Picking the Perfect Wood and Finish for Your Chest of Drawers

Dressing up your homes becomes an experience to cherish when you have furniture that reflects your personal style. A chest of drawers is one such multifunctional piece that adds storage and aesthetic appeal to any room, especially in the bedroom. According to our recent consumer research, people spend on average 55 hours choosing their ideal chest of drawers, indicating the significance this item holds in our homes. This blog focuses on one of those crucial aspects that often goes unnoticed - selecting the appropriate wood and finish for your new chest of drawers, specifically for your bedroom furniture. Whether it's your living room, bedroom, or a child’s room, the chest of drawers should be perfect in every sense. Let's delve into expert tips for making the best choice and getting the most out of your purchase.

Importance of Chest of Drawers Material and Finish

The choice of material and finish for a chest of drawers is crucial for many reasons. Foremost, the quality and type of wood govern the durability and lifetime of the furniture. The right material will ensure your chest of drawers withstands the test of time and usage. Equally important is the finish, which not only safeguards the wood beneath but also enhances its visual appeal. The finish can significantly affect the entire ambiance of the room, thereby making it an essential consideration when choosing a chest of drawers.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Wood for Your Chest of Drawers

Choosing the perfect wood for your chest of drawers can be a bit overwhelming with so many species and options available. It's not just about the aesthetics, though they do play a significant role. Along with the wood's appearance, you must consider factors such as its durability and strength, your budget, the wood type and characteristic, and last but not least, the environmental impact of your choice. Let's discuss these factors in detail and further understand what they mean.

Wood Type and Characteristics

Each type of wood has its own unique set of characteristics that influence its appearance, durability, and workability. Listed here are a few commonly used varieties:
●      Hardwood: Originating from deciduous trees like oak, maple, and walnut, hardwood is known for its strength and durability. Excellent for carvings, hardwood often shows a prominent grain adding to the aesthetic appeal.

●      Softwood: Derived from trees like pine, cedar, and fir, softwood is relatively easier to work with. While it might not be as durable as hardwood, softwoods are inexpensive and readily available.

●      Engineered Wood: Materials like Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF), particleboard and plywood fall under this category. Engineered wood products are economical, easy to work with, and provide uniform strength across the product.

So, while selecting wood for your chest of drawers, ascertain your needs and align them with the wood type that offers the desired qualities.

Durability and Strength

Durability and strength are pivotal factors to consider while choosing the wood for your chest of drawers. After all, you don't want a piece of furniture that would require replacement soon. A well-made chest of drawers, made from solid wood, could be a generational item, passed on through the years. Hardwoods like oak, maple, and walnut score high in durability and strength, making them ideal choices for a long-lasting piece. However, if budget constraints are an issue, engineered woods or softwoods can be considered, which though not as robust as hardwoods, still offer considerable durability. Hence, it is vital to assess the expected usage and choose a type of wood, such as solid wood, that can stand up to it.

Budget Considerations

While everyone desires a grand hardwood chest of drawers, budget constraints often turn such dreams sour. However, remember that there's always a way out. If hardwoods appear costly, opting for softwoods like pine or cedar could work as they are comparatively less expensive. Alternatively, engineered woods like MDF, particleboard, and plywood offer an affordable balance between cost and durability. It's also worth remembering that while initial costs may be high for some materials, considering the longevity of the furniture, it may prove worthwhile in the long run. Balancing quality and affordability while staying within budget is the key.

Environmental Impact

We all bear some responsibility for preserving our planet. That responsibility extends to our choice of furniture as well. Here are some aspects to consider:

●      Sustainable Wood: Look out for woods certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). FSC certification ensures that the wood is harvested responsibly from well-managed forests.

●      Recycled and Reclaimed wood: Furniture made from recycled or reclaimed wood decreases the demand for fresh wood, contributing to conservation efforts.

●      Engineered Wood: Often made from wood waste products, buying engineered wood furniture helps reduce waste and supports recycling efforts.
Hence, choosing your chest of drawers with an eye on the environment is yet another vital factor.

Popular Wood Types for Chest of Drawers

When it comes to creating a chest of drawers, a few types of wood hold the centre-stage due to popular demand and intrinsic qualities. Hardwoods like Oak, Maple, and Walnut top the chart in terms of their strength and natural beauty. Softwoods such as Pine, Cedar, and Fir, and engineered woods like MDF, Particleboard, and Plywood come next in line owing to affordability, availability, and ease of working with. Navigating through these wood types and aligning their properties with your expectations from the furniture can lead you to your perfect chest of drawers.

Hardwoods - Oak, Maple, and Walnut

When durability, strength and a natural and regal look matter, hardwoods stand unmatched. Being dense and strong, hardwoods such as Oak, Maple, and Walnut are the top choices for a chest of drawers. Here's a quick breakdown providing features of each kind:

Oak: Known for its strength, durability, and pleasing grain variations. Available in two types - White Oak (resilient and rot-resistant) and Red Oak (less rot-resistant but beautiful grain). Perfect for a traditional or rustic theme.

Maple: Prized for its light, creamy colour, smooth texture and outstanding durability. Possesses a subdued grain pattern that doesn't overshadow other design elements in the room. Ideal for a minimalistic or contemporary decor.

Walnut: Stands out with its rich, dark colour and intricate grain patterns. Offers supreme resistance to rot and decay. Perfect for a chic and sophisticated setting.

So be it a classic or contemporary style, the warmth, and grandeur these hardwoods impart to your chest of drawers is inimitable.

Softwoods - Pine, Cedar, and Fir

Softwoods bring forth affordability and a unique charm to your chest of drawers. They originate from evergreen trees like Pine, Cedar, and Fir, and are named 'softwoods' because of the comparative ease of working with them.

●      Pine: It's admired for its light-yellow palette, distinct knots that add character and its resistance to shrinking and swelling. It can be painted, stained, or left unfinished, offering you ample design flexibility.

●      Cedar: Besides being sturdy and simple to work with, Cedar stands out for its natural bug-repellent properties. Its warm colour tones range from reddish-white to deep reddish-brown flaring up the aesthetics.

●      Fir: Fir, also known as Douglas Fir, is very economical and possesses a straight, pronounced grain. Its strength characteristics are comparable to some hardwoods, making it a cost-effective choice.

Whether you want a painted chest of drawers in bright colours or prefer a more rustic look, softwoods can accommodate your needs.

Engineered Woods - MDF, Particleboard, and Plywood

If budget is a primary consideration, turn your attention towards engineered woods like MDF, Particleboard, and Plywood.

Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) tops the popularity charts owing to its affordability, smooth finish, and versatility. MDF chests of drawers are exceptionally durable and can be painted in any hue, offering complete customisation. They resist expansion and contraction due to temperature fluctuations that make them an excellent choice for humid regions.

Particleboard, made from waste wood products, is an extremely cost-effective option. Particleboard chests are lightweight and can be covered with veneer to mimic the look of real wood.

Plywood, layered thin sheets of wood glued together, offers a stable structure, high strength, and resistance to warping or cracking. Plywood chests are a resilient and economical choice and often seen in modern, minimalist setups.

Choosing engineered wood for your chest of drawers not only saves money but also contributes towards reducing wood wastage.

Choosing the Right Finish for Your Chest of Drawers

The selection of the perfect wood is half the job done. Settling on the right finish is equally significant. The finish on your chest of drawers dictates its appearance, protection level, as well as maintenance needs. Whether you love the natural grain of wood shining through or favour a painted look, the finish can make all the difference. Additionally, different finishes offer varying degrees of protection to the wood underneath, thereby impacting the longevity of your furniture. Let’s delve deeper into the world of finishes.

Understanding the Different Types of Finishes

There's a host of finishes available in the market these days, each lending a distinct aesthetic appeal and level of protection to the chest of drawers. Here are a few types:
●      Paint: A popular choice, paint can give your chest of drawers any colour you desire. It's an excellent way to blend furniture with the room's colour scheme.

●      Stain: If you want to highlight the wood's natural beauty, stains do the job perfectly. They add colour but let the grain and features of the wood shine through.

●      Varnish: Varnish offers a clear or tinted finish, adding depth to the wood's colour and accentuating its grain. It also provides a protective coating against scratches.

●      Lacquer: Known for creating a durable and robust finish, Lacquer imparts a rich, glossy sheen to your chest of drawers. It forms a hard and scratch-resistant surface.

It's vital to understand how each of these finishes would affect not just the appearance but also the protection of your chest of drawers.

Durability and Protection Offered by Various Finishes

Understanding the different types of finishes is half the job done. The other crucial aspect is knowing what level of durability and protection they offer. Remember, your chest of drawers will undergo constant use, susceptible to scratches, spills, and environmental factors. Thus, the finish should safeguard the wood beneath against such damages. Paint, while offering an extensive colour range, comes in various sheens, providing varying degrees of protection. Stain, when sealed with a top coat of varnish or polyurethane, delivers excellent defence against wear and tear. As a standalone finish, a varnish safeguards wood with its tough and non-porous coverage. Lacquer boasts an incredibly hard and sturdy finish that can withstand significant abuse. Every finish has its virtue, pick the one that aligns with your expectations of appearance and durability.

Impact of Finishes on Appearance and Style

While protection makes up for one side of the coin, the impact of a finish on the appearance and style of your chest of drawers is equally important. Whether you love the classic elegance of stained wood, the modern flair of a glossy lacquer finish, or perhaps a vibrant painted look - the finish sets the tone for your furniture's aesthetic appeal. A stained finish can make oak look like an expensive mahogany, or a coat of paint can transform an ordinary pine chest into a colourful accent piece. Lacquer imparts a rich, lustrous sheen that screams luxury, while simply varnishing can bring out the depth and beauty of the grain. Reflect on your room’s interior style and aim for a coherent look.

Care and Maintenance for Your Chest of Drawers

Now that you own that perfect chest of drawers, it’s important you know how to care for it. Maintaining its condition over time can enhance its life and keep it looking as impressive as new. Regular cleaning, fixing scratches, protecting it from environmental factors - all contribute to a well-maintained and long-lasting piece of furniture. Here are some expert tips on how to keep your chest of drawers in pristine condition, ensuring they stand tall and attractive for years to come.

Tips for Cleaning and Preserving Wood Finishes

With proper cleaning and maintenance, your chest of drawers will remain robust and visually appealing for many years. Here are some recommendations:

●      Regular Dusting: Wipe your chest of drawers with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove dust regularly. This prevents the dust from settling into the grain over time.

●      Humidity Control: High humidity can cause wood to swell, while low humidity makes it dry out and shrink. Try to maintain your home’s relative humidity around the 40-45% mark to keep your furniture in good condition.

●      Avoid Direct Sunlight: Direct exposure to sunlight can discolour your chest of drawers. Use blinds, shades, or drapes to protect your furniture from harsh UV rays.

●      Use Coasters and Pads: Protect the surfaces of your drawers from heat and moisture by using coasters and pads under lamps, drinks or anything else that could potentially damage the finish.

These simple but effective tips can go a long way in preserving your chest of drawers.

Repairing Scratches and Other Damage

Despite the utmost care, scratches and other damage could still occur. Knowing how to handle such instances can save your favourite piece of furniture. Smaller scratches can often be buffed out with a soft cloth and a touch of polish. Deeper scratches may require more effort, including the application of a colour-matched wood filler or putty. Sanded down and re-finished, this could make your chest of drawers look good as new. It's important to keep in mind that while you can manage minor repairs at home, professional help should be your go-to for severe damage. Also, frequently inspect your chest of drawers for any structurally compromised joints or weakened wood - early detection and timely repair is key to prevent serious damages.

Protecting Your Chest of Drawers from Environmental Factors

Environmental factors like sunlight, temperature, and humidity play a crucial role in the maintenance of your chest of drawers. Direct exposure to sunlight may cause your furniture to fade, warp, or dry out. Positioning your chest of drawers in places with steady temperature and away from radiators or air-conditioning vents will prevent damage due to heat or cold. Stability in humidity levels too is essential to avoid the wood from either drying-out and cracking or swelling up. Using a humidifier during winters and an air conditioner or dehumidifier during summers can help maintain optimal humidity levels. Maintain a routine to dust and clean your chest of drawers and address spills immediately to avoid staining the finish. A little preventive care, regular cleaning, and prompt attention to spills and damage will keep your chest of drawers looking beautiful and functional for years.

Common Styles and Design Elements for Chest of Drawers

From traditional to contemporary, the style and design of a chest of drawers can vary greatly, each speaking to a distinctive preference and theme. The presence of intricate carvings could reflect a conventional design while a sleek, minimalistic chest speaks of a contemporary flair. Rustic and Mid-Century Modern designs have their unique appeal too. Be it detailed brass handles, an antique look or perhaps a mirrored front; every element adds up to the overall character of the chest, including the use of natural wood as a material choice. Matching or contradicting your room’s theme, the style and design of your chest of drawers can make an affirmation of your personal taste.

Traditional

If you love timeless classics, a traditionally styled chest of drawers is your best bet. Often made from hardwoods like solid oak or mahogany, these feature rich stains and high-gloss finishes that highlight the wood's natural beauty. Intricate carvings, ornate drawer handles, and a dedication to detail are usually characteristic of this style. Built with top-notch craftsmanship, traditional chests of drawers often become heirlooms, reminiscent of a grandeur passed down through generations. The warm and welcoming Vintage 4-Drawer Chest of Drawers offered by John Lewis or the Murphy Oak Chest of Drawers in Black available at House Beautiful, are examples of timeless traditional elegance. For those in need of extra storage, a vertical chest of drawers can be paired with a dresser for a space-saving solution.

Contemporary

Contemporary chest of drawers celebrate a cleaner, more streamlined look. Simplistic design, sleek lines, less clutter, and minimalist hardware are trademarks of this style. They often use lighter hardwoods, like maple or birch, and finishes vary from natural tones to painted or lacquered surfaces. Some may also incorporate elements of metal, glass or mirrors for a unique and modern twist, as seen with the Franco Black 3 Drawer Chest from Dunelm or the Marienne 6-Drawer Dresser from Urban Outfitters. To complete the contemporary look, style with black and white accessories for a monochrome feel.

Rustic

Rustic style emphasises the rugged, natural beauty of the wood. With a focus on simplicity and function, rustic chest of drawers often feature distressed wood grain finishes, hand-carved designs, and metal hardware. Wood species commonly used include pine, oak, and other naturally rich, rough textured woods. This style creates an inviting, cosy, and comfortable atmosphere in any space. And if you're an environmental aficionado, going rustic with reclaimed or recycled wood could work wonders. The Lewes Reclaimed Wood 7 Drawer Chest from Barker & Stonehouse is a perfect nod to the rustic charm.

Mid-Century Modern

Mid-Century Modern design features clean lines, gentle organic curves, and a mix of different materials. Chest of drawers in this style might be built of warm-coloured wood like teak or walnut and feature minimalist hardware, and splayed legs. With their unique blend of simplicity and functionality, they bring forth a retro vibe, making for an enviable addition to your bedroom. Check out the sophisticated yet uncomplicated aesthetic of the Brunel Low Chest Dark Wood, a stylish chest of drawers, from Heal's or the Matilda Small Mindy Ash Chest of Drawers, which also includes a trinket section for storing jewellery, showcased at House Beautiful.

 
Choosing the right chest of drawers involves deciding upon the perfect wood-type, an appropriate finish and the design that reflects your personal style. Whether softwood, hardwood, or engineered wood, each material has its benefits and drawbacks, painting a unique picture of durability, budget, and environmental impact. Similarly, finishes like paint, stain, varnish, or lacquer offer distinct visual appeals and protection levels. Traditional or contemporary, rustic, or mid-century modern, the style and design of your chest of drawers should echo your persona and room decor. Consider factors like available space, storage requirements, and budget while choosing the size and number of drawers. Proactive care and maintenance are vital in upkeeping the chest’s beauty and longevity. We hope these expert tips guide you in availing the best of chests - a stunning piece of furniture that is robust, attractive, and eco-friendly, truly reflecting your distinctive taste and lifestyle.