturers have created something of a hybrid. They make the key elements, which are often damaged, out of solid wood and make the less important elements out of the board.
Latest trends
Looking through reports from fairs, e.g. in Milan or Paris, we find shades taken from the palette of natural colours. A return to natural wood, leather and stone are noticeable. A lot of furniture is stylised for the 1970s, so simple classics will be important, without unnecessary decorations.
Those tired of modern austerity and dark colours can also fearlessly opt for timeless, whitewashed furniture made of natural wood.
Among the trends for the coming year are also mentioned combinations of wood and metal. Such combinations are most welcome in the case of coffee tables, RTV cabinets and wall shelves.
