Wood inlays are eye-catching additions to artisan handcrafted furniture. These colored materials are shaped and embedded flush into the wood. Primarily used for decorative purposes, inlays embody fine craftsmanship. However, they can also be used to support and stabilize any natural cracking in the wood.
Read on to discover: Are inlays a worthwhile addition to furniture?
How is a wood inlay made?
Firstly, the required shape is drawn onto the wood. Then, a corresponding hole is cut out in the furniture to receive the inlay. The shape and hole must be exactly the right fit, which is why wooden inlays are a sign of expert craftsmanship. The inlay is cut using precision hand tools, such as a fine saw blade. For more intricate designs, specialized power tools may be used. Finally, the inlay is inserted into its pocket, glued and sanded for a flush fit.
What materials are inlays for furniture made of?
Inlays for wooden furniture are usually crafted from solid wood. Ebony is a popular choice, due to its dark color. Other woods used for inlays include walnut, tupelo, and pau amarillo (yellow heart) wood.
with tupelo inlays
with walnut inlays
with ebony inlays
Do inlays for wood furniture look attractive?
Wooden inlays are a high-end finishing touch to furniture, elevating its refined elegance. The contrasting inlays accentuate the natural beauty of the wood grain. The mark of fine craftsmanship, inlays are only found in solid wood, handcrafted furniture. Inlays are therefore a popular feature of Amish-made furniture, where emphasis is placed on traditional woodworking techniques.
Should inlaid wood furniture be stained with a light or dark stain?
Contrast is key for wood inlays to have the maximum effect. Therefore, dark inlays like walnut or ebony work best with light colored furniture. However, pau amarillo (also called yellow heart) inlays have a natural yellow gold color, and shine beautifully against dark stained furniture. In the Mesa Wood Inlaid Amish Dining Chairs (pictured below), the ginkgo leaf and arrow design is made from pau amarillo wood.
Dark wood inlays with a light stain
Light wood inlays with a dark stain
What is the history of wood inlays?
The use of wooden inlays traces back to the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt. Inlaid wood became a vehicle for artistic expression, with inlays crafted from wood, glass, ivory and quartz. Inlays are found today in many antique furniture pieces, especially from the Baroque and Biedermeier periods. Black ebony was especially popular for inlays, although as an exotic wood, it was expensive. A technique called ebonising was often used, whereby other woods would be dyed black to imitate ebony.
Why are ebony inlays popular for Mission furniture?
An iconic element of Mission style furniture are wooden inlays. Often made from ebony, these inlays are simple yet striking in design. Mission Craftsman furniture places emphasis on skilled artisan woodworking techniques, of which inlays are a clear example.
Learn more about this popular furniture style. Discover: What is Mission Style?
Discover our enticing collection of Mission Craftsman furniture with optional inlays. - Mission Style Dining Room - Craftsman Living Room Furniture - Arts & Crafts Bedroom Furniture
Different inlaid chair designs
Wooden inlays are especially popular on dining chairs. Designs can vary, including small circles or squares, and long bars. Although inlays are commonly found on chair backs, they can be added anywhere. On the Jacoby Amish Dining Chairs, the wooden seats feature delicate circular inlays for a unique look.
What are bowtie wooden inlays?
Inlays are not just for aesthetics. Bowtie shaped inlays, (named ‘butterfly joints’ by woodworkers) can help to support the lumber and stabilize any natural cracks. Bowtie inlays are especially popular in live edge or rustic furniture, which may be more prone to cracking.
Is inlaid furniture still popular today?
Certainly. Mission style furniture remains a timeless classic. Wood inlays are an iconic element of Mission style, and celebrated for their aesthetic appearance and skilled craftsmanship. In an age where mass-produced, poor quality furntiure has become all too common, inlays tell the story of dedicated woodworking techniques and loving artisanal handiwork.
Do you appreciate fine craftsmanship? Browse our extensive collection of Mission Craftsman furniture. - Mission Style Dining Room - Craftsman Living Room Furniture - Arts & Crafts Bedroom Furniture