Oak Dining Room Furniture
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Oak has been used in dining room furniture since the 15th Century. In the 17th Century, furniture became a status symbol for the wealthy. During this time the middle class population was on the rise and the demand for high quality furniture also became more prevalent as well. Many people carved their initials into their prized pieces and different monograms would appear occasionally indicating a change in ownership. Around this period exquisite custom oak items with immaculate details were crafted together to impress those with refined taste. Ironically, pioneers in the New World used the same wood to construct their crude pieces making life more feasible as well as comfortable. Oak dining room tables were apart of the Pioneer home because their simple elegance provided a cozy space for families to gather and feast at the end of a long day’s labor. Although the genus of the wood varies from Europe to America, the product created from it is not only stunning, but also beautiful. This wood is steeped in a rich history, and it is cherished today as one of the finer options for dining room furniture.
White and reddish oak are the species native to North America. Europeans used their native swamp or live oak. Fortunately, for the craftsman in North America, both options were readily available, however, white oak was less brittle than its reddish cousin and more pliable than the European genus. This made the wood an excellent source for dining tables and other more intricate furniture. Many of the early pieces are still available today, because both the construction and the wood were of the highest quality. From the 1880’s to 1920’s, new technology provided less expensive dining room sets and other forms of furniture with detailed carvings and turns. During this time the popularity of oak grew exponentially and remains fashionable to this day. The famous “tiger eye” veneer was a gift from this period. Factories cropped up all over the states manufacturing items and selling them in shops and mail order catalogs. Unfortunately, the reduction of the forests has increased the price on products that are made entirely of wood and now many pieces are constructed with partial wood or pine with oak veneers. However, the appeal of oak dining room furniture lives on into the new Millennium.
Oak dining room sets such as the Ashley “Bayport” incorporate the beautiful details of those glory days, with the luxurious chenille fabrics and metal accents that showcase the best of today. In addition, the “Brittany Court” by Ashley furniture is steeped in the essence of the traditional oak table, with stunning stains and elaborate slats in the chairs with a woven appearance. The matching china cabinet echoes the charm of the dining room table and chairs perfectly. New styles have emerged that reflect a more modern edge, with sleek lines and polished designs. The Ashley “Carlyle” oak dining room table with the matching cabinet are a perfect example of this look encompassing a dark ebony finish with nickel hardware for a sophisticated appearance. Another example of the contemporary style of the 21st Century is the “Protégé” dining room set by Ashley. This is an elegant example of refined taste with a rich stain and beveled glass in the tabletop, which reveals a window paned effect. Billowy soft textured cushions and simply carved high backs will cradle your body so dining will become a relaxing sensation. A décor trend that is becoming more chic is French Country. This theme incorporates decorative ironwork and wood to capture the relaxed atmosphere of the French countryside. Nothing captures the essence of this style better than the “Palosanto Barcelona” dining room set. It provides all of the details and attractiveness typical of this décor.
Oak dining room furniture in our rooms is a tradition that will go on for years to come, because the quality of the wood provides lasting pieces that can be passed on for generations. The rich patina and gorgeous grains of oak make it especially suited for dining rooms.
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