Trends

This hated home design trend is having a renaissance

When it comes to crafting our dream homes, we rely on furniture and colours to help us articulate our vision of life and tell the story of our delicate selves, our values and strivings. We get fussy in the process as each of our decisions can make or break the mood we are looking to create. Every design enthusiast knows just how risky it can be if, instead of following our own gut, we decide to merely jump the latest trend wagon. Some objects like a clawfoot bathtub or an antique fireplace are forever in style, but when it comes to everything else, it’s a roulette. Interior trends come and go in cycles and what used to be outdated can soon become new again.

And that’s exactly what happened with dark wood furniture.

A couple of years back, everyone used to shy away from using dark-toned furniture in their homes. Dark wood was considered to be too traditional and lacking an edge. Bulky and visually heavy, dark wood furniture took the back seat and stayed there for years. Now it’s facing a renaissance, so if you still haven’t got rid of that vintage brown closet and antique cupboard, hold on to it!

However, if you already gave it away and now feel remorse, we have great news for you!

Regardless of its rediscovered value, the prices of quality vintage dark wood furniture are still relatively low, so now is the perfect time to start looking.

Here’s why dark wood furniture deserves a rethink.

Image source: Remodelista

Antique French Countryside Table With Dough Tray

Why now?

With handcrafted authenticity and upcycling picking up speed in 2019, vintage wood becomes a go-to solution for everyone looking to embrace a raw aesthetic without compromising on the cosiness of their space. Concrete walls might look Insta-worthy, but they can hardly create a warm and snug ambiance most of us crave for.

A rediscovered love for irregular shapes, distinctive wood grain and weathered look of vintage dark wood pieces help us create a liveable, casual space where we can rest our brains from the overly stimulated environment we face every day.

As an antidote to mass-produced furniture, these vintage pieces evoke the nostalgia of more simple days and emphasise the superior quality of manufacturing. Featuring wood in its most natural form, this furniture brings us closer to Nature and helps us lead a more sustainable lifestyle.

Image source: Splendor styling

Large Antique Vintage Mid Century Rustic Oak Desk

Antique, Mahogany, Edwardian, Writing Desk, Cabriole Legs, Leather Top, Desk, Drawers

19th Century Oak Parquetry Writing Desk

50 shades of brown

Finally, the dark wood overdose of the past is over and timbers such as walnut, rosewood, teak, ebony and mahogany are once again filling our feeds and Pinterest folders. Thoughtfully decorated, brown sideboards and chests of drawers emerge in most interior styles, anchoring the space while at the same time giving it a lived-in feel.

Thanks to its easy maintenance and great durability, it is no wonder why all those dark wood period pieces remain in such shipshape today.

Image credit: @kaitiemoyer

Curved Walnut Chest Of Drawers 19th Century Holland

Impressive Chest Of Drawers Walnut Italy Late 1600s

Farmhouse Table With Drawer

Eclectic mix

Whether you opt for an antique or a vintage piece, dark-toned furniture can make a dramatic statement in any modern home. Bringing a touch of old-world luxury, it helps elevate the room and make it feel more sophisticated and refined.

Mixing different design eras provides layers of interest and creates a timeless space, so for the ultimate statement, don’t hesitate to mix and match different period pieces.

How to use dark wood furniture with style

Gone are the days when we used to dress our entire houses in dark wood. We might tend to shy away from the mid-century modern vision of all wood spaces (see the image below), but adding a touch of darker toned wood sure provides an exciting nod to the modern luxe aesthetic.

Image source: Mid-century Home

Teak Bar Stool By Henry Rosengren Hansen For Brande Møbelfabrik, 1960s

Celebrate a classic

When it comes to elegance and style, nothing beats a well-chosen antique piece. Designed to draw attention, antique classics serve as perfect focal points in any eclectic environment. Sumptuous curves of this dark toned bentwood armchair bring a touch of old-school glamour and speak of warmth and refinement. And the best part is – it can be picked up for a song.

Antique Bent Wood Jacob And Josef Kohn Armchair

Make a statement

The easiest way to warm up an all-white room is by introducing a dark wood furniture piece into the layout. Dining room chairs in rich, deep wood shades will create a dramatic contrast with a paired back colour scheme and serve as the ultimate focal point.

Image source: Homework

Antique Victorian Ballon Back Dining Chair Mahogany Vintage Seat Seating

Throw a party

But if you feel ready for more than just a pop of brown, don’t hesitate to mix and match different shades and materials. Dark wood furniture will sit beautifully next to a leather sofa and a dark floor, and create a seamless blend without a desperate cry for attention.

Image source: Elle Decor

Mid Century Sideboard By Bytomskie Furniture Factories 1960’s

Mix it with greenery

A match made in heaven, greenery gives life to dark wood shades, while dark wood furniture enables the greenery to pop. So, if you are keen on using walnut or rosewood in your home you will want to consider adding a splash of greenery too.

Image credit: Sebastian

Set Of Italian Dark Teak Wood Dining Table And 6 Chairs, 1950s

Buddy up with some chic accessories

To highlight the vintage charm of dark wood furniture dress it up with a couple of vibrant finds and some punchy artwork. To make it feel grounded and homely try picking up modern decor pieces in vivid colours to juxtapose with the brown colour tones.

But don’t shy away from introducing some classic antique accessorise like a bust or gilded ornate frames.