The History Of Oak

Author: lucy pitt

Oak furniture is both beautiful and durable and many of us have at least one piece of furniture made from this traditional wood in our homes.

But did you know that oak is one of the oldest serving woods around the UK and indeed the world. British homes have contained oak tables, chairs, beds, stools and fireplaces for many hundreds of years.

The first recorded mention of oak furniture comes from Norman times. In those days furniture was very practical and would have consisted of basic benches and tables.

Oak was a popular choice because British woodlands and forests were heavily populated with the tree species. The Normans soon found that the wood was extremely hard wearing, durable and water resistant and so it quickly became the most popular choice for basic furniture.

Gradually, as dwellings and living spaces became more sophisticated, people began to use shelves and cupboards. This was partly so things like ammunition and food could be stored safely and partly to keep goods fresh and out of the weather.

Shelves and cupboards quickly moved into the kitchen and were used to store crockery, not long after the chest of drawers and kitchen cupboard was born.

As oak was plentiful it was not just used for household furniture but also to build ships and wagons. Within a few hundred years the wood had become the most popular choice for wealthy families and to this end it began to go up in price and to be more sought after.

In the middle ages oak carved wall panels began to appear as people started to show more interest in the aesthetics of their homes. Some marvellous examples of oak panelling from the middle ages can still be seen in the House of Commons.

At the time, carpentry apprentices would spend many years raining under a master of the art until they were considered to be skilled to a high enough standard.

After 1600 people began to prefer lighter wood and oak dropped in popularity. However many of these items of furniture made from lighter materials has disappeared when thousands of ancient oak pieces remain intact and look as beautiful as ever.

During the war years Oak regained popularity because of its durability, so much so that British Oak had to be protected and has remained a protected species to this day.

Oak furniture is more popular today than it has ever been, perhaps because it is synonymous with quality and durability. Oak furniture can fit beautifully into any style of home. Investing in oak is a wise decision that will keep you satisfied for many years to come.

To find the perfect oak furniture for you visit oakitashop.co.uk

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/furniture-articles/the-history-of-oak-4591353.html

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For a wide selection of beautiful and durable oak furniture vist oakitashop.co.uk

Where to Place a Wicker Table in Your Home

Author: Keyword Performance

Where can a wicker table be placed in your home? As a less-typical piece of wicker furniture, a table comes with a set for a living room, dining room, office, or porch. In general, wicker tables have two designs: fully wicker or wicker and glass. Made out of the woven cores of rattan stalks, reeds, or willow switches, a wicker table may have a wicker base and glass on top, or both the base and top are made out of rattan.

Accompanied by a loveseat, sofa, or chairs, a wicker table is often included in a living room or patio set. All sets have a similar design of matching sitting pieces, only the patio set is made out of all-weather wicker. While the full set is coordinated by finish, the wicker table has a glass top, and every other piece comes with a cushion. When part of a patio or living room set, a wicker table is the perfect place for resting magazines or dishes.

Wicker tables are also part of dining sets. As part of a dinette set, a wicker table can be placed in the kitchen with four matching chairs. The perfect place for a casual or quick meal, a dinette does not take up too much space and is light enough to be taken inside or outdoors. A dining room set, on the other hand, has a longer table and is too large for the kitchen. For either type of dining set, the accompanying table is fully wicker or has a glass top.

A less-usual set, wicker office furniture may also have a table. Matching cabinets and drawers, the wicker table or desk is strong enough to support a computer and other office supplies.

No matter the wicker table you choose, make sure it matches your space, and the finish plays a key part in this. Finishes from dark to light to white are possible for wicker, and tables are no exception. For a casual look, consider going with white for the table and the rest of the furniture set. If the space is more formal, such as for an office or a dining room, consider going with a darker color. In any instance, make sure the finish blends in with your existing décor.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/furniture-articles/where-to-place-a-wicker-table-in-your-home-4579617.html

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5 Red Bedroom Design Ideas

Author: ireneok9

If you feel that you live like a fire, full of energy and passion - then this post is for you. Design ideas for the red bedroom will insire you to change your interior design and maybe even life. The photos will help you to learn easily. And you don't even need to go to interior design courses.

Design Idea # 1 Unique sofa

If you want to have red color in your bedroom it can be used in different ways. One of them is to add red color to the interior objects. You can buy a red sofa, chair or curtains. The sofa of red color my look too hard, but when it is designed in round shape, you can be confident that it will look gorgeous.