Oak Furniture for Strength and Endurance

Oak has particular European connotations, indicating strength, tradition and beauty. The appeal of oak furniture is its strength and timeless appeal. To find out more visit http://hfnmag.com/

Oak furniture is sought after in homes across Europe thanks to the unbeatable combination of beauty and strength. Whether it is traditional English oak furniture or rustic French oak furniture, it's easy to see the appeal of this timeless wood. Oak is admired for its durability, as quality oak furniture is passed through generation after generation. And having a good quality oak dining table in the heart of your home appeals to many families who know the kitchen table is where most of family life occurs. Whether you are seeking high quality oak furniture for daily family use or to invest in a beautiful oak dining table or sturdy oak wardrobe, oak furniture is a refreshing alternative to the flimsy, flat-pack furniture culture.

As Solid as Oak

So why is oak furniture so appealing? Aside from the solid make-up and the organic natural aesthetics of wood, oak is a common symbol of strength and endurance – qualities that we seek in good quality furniture. The oak tree is the national tree of England, as well as a number of other European countries, with variations on the oak appearing further afield – the Northern Red Oak for example is the official tree for Prince Edward Island in America, and various other American states have strains of oak tree as their official state tree. The fact that oak furniture is derived from this majestic, ancient tree adds to its value. The connotations of strength means the oak leaf is also used as a powerful symbol – for example it signifies rank in the American armed forces. As well as military and political resonance, the Oak tree is the well known symbol of the conservation society, the National Trust. The power, strength and protective qualities of the wood makes oak one of the most sought after materials for furniture in the UK.

Oak Furniture for Timeless Appeal

With countless pubs across England called The Royal Oak, the tree taps into royal as well as mythical folklore. Celtic mythology, Norse mythology and Classical mythology are all rich with images of the oak tree as a potent symbol. Oak has been used not just for oak furniture, but has been used for panelling in prestigious buildings such as the Houses of Commons. The wood has been used to build everything from naval ships, timber framed buildings, and whisky barrels.