Baltimore Sun Sunday

Wood furniture is the home’s unsung hero

- By Katie Laughridge

Wood pieces add warmth and texture to any space — and with so many shapes, sizes and finish options, the possibilit­ies are endless.

It’s easy to let wood pieces be overshadow­ed by the showiness of textile furniture, but no more. It’s high time we give our faithful wood pieces the shine they deserve for offering our rooms elegance, charm and sophistica­tion.

One of the reasons we may take wood furniture for granted is because it has been around for so long. Wood furniture has been a status maker since its earliest days, showcasing the engineerin­g and craftsmans­hip skills of each era. In fact, early civilizati­on went from stone beds to the first wood raised bed frame in ancient Egypt, soon to be followed by the world’s first wooden throne. It is fascinatin­g to look back at the original styles and see how they have been transforme­d into the intricate spindle bed frames and colorful bamboo chairs we see today.

A common misconcept­ion is upholstere­d furniture is the only customizab­le option, but limitless finishes, grains and detailing for wood furniture can fit any style and home.

While I adore traditiona­l wood colors, it is fun to think outside of the typical stain palette. Lacquered woods are not only durable, but the finish gives even the most traditiona­l frames a modern touch.

If a room needs more texture or a natural element, I think of wicker. Since wicker can be made of cane, willow, rattan and bamboo, it can be incorporat­ed into a space in many ways.

 ??  ?? Limitless finishes, grains and detailing for wood furniture can fit any style and home.
Limitless finishes, grains and detailing for wood furniture can fit any style and home.
 ??  ?? Wood furniture has been a status maker since its earliest days.
Wood furniture has been a status maker since its earliest days.

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