Oak Furniture

Collection of oak furniture with German design

Designed by German designer Martin Ballendat and made in Austria, our oak furniture collection encompasses different furniture items for the most exclusive homes and residences: dining and coffee tables, beds, nightstands, chairs and armchairs and even benches.

To warm up your interior, while keeping a pure atmosphere, you can furnish your living spaces with oak furniture. This material will allow you to make your interior a refined, modern and unique space, according to your tastes and the customization you wish to make.

For this, we have set up a partnership with an Austrian furniture producer who uses high quality materials. This internationally renowned manufacturer combines luxurious design and high-end quality with Austrian craftsmanship.

High-end oak furniture exclusively at Imagine Outlet

Tables, armchairs, benches, sofas and storage furniture, the choice is varied and will satisfy your desires. These exceptional pieces of furniture are made from one of the noblest and most sought-after woods in cabinetmaking, oak. Here, German design combined with Austrian craftsmanship makes it possible to obtain modern, designer furniture and, above all, very high quality.

The oak used is of superior quality and comes from plantations managed sustainably according to the FSC label which guarantees the traceability of the wood.

Oak allows you to design contemporary furniture that will adapt to your needs thanks to its versatility. It will also be possible to find solutions for your electronic and Hifi equipment.

As for the leather that you will find, for example, on our benches, chairs and armchairs, it is cowhide leather, having undergone an ecological tanning process and treated with high quality fats to guarantee a smooth feel. You will also find this designer furniture with a covering in virgin sheep’s wool of the best possible quality, called “loden” in German, or 100% merino wool.

The leather selected is a soft, high quality leather that will make your interior a space of luxury.

All shapes are achievable thanks to wood, so you can find it in any room in your house: dining room, bathroom, bedroom, living room, kitchen. For this, we offer versatile and removable furniture that makes this furniture magnificent and, above all, unique pieces.

In order to preserve your furniture, and to maintain the resistance and beauty of this noble material that is oak, an oil treatment will be provided with the furniture.

Oak furniture in all its forms

Table of Contents

• Origin, reputation and mastery of oak
  • The oak, a remarkable tree
    • Where are these exceptional trees found?
    • How long does an oak tree last?
    • What is the natural color of oak?
  • It is considered one of the most prestigious woods
    • A powerful symbolism
    • A type of wood favored by craftsmen
• Solid oak furniture: characteristics, virtues and disadvantages
  • What are the advantages of solid oak furniture?
    • Robust and solid furniture
    • A resistant wood containing tannin: a very virtuous acid
    • A piece of furniture with varied styles and finishes
  • What are the disadvantages of solid oak furniture?
    • Proper maintenance is necessary
    • A relatively heavy wood
    • An expensive material
  • You are not seduced by this type of wood? Take a look at walnut furniture instead
• How to choose the ideal oak furniture: models and parameters to take into account
  • Modern solid oak furniture models:
    • Designer chairs in solid oak
    • Modern solid oak tables
    • Contemporary sideboards and consoles
  • What are the differences between oak and solid oak?
    • Variation in grain and texture of oak
    • Weight difference
    • Price gap
• Oak furniture: flexible furniture that adapts to all styles
  • Rustic style
  • The classic style
  • Scandinavian style
  • Industrial style
  • Modern style
• How to perfectly maintain and integrate your oak furniture into your living space?
  • Interview
    • How to protect your oak furniture?
    • Restore the shine to your furniture in two steps
      • Wax
      • Vegetable oils
      • The nailpolish
  • Integration
    • What colors can you combine with your oak furniture?
      • White and Yellow
      • Gray and Black
      • Bright colors
      • Natural colors

Origin, reputation and mastery of oak

The oak, a remarkable tree

Where are these exceptional trees found?

Oak is found in Mediterranean areas as well as in tropical areas. Moreover, the largest exporters of oak in the world, Spain, Algeria and Morocco are all in the Mediterranean basin. It turns out that Europe is home to 27 different species of oaks among the hundreds of existing species (between 200 and 600). Some have an important place in the heritage of European countries, as is the case for the cork oak in Portugal, with which cork is produced.

In France we can find 8 of them: holm, cork, kermes, tauzin, sessile, pedunculate, pubescent and hairy oaks. It is the most widespread tree in France before the pine and mainly populates national forests. Colbert, minister during the reign of Louis XIV, wanted to massively cultivate oak trees in these forests in order to use them to build the warships of the time. However, construction methods have evolved over time, stopping almost all production of wooden boats. So, the oaks were able to extend their roots in these forest areas where we can admire them by the hundreds.

How long does an oak tree last?

The lifespan of an oak tree is very impressive as it can easily reach 500 years, or even more than 1000 years in some cases. Given their life expectancy, it is not surprising to say that they are imposing trees that can reach one meter in diameter and 40 meters in height. Most French trees which surprise with their size and lifespan belong to this noble species. Moreover, the Allouville oak in Normandy, dating from the time of Charlemagne, still flowers and attracts up to 30,000 curious people each year. Over time, this oak hollowed out and two tiny chapels were built inside. Since 2009, it has been included in the inventory of intangible cultural heritage in France.

Beyond its aesthetic potential, oak is of interest in many other areas such as biodiversity. Scientists call this tree a biodiversity hotspot because it hosts a large number of species within its branches. In addition, the oak is a highly valued tree even after its death since it continues to host a host of species forming a small ecosystem on its own.

What is the natural color of oak?

Untreated oak wood generally has a light brown color, which distinguishes it from other woods. However, depending on the species of oak grown, this color can vary between the reddish dominants of red oak and the olive shades of white oak. Do not think that oak necessarily has a light color since when it is treated, the color range widens considerably. Staining is a technique offering a wide range of choices ranging from a natural white oak shade to black smoked oak. Thanks to these variations, you will be able to find the oak that best suits your living space.

Discover the different shades that this noble wood can take

It is considered one of the most prestigious woods

A powerful symbolism

Due to its history and its value over time, this tree has acquired considerable symbolism. This is the opportunity for us to share with you some captivating anecdotes about oak:

Indeed, it is said that King Louis IX administered justice under a majestic oak tree. The chronicler Jean de Joinville testifies in Life of Saint Louis: “Many times it happened that in summer, he went to sit in the Bois de Vincennes […] and leaned against an oak tree […]. And those who had business came to speak to him without hindrance from the bailiff or others.” Thus was born the image of a just king practicing his duty under an oak tree, an image now anchored in French culture. In a completely different register this time, Robin Hood, legendary hero of British fiction, has his headquarters in an oak tree in Sherwood Forest. He works against evil and injustice in search of a better world from this same oak tree. These anecdotes and references to the oak particularly link it to the concept of Justice.

Beyond being a symbol of justice, it also represents sustainability. We find this symbolism in particular through the oak wedding which is celebrated after 80 years of marriage in French folklore.

Finally, throughout history we have seen the oak tree associated with the political stability of certain states. This was the case in France with franc coins illustrating olive and oak wreaths or even German euro cents represented by an oak branch. Representing longevity, wisdom and strength, oak is considered a charming and prestigious wood.

A type of wood favored by craftsmen

Oak is the subject of extraordinary artisanal know-how. It was used to produce all types of objects ranging from warships to barrels for aging wines or spirits. Beyond its wood, the tannin it carries is also attractive. This has always been of great use since Antiquity. Tannin is a component used to tan hides or to bring a woody flavor to wine. Architecture, too, has demonstrated its curiosity for this type of authentic and sober wood. One of the most beautiful concert halls was built almost entirely from this wood. The Malmö Live Concert Hall illustrates the oak in all its splendor.

Needless to say, the prestige and beauty of this wood has obviously not escaped designers and cabinetmakers from around the world who have designed numerous pieces using oak wood. The SPIN chair created by Martin Ballendat is one of our favorite solid oak pieces of furniture. Obviously, there are a variety of pieces of furniture made from this wood with different shades, shapes and styles.

Solid oak furniture: characteristics, virtues and disadvantages

What are the advantages of solid oak furniture?

Oak furniture has seduced the whole world through its authenticity and longevity. Obviously we never tire of this furniture since it continues to become trendy again. Indeed, if oak furniture is so captivating, it is because it has many significant advantages and virtues. We mention some of them below.

Robust and solid furniture

One of the primary advantages of oak is its robustness. There are four classes ranging from the least solid woods to the strongest woods: class A (soft wood), class B (semi-hard wood), class C (hard wood) and class D (very hard wood). Oak belongs to the hardwood class (Class C) along with beech and maple wood. For comparison, it is even stronger than walnut and chestnut.

We can also place oak on the Janka scale, created by engineer Gabriel Janka, which seeks to give an overall indicator of the durability of woods. The test seeks to know the force necessary for a steel ball with a diameter of 11.284mm to sink halfway into the wood. So, the higher the score, the stronger the wood is considered. Oak obtains a good score of 1360. Even if it is far from obtaining the first score (4380 for Lignum Vitae), it is still ahead of walnut (1010) and chestnut (540). This characteristic undoubtedly explains a large part of its timeless success. Its long-term quality is undeniably assured thanks to the hardness and longevity of its wood. Solid oak wood furniture can therefore be passed down over several generations if it is well maintained.

A resistant wood containing tannin: a very virtuous acid

Oak is not only solid, it is also a wood that can be described as durable. As we mentioned previously, this wood comes from a tree symbol of sustainability, with a spectacular life expectancy. It is therefore not surprising that it is qualified as a resistant and durable wood. Indeed, if it was used in the 19th century in Europe for shipbuilding, it is because it rarely deforms and is water resistant thanks to its high tannin content. This solution gives the oak impressive resistance. It resists rot quite well but also insects.

However, this advantage should not be taken for granted because the weak point of tannin is undeniably humidity. Indeed, if a piece of furniture is exposed to water, it risks losing its tannin leading to a loss of resistance. If this exposure is repeated, you risk seeing blue-black stains appear on your oak furniture. This can be a real problem when purchasing furniture from tropical countries like Asia. Furniture is often stored in poorly insulated warehouses while waiting for a container to be sent. The humidity is such that it could attack your furniture and leave stains on it. In this sense, it is much more far-sighted to order furniture from Europe where storage conditions are much more suitable for furniture that should not be exposed to humidity.

A piece of furniture with varied styles and finishes

Oak furniture appeals to everyone. Its authentic color gives it a natural charm that goes well with many other colors. This aesthetically attractive wood can take on several appearances. First of all, its grain and knots can vary depending on their origin. Some oaks have small, tight knots and others have larger, scattered ones. Wood is an imperfect material, which means that each piece of wooden furniture is distinguished by knots and a particular grain. Each piece of solid wood furniture is unique.

In addition, oak can be treated and come in several colors. So, if you are not charmed by its color or think that it will not fit well into your living space, you can always choose from a wide palette of colors and find what you are looking for. To our great joy, oak wood lends itself quite well to painting, staining or lacquering, making it easy to vary the colors and finishes of oak furniture. Here is the color palette that we offer to allow you to have furniture that suits you.

What are the disadvantages of solid oak furniture?

As you can imagine, oak furniture obviously does not only have advantages. There are also some drawbacks that are good to know about. We detail them below.

Proper maintenance is necessary

We discussed the many virtues of oak furniture. Unfortunately, it is necessary to remember that good maintenance of these is necessary so that they can maintain optimal resistance and durability. We share everything you need to know below.

How to maintain your oak furniture?

A relatively heavy wood

Oak remains a dense and heavy wood. We know that when dry this wood weighs 690 kg per 1m3, which makes it heavier than butternut which weighs 450 kg/m3 for example. The main disadvantage that results from this is the difficulty in moving it. Trying to relocate your oak furniture could well prove to be a real ordeal, especially if it involves moving it to another room or floor.

Also be careful to check the delivery conditions before purchasing a piece of furniture! Many companies deliver furniture to the foot of your building or in front of your house, complicating the installation of it in your living room. At Imagine Outlet, we make sure to deliver and install your furniture where you want it in order to offer you the most pleasant experience possible. If assembling your designer oak furniture seems too time-consuming or technical, you can always opt for the assembly option when you place your order.

An expensive material

The price of oak furniture varies depending on the nature of its wood (solid oak, lamination or plywood). The quantity of raw material is not the same for the latter having a direct influence on the price of your furniture. Then you will see a variation in price depending on the color of oak you choose. For example, for the Lamello solid wood dining table , you will see that the price of a natural oak table costs less than a gray or black oak table, treated this time. Don’t forget to evaluate the price of your oak furniture by taking into account its nature as well as its color and finish. Despite the relatively high price of designer oak furniture, it is important to remember that their longevity is guaranteed by the quality and robustness of this noble wood. This type of furniture, if well preserved, is intended to be passed down from generation to generation.

You are not seduced by this type of wood? Take a look at walnut furniture instead

Find out more about solid walnut furniture

 

How to choose the ideal oak furniture: models and parameters to take into account

Modern solid oak furniture models:

Designer chairs in solid oak

An oak chair brings brightness to your living room through its authenticity and simplicity. There is a wide choice of chairs made from solid oak wood. You will find your happiness ! You can even opt for a chair with a seat containing another material such as leather for a more comfortable seat. This is the case of the SPIN chair by Martin Ballendat which combines wood and leather or pure new wool covering to form a comfortable and timeless chair. Both in your office and in your dining room, the SPIN chair will be the star of your living space.

Modern solid oak tables

The oak furniture category obviously includes splendid tables, most of which are made of solid wood. A wooden table can be a real centerpiece and bring style to your room all on its own. There are obviously various styles of oak tables that can adapt to all types of atmospheres. Here are some examples:

Contemporary sideboards and consoles

Finally, designer sideboards and consoles can also be made from oak. Opt for a buffet with authentic and natural color. These stylish wooden storage units can fit into a minimalist and refined atmosphere as well as a rustic atmosphere.

What are the differences between oak and solid oak?

You may be wondering what solid wood is and if there is really a difference between it and traditional oak wood. We will see together that there are real characteristics that vary between the two forms of wood.

Variation in grain and texture of oak

To begin with, we can mention the variation in the look and feel of wood. In principle, solid wood is sawn directly from a trunk and does not undergo any treatment other than finishing. Indeed, wood by nature is imperfect, being unique, raw and thick. It then seems obvious that the less the wood is treated, the more irregularities it will show. When treated, the nature of the wood changes and the grain undergoes modifications which have a direct effect on the appearance and texture of the final product. To the touch, solid oak wood has a unique texture on its surface and an irregular variation in grain.

Some therefore choose to opt for oak plywood furniture rather than solid wood in order to find perfect harmony within their furniture. This is also the case for some of our suppliers who, by aesthetic choice, favor plywood furniture. The furniture then regains a regular appearance while remaining attractively durable.

Weight difference

Another big difference between oak wood and solid oak wood is its weight. Indeed, solid oak furniture is excessively heavier than furniture made of plywood or medium density fiberboard (MDF). So, if you don’t like heavy furniture which is automatically harder to move, choose furniture made of oak plywood or MDF.

Price gap

The investment in solid oak furniture is expensive, but its value is undeniable. Indeed, the cost of solid oak, a noble raw material, far exceeds that of composite materials such as laminate or plywood. In addition, manufacturing solid oak furniture requires artisanal know-how and significant production time, which translates into higher labor costs.

Oak furniture: flexible furniture that adapts to all styles

If solid oak furniture remains a must-have over time, it is because it represents key advantages such as robustness and longevity. Its purchase is a lasting investment which guarantees buyers high quality furniture with unparalleled charm. This is partly why this wood has survived the centuries and fascinated so many carpenters, designers and cabinetmakers. Oak has been an integral part of many movements such as the classic or Scandinavian style. We want to show you that oak furniture is suitable for many styles and can fit perfectly into the atmosphere of your living space.

Rustic style

The term rustic is derived from the Latin rusticus which means rural. Rustic interiors then try to highlight the use of organic elements such as wood, stone or even leaves. This style then creates a relaxing and pure atmosphere. We find this trend in particular in mountain chalets, which use wood as insulation. Oak goes wonderfully with other natural materials often used in rustic style, such as stone, leather, linen or wool. This combination reinforces the authenticity and rustic charm of the decoration. Solid oak furniture can enhance the rustic ambiance of your room.

The classic style

Classic furniture is directly inspired by the era of Louis XIV, i.e. the 17th and 18th century. It takes up the codes of the time by integrating straight lines and light colors. This style offers a journey through time through the elegance and beauty of this furniture. Wood and ornaments are carefully carved to deliver high quality furniture. Oak is a material that fits extremely well into the classic style due to its light and elegant color. Below you will find a classic furniture model produced by our oak furniture manufacturers who demonstrate extraordinary know-how.

Scandinavian style

Scandinavian design finds its popularity in Nordic countries such as Norway, Denmark and Sweden. This style became extremely valued in the 1950s and 1960s and began to experience real ascendancy. It particularly surprises with its minimalism and the emphasis on functionality. Scandinavian designers decide to remove any superficiality that they consider unnecessary and keep the essence of the furniture, while playing with its lines and shapes. They surprise with the use of natural materials such as wood (notably oak), leather, linen and wool. Even today, design enthusiasts are looking for surprising Scandinavian furniture models. If the Scandinavian style appeals to you, integrate an oak model into your living space.

Industrial style

The industrial style really emerged from the second half of the 19th century. Beyond its functionality and aesthetics, industrial style furniture is known for its strong and authentic character. The use of metal characterizes this very particular style but it is true that oak wood lends itself particularly well since it brings its touch of authenticity and character. It harmonizes perfectly with the industrial spirit which celebrates raw materials and the passage of time.

Modern style

The modern style appeared in the first half of the 20th century. It is characterized by its simplicity and functionality. Straight lines and smooth surfaces are highlighted by combining neutral colors such as white, gray, black or even brown. Modern living spaces are often made up of several materials such as fabric, glass, ceramics, not forgetting wood. If you want to have a modern and functional living space, you can take a look at furniture made from solid oak.

How to perfectly maintain and integrate your oak furniture into your living space?

Interview

How to protect your oak furniture?

To begin, our solid oak furniture manufacturers will varnish your new piece of furniture to create a thin layer of protection. To ensure that you do not damage your solid oak furniture, be careful of water and humidity (for a table: be sure to use placemats and coasters). If your furniture becomes damp, it is important to dry the wood immediately to prevent it from clogging the liquid. If you let it hydrate, liquid or other material can penetrate the wood and damage it. Finally, be careful with sunlight and moonlight as it can stain and lighten your table over time. So, anticipate the exhibition of your solid wood furniture to avoid any unpleasant surprises after a few months.

Restore the shine to your furniture in two steps

If your high-end furniture feels dry, rough or cracked, then it’s time to revive it. Firstly, and before applying any products to your furniture, make sure to get rid of any possible dust. Use a dry, soft cloth carefully, this step seems negligible but it is really important. There are several products that allow this, allow us to share three with you: wax, oil and varnish.

Wax

First of all, wax is a natural and ecological treatment which restores a natural shine to solid wood. It nourishes the wood very well, but does not protect it very much, at least not as well as oil and varnish. It is better to use wax when you are looking to restore the shine to your furniture and not particularly to protect it. You can apply the wax using a soft cloth 1 to 2 times a year.

Vegetable oils

Then you can use a vegetable oil such as linseed oil. These oils are 100% natural since they are obtained by pressing a fruit or a stone. This product will deeply nourish your oak furniture and will also protect it. Once applied, your oak furniture will better resist water. You can always use a soft cloth for application. You can just as easily use a brush for this product. Stay vigilant, the oil will not prevent scratches and stains from damaging the wood.

The nailpolish

Finally, the varnish acts as a protective film, protecting the wood from UV rays, water as well as scratches and small impacts. This product can be considered a finish in itself as you can choose a natural, tinted, glossy or matte varnish. Varnish is known for its great resistance, so it is the best solution for those looking to protect their wooden furniture. For this product, apply a very thin layer, with a brush or roller. We advise you to apply it in the direction of the grain of the wood.

Integration

What colors can you combine with your oak furniture?

It turns out that many colors go perfectly with oak wood, whether light or dark. There are so many possibilities, don’t be afraid to explore them to guarantee a special universe and atmosphere to your living space. The general rule that we want you to share is to choose a maximum of three colors in your living spaces. This rule allows you to create less cluttered and more harmonious spaces. Then take a look at our selection of colors:

White and Yellow

White and yellow are colors that go perfectly with different shades of wooden furniture. Combine white or yellow tones with your light oak furniture to create a refined and natural space reminiscent of the purity of Scandinavian and bohemian design.

If your walls or decorative objects are white you can just as easily choose dark oak furniture. Indeed, the white tones of your room will bring considerable brightness to your wooden furniture, even creating a magnificent contrast. Combining dark oak furniture with light colors like white and yellow can really highlight your new designer furniture and place it as a centerpiece in your home.

Gray and Black

Gray and black for light oak furniture

Light oak furniture fits perfectly into a room with black or gray variations. On the one hand, gray when mixed with light oak invites softness and relaxation. This mix of colors creates a refined space reminiscent of the Scandinavian atmosphere. Mixing black with light oak results in a completely different result. This time you will get a stronger color contrast, not leaving your guests indifferent. Your room will shine with the elegance of black. Don’t hesitate to warm up your room by adding a few touches of warm colors.

Gray and black for dark oak furniture

Gray and black can go very well with dark oak too. Moreover, these color combinations are among the must-haves of industrial decoration. Indeed, the black-dark oak combination stands out with its elegance and its touch of modernity. If you fear the dark nature of black, you can always try to combine your oak furniture with midnight blue. This shade of blue darkens a room much less and highlights the dark oak just as much. Another very good alternative to black is gray. This one also brings a wonderful nuance while giving off more lightness. If you want to add a little more character to your solid oak furniture, opt for a darker gray like charcoal gray. These three colors are sure to bring a modern and contemporary look to your home. However, we advise you to opt for these color combinations only if your room is bright. If not, these color combinations could turn your room into a cold and dark living space.

Bright colors

Combining bright colors with your solid oak designer furniture can be a real stroke of genius. For light oak furniture, choose bright colors to dress your room and create a much warmer atmosphere. Despite the innate beauty of this wood, it is understandable that for some people’s tastes it is necessary to add warmer colors to contrast its soft and natural color. A wide list of choices are available to you: red, orange and even purple!

Your dark oak furniture can also benefit from bright colors to brighten it up. Adding colors like brick red or orange undoubtedly brings a dynamic aspect to a room reminiscent of retro and pop decor. We advise you to add these colors in small touches so that your room embodies warmth, brightness and modernity.

Natural colors

The last group of colors we wanted to share with you are natural colors. One of the particularities of solid oak furniture is that it represents the authenticity of nature par excellence. They recall both its softness and its irregularity. So, it can be very interesting to match your wooden furniture with colors that are an integral part of nature, such as green. Almond green, sea green and anise green can blend perfectly with your light oak furniture while giving it a breath of fresh air.

For your dark furniture, you can very well add touches of light green to contrast the hardness of it. Or, on the contrary, choose a pine green to enhance its elegance and modernity.