Let’s face it. Decorating your home, especially on a budget, isn’t the most straightforward task in the world — even for seasoned homeowners. How do you balance function and style? Do you prioritize comfort and coziness, or do you want to be a trendsetter who wows and dazzles guests with the latest and greatest pieces from the season’s styles?
One way to keep costs down while flexing your in-style muscles is to invest in a ‘signature’ furniture piece: a larger, more in-style, and often well-loved item. Wood furniture makes for great statement pieces in the dining room, whether they be solid oak tables and chairs, a hutch or a dining room table.
Premium wood dining room pieces draw attention and allow you to upcycle, thrift, or otherwise go ‘low-key’ in other areas of your home. They’re investments, for sure, but that also means not replacing or repairing shoddy items that naturally fall apart over time.
The reality is the dining room is a place where your loved ones get together for quick breakfasts, nightly meals, coffee, snacks (or games!) with guests, and special gatherings around the holidays. So why not invest in it?
Your dining room table and chairs do a lot for your home, so these items are perfect to serve as signature pieces. Wood furniture is also an excellent way to show off quality materials, handmade artistry, and long-lasting, well-loved items.
Most people hear the word ‘solid wood’ and think of quality, but they don’t quite understand that there are far more reasons why wood dining room furniture is far superior to both engineered and hollow wood. Here are some reasons why solid wood furniture will beat engineered and hollow counterparts every time:
Solid Wood Is Easy to Repair and Fix
Often seen in mass-produced furniture items, ‘veneer’ is a shiny, plastic, wood-effect coating that often covers lower-quality wood. A veneer finish is relatively thin, making it prone to damage like scratches, dings, or water stains. Even experts sometimes struggle to repair or refinish (cheap) veneer exteriors. Solid wood, on the other hand, is consistent through and through, making it easier to fix.
It’s also easier to clean up — you won’t have to invest in special chemicals to keep your signature solid wood looking shiny and new.
It’s Safe for You and Your Loved Ones
Some mass-produced wooden furniture runs the risk of off-gassing dangerous chemicals called VOCs, or Volatile Organic Compounds, such as formaldehyde (think frogs in jars!) — and that’s a carcinogen. There are ways to get rid of these chemicals yourself, but unless you’re invested in furniture upkeep, wouldn’t it be easier to invest in a stronger, more durable, and quality product from day one? Solid wood furniture eliminates the risk of exposure to VOCs and keeps your home healthy and safe.
It’s Made Entirely from Wood
Engineered wood is a composite of wood from different sources and is packed together with filler and adhesives to make a seemingly solid unit. The next time you’re in the lumber store, check out a piece of unfinished fibreboard or plywood: look at the roughness and imperfections!
When selecting a statement wood dining set for your home, you want something entirely made of wood. This way, you can have peace of mind knowing the product is durable, warp-free, and can be passed down from generation to generation. You shouldn’t have to worry about moving that statement piece to a new home (or the bumps and dings that happen naturally along the way). Solid wood comes from (you guessed it) a tree! No glues, fillers, or shavings are needed. It’s the all-natural, made-to-last method and will make your dining room look spectacular.
Once you’ve invested in that signature dining set (maybe made of solid wood, like cherry, oak or pine), the rest of the room will be easier to pull together on a more modest budget. It’s not cutting corners; it’s about investing wisely and enjoying guaranteed quality.
Solid wood furniture manufacturers specializing in dining room tables and chairs will often be able to custom-size or stain your new table to suit your personal aesthetic. So even if you go totally plain or you’re more of a maximalist, you’ve got something that fits your unique taste.
