Veneer is not a modern invention; it’s really thousands of years old. As a matter of fact, fabulous veneer work in ebony and ivory was put into King Tut’s tomb in Egypt. During the Renaissance, veneer techniques became very sophisticated, using tiny pieces of exotic woods and burl grain to create intricate designs or lavish scenes. Much of the finest royal furniture for hundreds of years employed lavish veneer construction, using the finest species of wood and tiny pieces of burl or exotic grain.

With that in mind, we should rid our minds of the notion that furniture made with veneer, rather than solid wood, is something to avoid. Veneer simply means a thin layer of wood glued down to other wooden boards. Cabinet makers will say that factors of thickness, workmanship and condition determine whether veneering is good or bad.

The technique of veneering allows a beautifully grained wood to be glued to more stable wood with less attractive grain for results that are beautiful and durable. Attractive appearance on curved surfaces is another use of veneer, for example, the curved case of a grand piano is always veneered.

Around 1970 industrial furniture manufacturers developed the technique of gradually making veneer thinner, and today, hardwood veneers are as thin as 1/64 of an inch. This modern veneer looks like typing paper, it is almost transparent, and can never be sanded, refinished or significantly touched up if damaged.

On most modern furniture and kitchen cupboards, veneer is not glued to natural hardwood, instead it is attached to particle board, which is a mixture of sawdust and glue which is pressed into large sheets. Often the edges are finished with real wood, so the veneer and particle board construction is not visible. On better furniture and cabinets, real wood is used where it shows – legs, raised panels, edges, etc.

For consumers today, it ultimately means a vast selection of beautifully crafted furniture that is extremely stylish with clean, sharp modern lines….all at much more affordable prices than solid wood counterparts. Engineered and crafted with the same diligence as old world furniture makers, modern designs combine visual appeal with functionality to meet your lifestyle.

Versatile yet style conscious, Denver Furniture, for your dining and bedroom, is created from American white oak solids and veneers inset with contrasting American black walnut veneers. Optional oak or walnut finished handles plus a selection of storage units to choose from, complement your interior scheme to perfection for today’s modern world.

There are thirteen pieces of furniture available in the Denver Dining Room Collection from Bentley Designs. The collection includes:

-Coffee Table
-Dresser or China Hutch
-Entertainment Unit
-Extending Dining Table (180cm) for 6 or 8 seating capacity
-Fabric Dining Chairs
-Slatted Dining Chairs
-Lamp Table
-Landscape Mirror
-Nest of Tables
-Sideboard
-Tall Display Unit

Like the dining collection, the Denver Bedroom Furniture Collection is Versatile yet style conscious and created from American white oak solids and veneers inset with contrasting American black walnut veneers. With the option of oak or walnut finished handles plus a selection of storage units to choose from, you can complement your interior scheme to perfection. The appeal is enhanced thanks to self closing drawers, whilst paneling detail with solid end grains gives the range a look of sheer quality.

There are ten pieces of furniture available in the Denver Bedroom Collection from Bentley Designs. The collection includes:

-One (1) Drawer Nightstand
-Three (3) Drawer Nightstand
-Five (5) Drawer Wide Chest
-Seven (7) Drawer Tall Chest
-Eight (8) Drawer Dresser
-Double Wardrobe
-Double Wardrobe Base
-Double Bedstead
-King Size Bedstead
-Landscape Mirror

Using the same construction techniques for providing a completely different look for your bedroom or dining areas, Bentley Designs has assembled the following collections:

Alaska Furniture Collection combines clean and simple New England Shaker styling with the light and airy feel of the an ivory finish. Designed to work in a contemporary or classic home, Alaska offers a striking yet neutral two-tone of oak and oak veneer paneling.
Cuba Acacia, Cuba Black, and Cuba Oak are each bold and modern examples of fashionable style and exceptional value for money. Each offers a timeless look that blends seamlessly with traditional and modern homes, new or old.

For those less familiar with the design styles and time periods, here’s a short recap to finish off our quick discussion of time periods and use of veneer through the ages:

Federal (1780-1820) – Combined the neoclassical furniture style characteristics of Hepplewhite and Sheraton. It is characterized by graceful straight lines, light construction, tapered legs, and the use of inlay, and contrasting veneers.

Sheraton (1780-1820) – Named for English designer Thomas Sheraton who published his designs in “The Cabinet Makers and Upholsterers Drawing Book” in 1791. It is a neoclassical style characterized by delicate straight lines, light construction, contrasting veneers and neoclassical motifs and ornamentation. The Sheraton style was the most reproduced style in the United States during the Federal period.

Shaker (1820-1860) – A simple and utilitarian style produced by the religious group, the United Society of Believers, in self-contained communities within the United States. It is characterized by straight tapered legs, woven square chair seats and mushroom shaped wooden knobs.

Seems to me, veneer furniture is a timeless as the ancient Pharaohs. What do you say?

Author Bio: Kathryn Dawson writes articles for Oak Furniture Solutions, a well established online store in the UK retailing premier selection of Bentley designs furniture such as the stylish and versatile Denver furniture sets or the collection of the simple two-toned Alaska furniture range; ideal for those who prefer an airy feel. Those who like a heavier and solid feel go for their best selling Cuba oak

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Keywords: denver furniture, alaska furniture, cuba oak