Where is wood heading, when thinking about the future of furniture design, globally and in this country? Timber crafted tables and chairs remain the most popular type of furniture material for human beings to utilise for their homes and institutional facilities. Wooden furniture has gone through a number of design evolutions over the centuries and decades. Much of it was originally solid and very heavy, usually dark in tone, and lasted a hell of a long time because of its solid nature. Beautiful tables, featuring varnished natural timber patterns and whorls, have graced the abodes of kings and queens, cardinals, dukes, merchants, and those plebeians lucky enough to own one. Accompanying chairs, of varying intricacies in design, have, usually, complemented these dining tables.

The History of Wooden Furniture

In the medieval halls of prince’s retainers ate on trestle tables, erected for mealtimes and then put away, and sat on long benches. All of these structures were formed from wood. Timber furniture can be richly carved and upholstered with leather and cushions, or it can be simply constructed without adornment. Trees, and the wood derived from them, have a close affinity with us as human beings, it cannot be denied. It is an age-old relationship forged by our ancestors, millennia ago. Wood seems to breathe, as we do. The touch of its skin feels good on our own skin.

Lacquerware Furniture in the East

The Chinese were lacquering wooden things back in the 5th century BCE. The Japanese were not far behind; and a love affair for lacquered furniture emerged within both cultures. Making wood appear shiny and protecting the intricate carving upon the surface of these objects, transformed timber furniture to a rare height of beauty. It became something of immense value and was aesthetically exquisite to behold. Lacquerware spread throughout south-east Asia in later centuries. Varnishes, enamels, stains and other coatings have the ability to turn wooden furniture into something else again.

Future of Wooden Furniture

Groovy new wooden furniture designs are forming new shapes and mimicking other things from nature. The Shape of Water may be messing with our conceptions of monsters, disabilities and gods, but it also morphed multiple genres into a powerful celluloid entertainment. Great designers do a similar thing with materials not naturally seen in a particular form or style. Wood still has a few surprises for us in the imaginations of the most talented designers.