On the face of it, folk moan and say that oak furniture is very expensive and they can get cheaper in the scandinavian megastores. It is true to say that these emporiums, so popular in the ’80s and early 2000s do still offer very good quality furniture at much lower prices, but it is just as true to say that the wood is not oak or other hardwood that we recognise as ‘furniture wood’. In our forebears’ time it was all dark brown, almost without exception. Huge great big wardrobes and chests of drawers for storing clothes and linens. In fact, I well remember my own grandmothers having a combination of cabinets and mini wardrobes with carefully lined drawers and shelves within the cupboard section – moth balls and other irritant inhibitors employed all year round to stop the infestation of moths and fleas which were so prevalent in those days. I too remember in one of the family houses, the big settle in the large hallway, up against the wall for people to sit whilst they sorted out their footwear and it had cushions along it’s back, held in place by straps, and a long plump one to sit on. Ahh these flashbacks always incorporate wonderful memories of family furniture that seemed to have been built with the house and we could ncver imagine being there without it all. But of course time moves on and the dark wood has been out of fashion for decades – for many years you couldn’t give it away, but now, when folk are re-evaluating their needs, the solid oak, walnut, mahogany and other wooden pieces are in greater demand. And long may that continue.
