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Unpacking the myth: Veneer VS Solid Wood. Why is veneer a swear word

Unpacking the myth: Veneer VS Solid Wood. Why is veneer a swear word

One of the common questions we get: Is this piece solid wood or veneer?  Many people believe that solid wood is synonymous with quality while veneer means of lesser quality. As it is with many things in life the answer kinda depends. 

Veneering goes back to the Egyptian times, around 3000 BC. The history of veneer actually starts with the idea of conservation. Egypt consists mostly of desert, timber was rare and was highly valued as much as the precious stones that were used for the elaborate decoration of furniture.

It was only in the industrial revolution, in the 1820's that machines cut veneer uniformly thin. Around 98% of mid century modern pieces are veneer. Mostly case pieces; dressers, consoles and cabinets. Whilst most dining chairs and table legs are solid wood.

Veneers offers exceptional design versatility. It can be cut into intricate patterns and applied in various orientation and this flexibility enables designers to achieve distinctive patterns that highlight the natural beauty of the wood. Masters like Hans Wegner created exquisitely book-matched wood grain patterns across this Presidential Rosewood Credenza.
 
Additionally, veneer is an eco-friendly choice. By only using slices of wood over a substrate, it conserves resources. Purchasing authentic Mid-Century Modern furniture, versus buying new, also supports sustainability.
 
Veneer is durable and can maintain its beauty for many years. With proper care it can last 50+ years. 
 
Solid wood case pieces are an exception to the rule and there are a few designers who used solid wood. George Nakashima and his Studio work, Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard's work,  Paul McCobb's Planner Group series uses solid maple. This Tambour door cabinet is made of solid teak,as is everything that Johannes Aasbjerg made.

Mid century modern veneer also tend to be significantly thicker than modern day veneers. They can be sometimes be an 1/8th of an inch thick which allows us to restore confidently.
 
Veneer is an extraordinary material with numerous benefits, from sustainability to design flexibility, beautiful wood patterns, and stability that can prevent warping. 
At Hobbs Modern, we celebrate the beauty and craftsmanship of veneered furniture and strive to educate our customers about the value it brings to Mid Century Modern furniture design.


Common Questions About Veneer in Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Q: Why does it seem like all Mid-Century Modern furniture was made with veneer?

A: It’s because most of it was! The majority of authentic Mid-Century Modern furniture was made using wood veneer. Nearly all of our Midcentury credenzas and dressers are made with real wood veneer. Veneering has a rich history that dates back about 5,000 years, with early examples found in Ancient Egypt, including the tomb of Tutankhamun.

Q:  Is veneered furniture durable? Will it last?

A: Absolutely! The veneer provides a stable surface that resists warping and cracking, due to fluctuations in environmental conditions. In the Pacific Northwest, where humidity and temperature changes are frequent, veneer is a great choice. Mid Century Modern veneered furniture has already stood the test of time for over 50+ years, demonstrating its enduring craftsmanship. So yes, it is both durable and long-lasting.

Q: Can a veneer Mid Century Modern credenza or dresser be refinished?

A: Yes, it can! Skilled and experienced refinishers can achieve remarkable results. Just take a look at our catalog to see the many refinished Mid-Century dressers and credenzas we have completed. 

Q: What were the design benefits of using veneer to make Mid-Century furniture?

A: The primary benefit of veneer was its ability to enhance the clean lines and minimalist look characteristic of Mid-Century Modern design. Veneer allowed designers to showcase premium woods like walnut, teak, or rosewood, achieving a sophisticated aesthetic while minimizing issues like warping and shifting that can occur with solid wood. Additionally, veneer was sustainable as it made efficient use of natural resources.

Q:  How does veneer compare to solid wood in Mid-Century furniture design?

A: Veneer had a crucial role in achieving the sleek, minimalist look that defined Mid-Century Modern design. It allowed for more consistent finishes and enabled designers to create intricate patterns and designs that are difficult to achieve with solid wood. Veneer also contributed to the lighter, more minimalistic profiles that are characteristic of the MCM era, avoiding the heavier and bulkier appearance often associated with solid wood furniture.

Q: Can veneer hold up to everyday use in Mid-Century furniture?

A: Yes, in fact, most Mid-Century Modern dining tables, made of teak, walnut, or rosewood, were veneered. Proper care and maintenance can ensure its longevity.

Q: Does veneer affect the authenticity of Mid-Century furniture?

A: No, veneer was a key part in the original construction of Mid-Century Modern furniture-making.

Q: Why might some sellers misrepresent veneered furniture as solid wood?

A: Some sellers might say veneered furniture is solid wood because they fear that buyers would not be interested in veneer. Additionally, they might not fully understand furniture construction themselves, leading to this question being answered incorrectly.

Q: Is a veneer Mid-Century dresser less valuable than a solid wood Mid-Century dresser?

A: No, since most Mid-Century Modern furniture is made with wood veneer its value is not solely determined by the material. Factors like craftsmanship, design, functionality and condition play significant roles.

We know when a customers says they want a piece in "solid wood" what they’re looking for quality and to make an informed choice. 


Veneer is an extraordinary material with numerous benefits, from sustainability to design flexibility and durability. At Hobbs Modern, we celebrate the beauty and craftsmanship of veneered furniture and strive to educate our customers about the value it brings to Mid Century Modern furniture design.

We hope this post has shed light on the advantages of veneer and debunked some of the myths surrounding it. Whether you’re considering a veneer piece or exploring other options, remember that design along with quality and functionality are what truly matter.



 

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