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Why Wood Type Matters When Choosing Furniture: A Guide to Timber Furniture Materials

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

When selecting furniture, many people focus first on shape or colour. Yet one of the most important decisions often sits beneath the surface: the type of wood used to make the piece.

Timber affects how furniture looks in a room, how it feels to the touch, and how it ages over time. The grain pattern, natural tone, and structural strength of a particular wood all influence the character of a finished piece. Understanding these differences can make it easier to choose furniture that not only suits your interior style but also performs well in everyday use.

Why Timber Choice Matters In Furniture Design

Timber is one of the most expressive materials used in furniture. Unlike manufactured surfaces, every board carries subtle variation within the grain. Light moves differently across the surface, revealing natural shifts in tone and texture.

Because of this, the type of wood used in a table or chair can change the entire presence of a piece within a room. A lighter timber often allows furniture to feel visually calm, while a darker species can introduce contrast and depth.

In design-led interiors, furniture materials are rarely chosen at random. Architects often consider timber as part of the wider palette of the home so that furniture feels integrated with flooring, cabinetry, and surrounding finishes.

  • Close-up of a chair showing a woven natural-coloured seat and black wooden legs and frame, highlighting the texture of the seat and the smooth finish of the wood.
  • A black wooden chair with a curved, wishbone-style backrest and a woven natural-coloured seat, photographed against a plain white background.
  • Close-up of a woven straw seat on a black wooden chair, showing a damaged corner where some of the weaving has come undone, exposing the underlying frame.

Common Timber Types Used In Furniture

Different types of wood create different visual effects. Some timbers appear light and architectural, while others emphasise warmth and richness.

Ash Wood

Ash is recognised for its pale tone and clearly defined grain. The surface often appears bright and clean, which is why ash furniture is frequently associated with Scandinavian and contemporary interiors.

Beyond appearance, ash is also valued for its strength. The timber holds its structure well, making it particularly suitable for furniture that needs to withstand regular use. For this reason, ash is the primary timber used across much of our Classic Icons Collection.

This balance of durability and visual lightness is why ash is often chosen for finely detailed dining chairs. In pieces such as our Hans Wegner Round Chair Replica, the ash frame allows the sculptural curves and smooth edges to remain visually light while still providing everyday strength.

The same material qualities also support more traditional Scandinavian forms. Our Hans Wegner CH36 Dining Chair Replica uses solid ash alongside a woven cord seat, creating a chair that feels both airy and structurally grounded. Its straight lines and honest material expression reflect the understated approach often associated with Danish furniture design.

Ash is equally effective when used in tables. In our Jean Prouvé S.A.M No.502 Table Replica, the timber brings warmth and clarity to the structure, allowing the geometry of the base and the tabletop to feel refined without appearing heavy. The visible grain gives the piece character while maintaining the calm, architectural presence that ash furniture is known for.

  • A modern wooden chair with a curved backrest and black cushioned seat, shown in profile against a plain white background. The design is minimalist with clean lines and light wood tones.
  • A minimalist wooden chair with a woven straw seat, viewed from an angle showing the back and one side, placed on a plain light-coloured floor with a neutral background.
  • A modern wooden table with a rectangular top and four angled legs connected by black metal supports, placed on a light-coloured floor against a plain white background.

White Oak

White oak tends to carry a warmer tone than ash. The grain is slightly more pronounced, giving furniture a natural depth without appearing visually heavy.

This balance allows oak pieces to sit comfortably within many interior styles, particularly spaces that combine natural materials with modern architectural forms.

In seating, white oak introduces both structure and warmth. The Gentleman Dining Chair, for example, pairs a solid oak backrest with a refined metal frame, allowing the timber to soften the overall silhouette while still maintaining a clean architectural presence. White oak also suits chairs where craftsmanship and detail are central to the design. The Crown Dining Chair uses the timber to highlight the curved backrest and precise joinery. Thus creating a piece that feels warm and tactile while maintaining the restrained clarity often associated with contemporary interiors.

The material also works particularly well in sculptural tables. In the Pebble Dining Table, white oak veneer is mirror-matched across the organic tabletop, allowing the grain to flow naturally across the surface whilst emphasising the table’s asymmetrical form. The result feels both expressive and calm, highlighting the character of the timber without overwhelming the space.

  • A person in a white shirt and black trousers stands next to a modern wooden chair with metal legs, which has a folded newspaper placed on the seat. The scene is indoors with neutral-toned tiled flooring.
  • A light wooden chair with a minimalist design, curved backrest, and armrests sits on a beige tiled floor next to a textured concrete pillar in a bright, modern room.
  • A modern wooden round table with thin metal legs stands next to a black and wood office chair with castors, set against a light stone wall and light-coloured floor.

Walnut

Walnut is known for its darker colour and refined grain patterns. Furniture made from walnut often creates a stronger visual presence in a room.

Rather than blending quietly into a space, walnut pieces can act as focal points, introducing contrast against lighter walls or flooring. This effect can be seen in pieces such as our Mufan Dining Chair, where walnut framing enhances the richness of the upholstery while maintaining a balanced, sculptural silhouette.

Walnut is also available as a finish for our Crown Dining Chair. While we previously discussed the Crown Chair in white oak, the walnut option introduces a darker, more dramatic interpretation of the same form, allowing the chair to sit comfortably within interiors that favour deeper timber palettes.

  • A modern wooden chair with curved arms and legs, featuring a light cushioned seat and backrest, positioned next to a wooden table in a minimal, neutral-toned room.
  • A wooden chair with armrests and a curved backrest sits on a light tiled floor against a beige stone wall. The chair has a minimalist, mid-century modern design.

How Grain Shapes The Character Of Furniture

Grain patterns play an important role in how timber furniture is perceived. A straight grain can emphasise precision and structure, which suits minimalist interiors.

When the grain becomes more visible or irregular, the surface begins to feel more organic. In many contemporary homes, timber furniture adds warmth that balances harder materials such as stone, glass, or metal.

Durability And Longevity

One of the reasons timber remains widely used in furniture design is its durability. Hardwoods such as oak, ash, and walnut are capable of handling everyday use while maintaining their structure over time. Rather than wearing out quickly, quality timber furniture tends to develop subtle character as it ages.

For many homeowners, this long lifespan is part of the appeal. A well-made piece can remain in use for decades.

  • A close-up of a light wood extendable table, partially extended with a leaf insert placed between the two main sections, showing the grain and joinery details.
  • Close-up view of the back of a wooden chair with a woven cane backrest and a black cushioned seat, set against a light background.
  • Close-up of a light wooden chair seat with smooth, rounded edges and metal legs, showcasing the natural wood grain and minimalist design.

Choosing Timber For Your Interior

Selecting the right wood often comes down to the atmosphere you want a room to convey.

Lighter timbers tend to sit softly within a space. Their pale tone reflects more light, which helps interiors feel open and relaxed. For this reason, lighter woods are often used in contemporary or Scandinavian-inspired interiors where clarity, airiness, and visual calm are important.

Darker woods create a different effect. Richer tones introduce depth and visual weight, allowing a piece of furniture to anchor a room or draw attention to a particular area. In dining spaces especially, a darker timber table or chair can ground the composition of the room, providing contrast against lighter walls or flooring.

Grain also plays a role in this atmosphere. Subtle, straight grain patterns emphasise precision and structure, while more expressive grain can introduce a sense of movement and natural character across the surface of the piece. When materials are chosen thoughtfully, furniture does more than serve a function. It becomes part of the architectural language of the interior, shaping how a space feels as much as how it looks.

Discover Furniture Crafted From Carefully Selected Timbers

When timber is selected with intention, furniture becomes part of the architectural composition of the room.
Explore our collection to see how carefully chosen materials shape both the structure and atmosphere of contemporary interiors.

  • A wooden dining chair with a curved backrest, Y-shaped support, and a woven natural fibre seat, set against a plain white background.A wooden chair with a woven seat sits next to a black cupboard and white vase, beneath a window with blinds. A closed laptop rests on the chair. The floor features a herringbone wood pattern.
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    Hans Wegner Wishbone Chair Replica

    $369.00
  • A modern chair with a chrome cantilever frame, light wood accents, and a woven cane seat and backrest, set against a plain white background.A side view of a modern chair with a chrome cantilever frame and tan leather seat and backrest, set against a plain white background.

    Marcel Breuer Cesca Chair B32 Replica (Set of 2)

    $579.00
  • SaleA modern wooden chair with a curved backrest, open sides, and a black cushioned seat, photographed against a plain white background.A person in black clothing stands next to a wooden chair with a black seat, placing one hand on the chair’s backrest and another on the seat, against a white wall background with stones on the ground.
    On Sale

    Hans Wegner Final Chair Replica – Microfiber Leather Seat

    Original price was: $399.00.Current price is: $319.00.
  • SaleA modern wooden chair with a curved backrest and armrests, light wood finish, and a black upholstered seat, shown against a plain white background.A close-up of a modern wooden chair with a curved backrest and black cushioned seat, set against a plain light-coloured background.
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    Hans Wegner Round Chair Replica – Microfiber Leather Seat

    Original price was: $539.00.Current price is: $485.00.
  • A rectangular wooden table with a light finish and angled legs, connected by a metal support bar underneath.A minimalist wooden table with a rectangular top and two V-shaped legs connected by a black metal support bar, set against a plain white background.

    Jean Prouvé S.A.M No.502 Table Replica

    $799.00
  • A modern accent chair with a curved wooden frame and three legs, featuring a black leather seat and backrest. The design is minimalist and sleek, placed against a plain white background.A modern lounge chair with a curved wooden frame and black leather seat and backrest, placed on a smooth, light grey floor against a plain white background.

    Hans Wegner Shell Chair Replica

    $749.00
  • A wooden chair with a curved black frame, a woven cane backrest, and a light-coloured cushioned seat, shown against a plain white background.A wooden chair with a black frame, a woven cane backrest, and a light-coloured cushioned seat, positioned on a plain light floor against a white background.

    Josef Hoffmann No.811 Chair Replica (Set of 2) – Fabric Seat

    $699.00
  • SaleA wooden chair with a curved backrest, one raised armrest on the right, and a woven seat. The legs are slender and straight, and the design is minimalist and modern. The background is plain white.A wooden chair with a curved backrest and woven seat is positioned next to a round black glass table on a light-coloured floor.
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    Hans Wegner Final Chair Replica – Paper Rope Seat

    Original price was: $399.00.Current price is: $319.00.
  • A wooden chair with a curved cane backrest and a black cushioned seat, featuring four straight legs and a modern, minimalist design.A wooden accent chair with curved cane backrest and dark frame sits in a bright, sunlit room with white walls, carpeted floor, and sheer curtains near a window.

    Kaare Klint Faaborg Chair Replica

    $599.00
  • A wooden chair with a black frame, curved legs, and a woven rattan seat and backrest, set against a plain light grey background.A wooden chair with a black frame, featuring a woven rattan seat and backrest, is placed on a light-coloured floor against a plain white background.

    Josef Hoffmann No.811 Chair Replica (Set of 2) – Woven Caning Seat

    $699.00
  • SaleA modern chair with a black backrest, grey cushioned seat, and chrome metal legs, photographed against a plain white background.A modern chair with a black wooden backrest, grey cushioned seat, and metal legs, placed on a dark tiled floor next to a bed. A closed book and a magazine lie on the chair’s seat.
    On Sale

    The Walk Slowly Dining Chair

    Original price was: $459.00.Current price is: $390.00.
  • SaleA wooden chair with a curved backrest and angled armrests, featuring a woven seat in a light, natural finish, set against a plain white background.A minimalist wooden chair with a curved backrest and woven natural seat, set against a plain white background. The design features smooth, rounded edges and clean lines, showcasing Scandinavian-inspired craftsmanship.
    On Sale

    Hans Wegner Round Chair Replica – Paper Rope Seat

    Original price was: $539.00.Current price is: $485.00.
  • A modern lounge chair with a light wooden frame and woven natural cord seat and backrest, featuring wide armrests and an angled, low-slung design.A wooden armchair with a woven seat and backrest, featuring light-coloured wood and a minimalist, Scandinavian design, photographed against a plain white background.

    Hans Wegner CH25 Easy Chair Replica

    $599.00
  • A modern chair with light beige cushioned seat and backrest, featuring curved wooden armrests and legs, set against a plain white background.A woman sits sideways on a modern wooden chair with a curved backrest, facing a table with stacked books. She wears a white sleeveless top, black trousers, and beige shoes. The background features a textured wall.

    Mufan Dining Chair

    From $869.00
  • A wooden armchair with a high, rounded back made of vertical wooden spindles and a woven seat, set against a plain white background.A light wood Windsor-style chair with a rounded, high spindle back and woven seat, sitting on a plain, light-coloured floor against a white background.

    Hans Wegner Peacock Chair Replica

    $779.00
  • A cantilever chair with a chrome metal frame, a black cushioned seat, and a woven cane backrest, set against a plain white background.A modern chair with a chrome frame, black cushioned seat, and a rectangular cane backrest, positioned on a plain white floor with a light grey wall in the background.

    Marcel Breuer Cesca Chair B32 Replica (Set of 2) – Upholstered

    $599.00
  • A rectangular wooden table with a light finish, featuring sleek metal sled legs and a minimalist design, set against a plain white background.A bright workspace with a wooden table, open laptop, glass of water, notebooks, and a holder with pens, set near large windows with sunlight streaming in and trees visible outside.
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    Bauhaus Extendable Dining Table

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  • A minimalist chair with a light wooden seat, backrest, and armrests, supported by four slender metal legs. The design is modern and sleek, set against a plain white background.Side view of a modern chair with a light wood seat and backrest, and thin metal legs and supports. The design is minimalist and contemporary, set against a white background.

    Gentleman Dining Chair

    $559.00
  • SaleA modern chair with a wooden backrest and armrests, a black cushioned seat, and slim metal legs, shown against a plain white background.A modern chair with a brown wooden backrest, curved wooden armrests, black cushioned seat, and chrome legs is placed by a window with white curtains on a wooden floor near a light wood cupboard.
    On Sale

    Knight Dining Chair (Set of 2)

    Original price was: $799.00.Current price is: $679.00.
  • A modern chair with a black frame, angled legs, a cylindrical white backrest, and a matching white seat cushion, set against a plain light grey background.A modern chair with black wooden arms and legs, white cushioned seat and backrest. Two closed notebooks are stacked on the seat. Sheer white curtains and light wooden flooring are in the background.
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    The Quokka Chair

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  • A minimalist wooden chair with a natural finish, featuring a woven seat and a simple, rectangular backrest.A wooden chair with a woven seat is positioned next to a round wooden table. On the table, there is a white mug and a white plate. White curtains hang in the background.

    Hans Wegner CH36 Dining Chair Replica

    $509.00
  • A modern chair with a minimalist design, featuring a black cushioned seat, slim metal legs, and a curved wooden backrest, set against a plain white background.A modern chair with a black cushioned seat, slim metal frame, and a curved wooden backrest, set against a plain light background.
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    From $469.00
  • A modern lounge chair with light grey tufted upholstery, black metal legs, and a slightly reclined backrest, set against a plain white background.A modern lounge chair with a tufted, textured white cushion and black metal frame sits on a tan rug in a bright, minimalist living room next to a white sofa and a small side table.
    Out of Stock

    Martin Eisler Costela Lounge Chair Replica

    $899.00
  • A wooden chair with a woven seat, angled armrests, and a minimalist, Scandinavian design, shown against a plain white background.A wooden armchair with a natural finish and a woven seat is positioned on a light, textured floor against a plain white background.

    Hans Wegner CH37 Armchair Replica

    $579.00
  • SaleA modern round table with a dark tabletop and three angled, metallic silver legs, set against a plain white background.A round black table with a silver base holds a closed laptop and a glass of water. Two modern chairs, one with a dark seat and back, and one with a grey patterned cushion, are nearby in a minimalistic setting.
    On Sale

    Monet Round Dining Table – Timber Top

    From $1,439.00
  • A rectangular table with a thin, light-coloured tabletop and metal legs, shown on a white background.A modern, minimalist table with a thin white tabletop and metal legs stands on a dark tiled floor near a window with white curtains. A closed book is placed at the centre of the table.

    The Shuge Dining Table

    $2,399.00
  • A modern office chair with a beige cushioned seat, black backrest, and a black metal base with five castors, set against a plain white background.A desk with a chair and a lamp.

    The Lift Office Chair

    $499.00
  • A modern, geometric coffee table with a smooth, rich wood finish and four triangular, downward-sloping legs, creating a sculptural and minimalist appearance on a white background.A modern black coffee table with an open book, a lit candle, and a small round lamp on top, set on a light-coloured rug in a bright living room with a wicker chair and large windows in the background.

    Lotus Coffee Table

    $999.00
  • A modern armchair upholstered in dark blue fabric with thin, vertical white pinstripes. The chair has wide armrests and a boxy, cushioned design, set against a plain white background.A modern black armchair with textured upholstery sits on a light floor near a concrete wall. A gold floor lamp with a reflective finish stands beside the chair. The setting is minimalist and contemporary.

    The Rest Sofa

    From $899.00
  • A round table with a black tabletop and light wooden legs, featuring a minimalist and modern design.A round wooden table with a black top holds a glass of water, a clear bottle, a knife, sliced lemon, and a tray with pastries. A window with white blinds and sheer curtains is in the background.
    Best Seller

    Loulan Round Dining Table

    From $1,199.00
  • A modern oval wooden table with a light finish, featuring a circular grey centrepiece and white metal legs in an intersecting pattern.A person with long dark hair, wearing a white top and black trousers, stands beside a large oval wooden table with a light wood grain and an oval metallic centrepiece, touching the surface.

    The Pebble Dining Table

    $2,299.00
  • A modern wooden armchair with a curved backrest, angled armrests, and a smooth seat, set against a plain white background.A light-coloured wooden chair with a curved backrest and armrests is positioned next to a matching wooden table on a white background. The furniture features a minimalist and modern design.

    The Crown Dining Chair

    From $869.00

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