Wood is the final word in durability and beauty in fine home furnishings. Craftsmen over the centuries have developed styles, finishes that are considered timeless and even now grace homes all over the world. Pine furniture is beautiful, durable and often overlooked in favor of the more expensive exotic wood furnishings.

While considered a light wood or common wood Pine became popular because of its beautiful grain that could look beautiful with a minimum of sanding and polishing. People came to believe the only finish and style for this light colored wood was knotted rustic furniture. Nothing could be further from the truth and this wonderfully versatile wood can be found in as wide a variety of styles as any exotic wood and is much more affordable.

Hard woods such as oak, cherry, teak and mahogany are still coveted but unfortunately they are often out of reach of the average budget. Fortunately for the practical decorator on a budget the common wood is just as available as the exotic woods and much more affordable. While it is a naturally light color with a distinctive grain many craftsman finish it by painting it or sanding to a perfectly smooth finish.

Pine can be stained or painted either light or dark depending upon the needs of the decorator or the whims of the craftsman. Often it is painted a tan or cream color to lighten up a nursery or provide a durable finish for kitchen storage. This light wood is even being reclaimed and beginning life anew as the bottom of a cupboard or the supports of a sofa.

Synthetic materials come and go out of style but none have the durability and timelessness of wood furnishings. Although pressed fiberboard or synthetic furniture may be easier on the budget than exotic woods they lack durability and soon become dated and must be replaced. Sometimes wood furnishings are sold that are made from pressed fiber board with a wood veneer but generally doesn’t hold up to long term use.

Wood furnishing fits into almost any home decor scheme whether it is minimalistic or rustic. Natural wood grains or light colored furnishings are beautiful accent pieces to accent any room they grace. Pine furnishings can be found in the baby’s nursery, the formal dining room, the kitchen and of course the back garden.

Soft wood furniture no longer needs to be restricted to the cabin or country home and can be as elegant as the decorator desires. Value for the money spent is on almost everyone’s mind these days and the smart decorator with a budget is finding pine furniture an amazing value. When durability, elegance, or classic styling are important this light wood can provide an excellent value for years to come.