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Due to its strength Oak has been used for furniture construction for thousands of years. In the UK the Age of Oak really started in the early Middle Ages and continued all the way through to the mid-18th Century when it was largely replaced by Mahogany. There was then a revival for Oak during the Mid-19th to early 20th Centuries under the Gothic Revival and Arts & Crafts Movements. Today we too love the look and feel of solid Oak and we are lucky in the UK to have such a bountiful supply. As a slow-growing hardwood Oak has a distinct tight grain which ages beautifully to create patterns and ripple effects on the surface. It also carves quite well so many pieces have been decorated over the years with designs and patterns. In the early days it was this degree of carving which marked out the quality of the piece. There are no makers or designers who are particularly associated with the wood, but for lovers of Oak it is all about the overall look and patina. The natural tannins in oak cause the wood to darken over time and these can really accentuate any carved detail. While early Oak pieces are best left in their untouched dark tone, later antique and vintage Oak furniture such as tables, Chairs and sideboards are often sanded or cleaned back to reveal the lighter tone underneath. This is perfectly acceptable and sometimes enhances the value as we particularly want lighter timbers today for our smaller houses. Because Oak has a full characterful grain it does not always need other ornamentation and suits honest simple furniture such as tables and chairs.
At LoveAntiques we have a fine selection of antique and vintage oak furniture for sale to suit all your needs.
Fine Set of Six Arts & Crafts Oak & Leather Dining Chairs - Retailed by Goodyers, London
£ 2,650
Salisbury Antiques Centre
Vintage Oak Extending Dining Table on Acorn Base & Four Ladder Back Chairs
£ 425
Fedw Hir Antiques
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