Is darker-toned walnut furniture back and here to stay? Well, it certainly seems like it. After many years of lighter-coloured Scandinavian woods dominating our homes, more traditional hardwoods like walnut, mahogany, and teak are firmly back in favour. With a rise in all things vintage and antique, it’s no wonder that walnut furniture in particular is back and trending for 2023. This wood instantly adds a touch of luxury to a space, but that’s not all. Let’s learn more about it and why it is worth considering as a choice for your home.
Where & When Did Walnut Furniture First Become Popular?
Walnut was the most highly valued timber choice for furniture in England during the 17th and through to the middle of the 18th century due to its incredible variation in both colour and grain. However, there was a limited supply of walnut in Britain at this time, so a considerable amount had to be imported from France. French walnut was adored because of its extremely dark, almost black colour and admirable streaks. In 1709, a harsh winter destroyed a great deal of trees in central Europe, which led to an abrupt halt to the walnut trade in France. Britain then began importing walnut from North America, but by the middle of the 18th century, mahogany had surpassed walnut in popularity and was being used more commonly amongst furniture and furnishings. Since then, we have seen walnut fall in and out of favour, but this year it’s back and it’s being styled in a completely new way.
Why Is It Trending Now?
Perhaps we are tiring with lighter-toned woods or maybe it’s because walnut is being paired in an entirely new way this time around. For instance, the Retro Walnut Dining Table, chairs, bench, and bookcase above have been placed alongside more modern art pieces and home accessories. The walls and floors are brighter to compensate for the darker furniture and this creates an equal balance of both traditional and modern. Instead of chunkier, almost obnoxious walnut pieces from the 18th century, we are seeing slimmer legs and more contemporary styles in the walnut furniture of today.
Is Walnut A Good Wood For Furniture?
Put simply, yes! Walnut is a hardwood with a unique and beautiful grain, but one of the main reasons why people will choose it is because of the many benefits it offers. One of the top advantages of choosing walnut as your wood is the strength that it possesses. It is solid, reliable, and will maintain its beautiful appearance for a long time. When polished, it has a stunning natural shine that will be admired by everyone. If you want furniture that resists wear and tear, lasts a lifetime, and remains timeless in its appearance, then walnut should be your chosen wood.
Is Walnut Better Than Oak?
When it comes to walnut and oak, they are both similar in terms of strength. Some suggest that oak is slightly more durable than walnut, but it all depends on where it is being used. For instance, oak flooring is likely to hold up slightly better than a walnut alternative especially in high-traffic areas because it has less of a shine and is lighter in colour. Walnut is predominantly used for luxury furniture and cabinetry which are also high-use items, so it is all a matter of preference. One deciding factor might just be the price with walnut being much more expensive than its oak counterpart.
Why Is Walnut More Expensive Than Oak?
Oak is usually easier to source because it grows more prominently in the US. Because oak is more common, it’s cheaper and tends to be the hardwood of choice for furniture makers and home decorators alike. Walnut is more expensive because it is much more difficult to source, so when you see an item of walnut furniture that you like, don’t delay, there might only be a select few available and it mightn’t ever return to stock.
Top 5 Walnut Pieces From EZ Living Furniture
Darker woods like walnut can offer an understated yet luxurious look that remains timeless. Here, we have chosen the top 5 walnut furniture items that are guaranteed to transform your home into a luxurious oasis.
1. Scott Dining Table & Molino Dining Chairs
The Scott Walnut Dining Table has a contemporary design with its curved lines and rounded edges. The Molino Dining Chairs are perfectly paired next to it and brighten the entire dining room’s decor.
2. Cape Bar Stools
These understated Cape walnut bar stools combine minimalistic design and practical function. A bar area, dining room, and kitchen would benefit immensely from these traditional yet contemporary stools.
3. Orbit Writing Desk With Storage
The Walnut Orbit Desk has plenty of space for storing office supplies. Crafted from a beautiful walnut wood, its design features hooped legs that create a contemporary look all the while maintaining the luxury that walnut has to offer.
4. Pluto Bookcase
If you’re a fan of industrial design, this is the Pluto bookcase for you. Walnut is combined with black metal legs for a modern take on a traditionally confined walnut material.
5. X-Ray Brown Leather Lounge Chair
Do you want the best seat in the house? If so, the X-Ray Walnut Brown Leather Lounge Chair is the seat for you! The floating-style back and curved back legs are combined with straight front legs and a beautiful walnut finish for the ultimate old vs new look.
It’s safe to say that walnut is definitely making a comeback in home interiors, so when you have chosen your favourite piece, don’t stop there. It’s easy to pick multiple items of the same range in the same material but this can leave your interior looking a bit “meh”. Don’t be scared to mix and match with other wooden materials to create the ultimate on-trend look. For tips on how to do this, read; Mixing Wood Tones Made EZ.
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