Decorating
7 Ways to Work Wooden Furniture into a Modern Scheme
Enhance any interior with the beauty and charm of natural timber
In recent years, the urge to ‘upcycle’ wooden furniture has seen painted finishes gain popularity. However, there’s still much to be said for celebrating the organic look of natural wood. Whether you have a family heirloom or a newly crafted piece, the rich tones and attractive grain of raw timber can add warmth and character to any scheme. Take a look at these easy-to-achieve ideas for adding (or reworking) furniture in your home.
Dabble with midcentury
Give a nod to the 1950s with retro-inspired bedside tables in a warm walnut colour. Darker wood helps to take the twee out of milky pastels, adding a harder edge.
The simple, open shape of the tables in this scheme helps to maintain the line of sight to the wall and reduce visual bulk – a handy trick to keep in mind for smaller bedrooms.
Give a nod to the 1950s with retro-inspired bedside tables in a warm walnut colour. Darker wood helps to take the twee out of milky pastels, adding a harder edge.
The simple, open shape of the tables in this scheme helps to maintain the line of sight to the wall and reduce visual bulk – a handy trick to keep in mind for smaller bedrooms.
Beautify your bathroom
For a stunning statement bathroom, consider commissioning a bespoke vanity unit. This handsome creation houses the toilet cistern and provides storage drawers and shelving.
The overall impression is of an antique as opposed to a new addition, making it appear at home in a period property. However, this slick style would also work well for homes with a midcentury-modern vibe.
Find a carpenter or joiner in your local area.
For a stunning statement bathroom, consider commissioning a bespoke vanity unit. This handsome creation houses the toilet cistern and provides storage drawers and shelving.
The overall impression is of an antique as opposed to a new addition, making it appear at home in a period property. However, this slick style would also work well for homes with a midcentury-modern vibe.
Find a carpenter or joiner in your local area.
Make it mixed media
In a kitchen, it’s a good idea to combine materials such as tile and marble with bare wood to lend softness and a relaxed quality.
These oak stools bring wonderful warmth to this artfully understated kitchen. The caramel colour of the pendant light fittings and open shelving echoes the stools, creating a sense of cohesion.
Discover how to mix and match kitchen worktop materials.
In a kitchen, it’s a good idea to combine materials such as tile and marble with bare wood to lend softness and a relaxed quality.
These oak stools bring wonderful warmth to this artfully understated kitchen. The caramel colour of the pendant light fittings and open shelving echoes the stools, creating a sense of cohesion.
Discover how to mix and match kitchen worktop materials.
Find a treasure
Some furniture is so special, it decorates a room almost like a piece of art. This set of apothecary drawers probably isn’t the most useful – unless you have lots of tiny items, such as sewing supplies, to store – but it adds delicious depth and charm to the neutral living space. Also, its shallow shape makes it much easier to accommodate than a larger piece.
Some furniture is so special, it decorates a room almost like a piece of art. This set of apothecary drawers probably isn’t the most useful – unless you have lots of tiny items, such as sewing supplies, to store – but it adds delicious depth and charm to the neutral living space. Also, its shallow shape makes it much easier to accommodate than a larger piece.
Stick to something simple
Vintage chests of drawers are easy to pick up and a dream to style. This dark wood set sits well with black accents and a mix of neutral tones.
The rustic design introduces texture, which is then matched with natural linen curtains. A brass mirror brings light reflection and a metallic lift to set off the scheme.
Tell us…
How have you incorporated wooden furniture in your home? Share your tips and photos in the Comments section.
Vintage chests of drawers are easy to pick up and a dream to style. This dark wood set sits well with black accents and a mix of neutral tones.
The rustic design introduces texture, which is then matched with natural linen curtains. A brass mirror brings light reflection and a metallic lift to set off the scheme.
Tell us…
How have you incorporated wooden furniture in your home? Share your tips and photos in the Comments section.
Sometimes, kitchen extensions can feel at odds with the rest of a period property, especially if a series of smaller rooms leads into a full-width, open-plan space.
One way to marry old and new is to introduce one or two pieces of furniture with a timeworn patina. This characterful kitchen feels appropriate and original thanks to its classic design and the inclusion of an antique wooden wall cabinet and farmhouse-style table.