Oak Furniture

What goes into our oak furniture

Each piece here is made with oak, though not always in the same way. Solid oak runs right through the part it forms, so a chip reveals more oak beneath and a tired surface can be sanded back. Oak veneer is a thin layer of real oak bonded to a board core, which keeps the grain on show while making wide panels more stable and lighter.

Most pieces here combine oak with MDF. Many pieces pair oak with steel. If solid timber matters to you, check the materials listed on the product page before you order.

Oak sideboards and chests of drawers

We stock sideboards, cabinets and chests of drawers for the living room, dining room, hallway and bedroom. Before you choose, measure the wall you have in mind and the depth you can spare, especially in a hallway. Where a product page lists a maximum load for the top or shelves, use it to decide what a piece can carry, from a television to a long row of books. If a piece has to go up a tight staircase, check its weight and dimensions first.

Leave clear floor in front of a chest of drawers so the drawers open fully. We stock a few bed frames as well. Matching the oak tone of your bed and chest of drawers helps a bedroom feel calm.

Choosing an oak dining table

We stock dining tables for the dining room and kitchen, and the shape of your room is the place to start. If the room is roughly square, a round table keeps conversation easy; if it is long, a rectangular table makes better use of the space. In a busy room, an oval top means no corners to bump into, and a central pedestal leaves more space for knees and chair legs.

Some of the dining tables here extend, which suits a household that eats together daily and hosts now and then. Check the extended width against your room, and leave space behind the chairs to pull them out. Where a seating guide is listed, use it to plan your chairs. We also stock a few dining chairs.

Oak coffee tables and side tables

Most of our oak furniture suits the living room. We stock coffee tables and side tables to sit with your sofa and chairs. Choose a coffee table close to the height of your sofa seat and a little shorter in length than the sofa, with a comfortable walkway around it. If you need somewhere for remotes and magazines, look for a lower shelf or drawer.

A side table works best at about the height of the chair arm beside it, so a cup or lamp is within easy reach. There are a few console tables too. If your hallway is narrow, or your sofa stands away from the wall, a console table gives you a surface without taking much floor.

Finding a comfortable oak armchair

We stock oak armchairs, and the right choice depends on how you like to sit. Note the seat height and depth of your favourite chair at home, then compare them with the measurements given for the chair you like. A low back keeps a room feeling open, while a taller back supports your head for long spells of reading.

Think about the cover as well as the frame: a smooth cover wipes clean after a spill, while a woven fabric feels warmer, so read the materials listed for the seat and back. Add a side table and a reading lamp and you have a corner you will use daily.

Matching oak finishes and styles

Warm brown tones make up most of this page. We also stock natural, black, anthracite, grey, white and green finishes. Many pieces pair oak with fabric or rattan, which brings texture to a room of hard surfaces. The Scandinavian look leads. We also stock modern, mid-century modern, classic and rustic designs.

You do not need to match oak tones exactly. Choose a main tone for your largest pieces, then let smaller ones sit a shade lighter or darker. Black and anthracite look crisp against pale walls, while natural oak brightens a darker room. As a natural material, oak varies in grain and colour from board to board.

Caring for oak furniture

Oak rewards a little routine care. Dust with a soft, dry cloth along the grain, and wipe up spills straight away with a barely damp cloth, then dry the surface. Use coasters under glasses and mats under hot dishes, and lift objects rather than dragging them.

Keep oak away from radiators and fires, as drying out can make timber move or split, and bear in mind that strong sunlight can change its colour over time. Avoid silicone sprays, harsh cleaners and abrasive pads. If your piece has an oiled finish, it may need fresh oil now and then; a lacquered finish usually needs only a wipe. Never sand oak veneer, as the layer of oak is thin.