Mahogany Furniture Lasts Through The Ages

Mahogany is to wood what diamonds are to gemstones. It is the top-of-the-line material used in woodworking, cabinetry, paneling and decorative carvings. Throughout the ages, it has been considered the superior wood for its strength, durability and color.

During the early centuries in America, the really high-end furnishings were made of this precious wood. It was preferred not only for its beauty but for its durability. The pieces lasted through not just one lifetime, but were passed down through generations. In those days, furniture was considered an investment as well as a status symbol.

Mahogany is and has always been rare. It is known and loved for its deep reddish-brown hue that polishes to a high luster. Shopping in antique stores you will see first-class dining sets, dressers, headboards, armoires and all manner of accent pieces that have a timeless quality, looking as beautiful today as when they were built. You may also have noted a high price tag; quality does not lose its value. This is a sound investment.

Shopping today, you will find plenty of imitators but beware of that made of particleboard or veneer. It will not have the durability of the real thing. Furniture marketed as Philippine mahogany; it is not genuine but derived from a plant source.

If your budget does not allow furnishing your rooms throughout with genuine mahogany items, consider buying one or two pieces, maybe an accent table or a small bureau. These pieces will add sophistication to your rooms. Over time, you can augment your collection. Look to antique shops, and if you find a bargain, snap it up. Watch for the decal that says it is genuine mahogany.

If you look online, you will find many second-hand stores and antique dealers offering mahogany furniture. You can learn much from these sites. But nothing compares to seeing in person, the fine patina of age and touching the smooth grain of the wood. It is not battered nor dated. Quality is always in style. Some things only improve with age.

Visit art museums or history museums. There you will find examples of pieces that have lasted the ages. Train your eye to recognize its characteristics. You will be able to spot fakes immediately once you have developed your eye. If you choose genuine mahogany furniture, you will add elegance and warmth to your rooms. You will also have bucked the trend: your selection will not be disposable but a wise investment.

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