When choosing the perfect designer furniture, it’s essential to know how to select the type of wood—especially if it's handcrafted, handmade, or custom-made furniture. The wood we choose will not only reflect the use of locally sourced materials, but it will also directly influence the aesthetics, durability, and functionality of the furniture.
If you're unsure about which wood is the best option for your furniture, here are some factors to consider: take note!
How are woods classified?
The woods we find on the market are mainly divided into solid or processed woods. Solid woods retain their natural state and are obtained directly from the tree. On the other hand, processed woods result from industrial processes.
What type of wood is best? Below are various classifications to help you decide.
Softwoods vs. Hardwoods
Softwoods come from fast-growing trees—such as pine or spruce—and are lightweight and easy to work with. They are mostly used in rustic-style furniture, interior structures, or DIY projects.
Hardwoods, such as oak or walnut, come from slow-growing trees and are denser, stronger, and more durable. These are ideal for high-quality furniture or pieces that require greater durability. For example, the oak wood table designed by Galán Sobrini Architects is one of our favorites because it's perfect for adding a warm touch to dining rooms and living rooms.
Natural woods vs. Processed woods
Natural woods maintain their original structure and authenticity without industrial alterations. Processed woods, on the other hand, are made from wood fibers or chips. Notable examples include plywood (sheets of wood bonded with adhesives) and melamine (boards coated with synthetic resins). Melamine, for example, is more affordable and versatile, commonly used in modern furniture, kitchens, or spaces that require functional and practical designs.
It’s easy to distinguish natural wood from processed wood. After all, natural wood will always show unique grains and textures, whereas processed wood usually has smooth and uniform surfaces.
Most used natural woods in furniture making:
To choose the perfect wood, it’s essential to understand the characteristics of each type, as they influence the aesthetics, durability, and use of the furniture. Here’s a look at the most popular natural woods for design furniture, considering factors like whether they are soft or hard, their color, durability, and which types of furniture they are ideal for.
Oak
This is a hardwood with a color ranging from light brown to golden. It typically has very pronounced grains and is highly resistant and durable. It is perfect for sturdy furniture such as tables, chairs, wardrobes, and even flooring. Oak fits well with rustic and Nordic styles.
Our interior designers love this Modular wooden bookshelf piece created in oak and designed by De la Villa Studio.
Beech
Beech wood is hard and usually has light tones, ranging from pinkish to pale brown. While it is quite resistant, it’s somewhat less durable than oak. In very humid environments, it requires extra care to avoid damage.
This wood is ideal for curved furniture, such as chairs and tables, due to its light, warm tone. It’s often used in Scandinavian and minimalist styles to bring brightness and clarity to a space.
We recommend checking out our catalog, where you can find numerous furniture pieces made with beech wood. We love the combination of these two chairs designed by MRGO Architects: the Marbled wood chair and the Dining chair with armrests.
Pine
Pine is a softwood with a yellowish to pale brown color and visible knots. Since it’s soft, it’s less durable, but easy to treat and maintain. This type of wood is commonly used in rustic and Nordic furniture. It’s perfect for bookshelves, beds, and auxiliary furniture.
Walnut
Walnut wood is one of the noblest and most elegant types of wood on the market, appreciated for its dark tone, pronounced grains, and durability. It’s mainly used for creating dining tables, headboards, and luxury wardrobes.
Its sophisticated appearance makes it ideal for interior styles that seek elegance, warmth, and timelessness. It’s often seen in modern, industrial, and luxury contemporary styles.
Acacia
Acacia is a hardwood with a golden or reddish-brown hue. It has very marked grains and is highly resistant for outdoor environments. That’s why we love seeing it in outdoor furniture, such as tables and chairs.
It offers great versatility for both indoor and outdoor spaces and is especially popular in styles that balance natural and modern elements, such as Mediterranean and boho.
Mahogany
Mahogany wood is extremely strong and long-lasting. Known for its dark reddish hue, it has a very distinctive natural shine. It’s typically used in high-end furniture such as wardrobes, chairs, and tables in classic or vintage styles.
It’s a noble wood that adds elegance and distinction, often used in styles that seek a touch of luxury and sophistication. In fact, it’s often seen in vintage and classic styles.
In conclusion, we understand that choosing the perfect wood for your furniture is not an easy task. There are many factors to consider, such as durability and functionality. From the warm pine wood to the elegant mahogany, each type of wood has its own character and adapts to different styles and needs. Knowing their characteristics will help you make the best decision for decorating your home. Dare to combine different types of wood in your furniture!