Furniture and fittings made of natural materials create a sense of wellbeing, are aesthetically pleasing, can improve indoor air quality and, ideally, are produced in an environmentally friendly way. Since they fit with current trends, such as health consciousness, premium quality and environmental sustainability, they offer great potential for the entire sector, reports by Ambista from koelnmesse.
The natural look of products such as wood, cork, natural stone, wool products and leather can be used to create design ranges that offer floor-to-ceiling harmony – where every product works with every other product.
One of the most popular natural and long-lasting materials is wood. Solid wood furniture is durable and signs of wear often make it even more beautiful. With its unique grain pattern, each piece of wooden furniture has its own individual character. Most softwoods have a more subtle structure, whereas the contrasts in hardwoods such as acacia, oak and cherry wood create a strong focal point in the room.
Interiors that feature wood have a calm, cosy ambience and the wood has a positive impact on the indoor air quality – solid wood parquet flooring, floorboards, tables, shelving and beds absorb moisture and release it again if the air is dry. Any surface scratches can be removed by sanding the wood. These are all good selling points for retailers. The only disadvantage to the material is its sensitivity to light. Wood darkens in colour if it is exposed to strong UV light. Wooden furniture has a particularly natural look if it has been treated with oil or wax.
