At a Glance:
Solid Wood Furniture vs Manufactured Wood Furniture
How to Take Care of Solid Wood Furniture
Styling Solid Wood Furniture in Your Home
6 Best Solid Wood Furniture Picks
Buying furniture is always an investment, so you want to put your money toward quality pieces. Solid wood furniture offers quality and craftsmanship alongside timeless style. Wood can be styled in so many different ways, so you are guaranteed to find solid wood pieces that fit your home’s existing or dream style.
In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of solid wood furniture, how to take care of it, and how to style it according to your favorite design style. Then, we’ll recommend six of our favorite solid wood furniture picks from Colder’s for your living room, bedroom, dining room, and home office.
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Shop NowSolid Wood Furniture vs Manufactured Wood Furniture
Solid wood furniture stands out for its quality. Solid wood furniture stands the test of time both in terms of style and durability. The term “solid wood” may mean that all exposed pieces are solid, but hidden areas may be made of another material. You can judge the quality of solid wood furniture by studying its wood source, construction, and finish or stain. In terms of wood source, hardwood is preferred over soft and engineered wood. Hardwoods include oak, maple, mahogany, teak, walnut, cherry, and birch.
In contrast to solid wood furniture, many “wood” furniture pieces are made of manufactured or engineered wood. This second type of wood can be made up of plywood or particleboard, which is also known as fiberboard. Plywood is made up of three to five thin slices of wood glued together under high pressure while particleboard is made up of a glued combination of all the chips and fibers that are left over after milling a tree into lumber. If you’re comparing engineered wood vs solid wood furniture, there is an undeniable difference in quality, with solid wood furniture being the clear winner.
With that said, engineered wood is a budget-friendly alternative that allows you to get the look of wood without the added expense. Overall, engineered wood is more common, accessible, and affordable than solid wood furniture.
How to Take Care of Solid Wood Furniture
If you’re planning to invest in solid wood furniture, it’s important to know how to clean wood furniture. For day to day dusting, it’s better to use a dampened microfiber cloth than a traditional feather duster because a feather duster sends a lot of your dust floating into the air. A damp cloth traps the dust mites.
For more intense and occasional cleaning, it’s important to polish your furniture, but make sure not to do it too much. The cleaning experts at The Spruce recommend polishing or waxing monthly to make your furniture shine and to buff out any minor scratches or nicks. For deep cleaning, they recommend using a tea solution or mineral spirits. We have more tips for taking care of wood furniture in this quick guide as well!
Learn More: How to Clean Furniture [and Preserve It for Years to Come]
Styling Solid Wood Furniture in Your Home
Wood is a staple of many design styles, and it’s truly a timeless finish. It is also incredibly versatile, and you can apply it in so many different ways. Bear in mind, some wood grains are busy and graphic while others are subtle. Some wood finishes are glossy and refined while others are distressed and casual. Some wood tones are warm while others are cool. There are truly endless possibilities when it comes to styling wood furniture in your home.
Design Styles and Wood Finishes
Wood comes in a variety of finishes from glossy to distressed. Farmhouse, coastal, and shabby chic along with some eclectic and boho designs lean toward distressed or whitewashed wood finishes. This communicates a more laid back and rustic feel. On the other hand, traditional designs opt for glossy and sophisticated finishes that communicate a formal, put-together feel.
Design Styles and Wood Tones
Wood comes in a variety of tones from light to dark and red to yellow to orange. Different design styles tend to incorporate certain tones and avoid others. For example, light, blonde wood colors are part of Scandanavian, Japanese, Japandi, and minimalist styles. Dark, dramatic wood tones are classic choices for a traditional design style. Mid-century modern embraces warm, orange-toned woods. You’re likely to see all kinds of shades and tones of wood in modern and contemporary spaces, often providing an element of contrast.
Design Styles and Wood Details
Wood can feature carved details or be paired alongside other finishes to provide contrast in a room. Ornate, carved details are very traditional, and you might see them incorporated in a dining room hutch, headboard, or coffee table base. Carved details aren’t just for traditional spaces, though. Some carved details, especially when combined with whitewash or distressed finishes, are classics of eclectic and boho design. Glam design is all about contrasting finishes, like combining metal, glass, and wood in the same room.
Industrial, modern, and contemporary spaces do the same thing, but with simpler shapes and less accessories throughout a room. Hardware is another way to incorporate elements of contrast. For example, a dresser could have matching wood knobs or contrasting metal drawer pulls. You can mix and match wood with any variety of finishes from gold to matte black to crystal.
6 Best Solid Wood Furniture Picks
Keep reading for six of our favorite solid wood furniture pieces for your living room, bedroom, dining room, and home office from Colder’s.
Modus Furniture Reese Black/Natural Live Edge Coffee Table
Shop This Solid Wood Living Room Table
A coffee table is a staple for any living room. This acacia piece features a live edge that adds interest and gives this a very natural feel. Many styles incorporate organic elements, and this solid wood coffee table is a perfect piece to accomplish that. The black metal legs provide an element of contrast. This would be a great coffee table for a modern, contemporary, or boho design and the complement to the rest of your solid wood living room furniture.
Powell Keavy Dark Brown Acacia Wood Console
This acacia console would be great in a living room, but you could also use it as an entryway table or dining room sideboard. In any space, it adds a subtle sophistication. We love the clean lines, delicate legs, and sleek gold handles. Imagine placing your TV on this console and utilizing its ample storage to hide away your devices, remotes, and other items. With all these design elements, this would be perfect for a mid-century modern living room.
Archbold Furniture Amish Crafted Wood 5 Piece 48” Dining Table Set
Shop This Solid Wood Dining Room Table
This solid maple dining room table will last you for years and become the table where your family makes memories over shared meals and a lot of laughter. This solid wood dining table is versatile, easily changing from a small table well-suited for a breakfast nook to a longer table that could accommodate six chairs. If you are looking for a table to endure the long haul, Amish craftsmanship is known for building heirloom quality furniture, and this solid wood dining room furniture piece is the perfect example of those qualities.
Liberty Tanners Creek 4-Piece Greystone Queen Panel Bedroom Set
Shop This Solid Wood Bedroom Set
People typically imagine warm wood tones when they first think of wood furniture, but cool wood tones are a stylish option as well. If you’ve been searching for solid wood bedroom furniture sets, this one balances a rustic feel with its refined trim and metal drawer pulls. It features a bed frame, nightstand, dresser, and mirror. This would be excellent for an industrial or modern bedroom design. No matter how you style this ensemble, this solid wood bedroom furniture set leaves a lasting impression.
International Furniture Direct Mezcal Dresser
In contrast to our previous pick, this solid wood dresser exudes warmth and rustic charm. Its international flair would be a perfect fit for an eclectic bedroom. The warm wood tone and variance in the grain would also feel at home in a rustic, farmhouse, or country bedroom. This piece is lovingly crafted with solid pine frames, hand wrought iron hardware, and a seven-step stained finish, a collection of details that truly make a difference.
International Furniture Direct Loft Brown Desk
This solid wood desk is perfect for a home office that’s all about professionalism. It contrasts wood and metal for an industrial and modern feel, but it’s versatile enough to work with a contemporary or modern farmhouse aesthetic. It is made of pine wood and detailed with a six-step, hand-painted finish in gray and brown tones for a cool neutral feel. Then, a water-based acrylic lacquer coating provides protection and durability, so that you can feel confident in this durable and well-crafted desk. Four drawers provide ample storage and are stylishly decorated with hand-forged iron drawer pulls with an oven-treated black-matte finish, an extensive demonstration how much goes into good solid wood office furniture.
Solid wood furniture is a worthy investment for shoppers who prioritize craftsmanship, quality, and timeless style. No matter what decor or design style you’ve woven throughout your home, there are solid wood furniture pieces that will fit in seamlessly. If you’re looking for solid wood furniture for any room in your house from your bedroom to your office, Colder’s is the best place to find solid wood furniture in Milwaukee.
Why Trust Colder’s?
Since 1942, we at Colder's pride ourselves on offering value, selection, and service. Serving Southeastern Wisconsin with four showrooms that stock quality name-brand furniture, appliances, and mattresses, Colder’s is sure to house exactly what you are looking for. And if you can't find it on our floors, chances are, we can order it for you. As a local, family-owned company, we are always doing our best to provide the highest value at the lowest cost to everyone who walks through our doors.
Colder’s is committed not only to continuously offering can’t-miss sales but also to working with each customer, making sure that you take advantage of every possible markdown — that’s ourbest price guarantee. Still need help? We offer zero percent appliance and furniture financing on your home needs!
Shop Solid Wood Furniture at Colder’s
Don’t put off happiness — and shop for furniture online for unbeatable prices at Colder’s. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you explore all styles of solid wood furniture from our selection, whether you call us at 414-476-1574 or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one of our Colder’s locations in West Allis, Oak Creek, Delafield, and Grafton, Wisconsin to touch, see, feel, and experience home products that fulfill your dreams. Visit us today!
Learn More: Ultimate Bedroom Dresser Guide: Home Decor