Oak, walnut or ash? Choosing the right wood finish

Most of our furniture is made in three woods. They are equally durable; the difference is how they feel in your space and how they change over time.

Natural oak

Honey-toned with a strong, open grain. Oak is the most forgiving choice: it hides everyday marks, pairs with almost any floor and slowly deepens to a warm amber. If you are unsure, choose oak.

Smoked walnut

Rich, chocolate-brown and finely figured. Walnut adds weight and a touch of mid-century warmth — beautiful against pale walls and linen, and in rooms that get plenty of daylight.

White-oiled ash

The palest of the three, with a long, straight grain. Ash keeps small rooms feeling open and is the quintessential Scandinavian look. The white oil slows the natural yellowing of the timber.

Caring for solid wood

• Wipe spills straight away with a damp, well-wrung cloth.
• Use coasters and trivets — oil finishes resist rings, but not hot pans.
• Re-oil tops once a year with the hard-wax oil in your care kit.
• Keep pieces at least 30 cm from radiators to avoid movement.

Order free samples of all three finishes from any product page before you decide — they arrive in two working days.