Founder's Journal | By Joyce, Founder of Furnt

I recently travelled to China to visit some of the wood factories we work with and begin developing Furnt's furniture collection for next year.

Factory visits are always one of the most interesting parts of my work.

There's something very different about seeing materials and furniture being made in person, rather than simply looking at samples, drawings or photographs.

You see the processes, meet the people behind them and begin to understand just how many decisions go into creating something that might eventually sit in someone's home.

I usually return from these trips with plenty of ideas.

But this visit left me thinking about something a little deeper.

Wood isn't simply a material we use to make furniture. It's something we need to understand and respect.

As we develop our next collection of wooden dining tables, dining chairs and coffee tables, that idea has become increasingly important to me.

“Wood Is Alive”

During my visits, I spent time speaking with factory owners, craftsmen and technicians who work with timber every day.

Some have spent much of their working lives understanding how different types of wood behave.

They know how to select it, prepare it, cut it, join it and finish it.

And throughout our conversations, I kept hearing the same phrase.

“Wood is alive.”

At first, I thought it was simply a beautiful way of describing a natural material.

But the more I listened, the more I understood what they meant.

Even after a tree has been cut and the timber has been turned into furniture, wood continues to respond to the environment around it.

It absorbs and releases moisture.

It can expand or contract as humidity changes.

Its appearance may also develop over time, influenced by light, use and the finish applied to the surface.

In other words, wood doesn't behave like a completely uniform, manufactured material.

It has its own characteristics.

And those characteristics are part of what makes it so special.

Every Piece of Wood Has Its Own Story

One of the things I find most beautiful about natural wood is that no two pieces look exactly alike.

Every tree grows under different conditions.

Its grain develops naturally, influenced by the way it grows over time.

Some pieces have long, flowing grain patterns.

Others have more movement, distinctive markings or small knots.

Even timber from the same species can vary in colour and appearance.

When we develop wooden furniture, it's natural to think about consistency.

We want customers to receive something that looks like the furniture they've chosen.

But visiting the factories reminded me that consistency doesn't have to mean removing every sign of nature.

A knot isn't automatically a defect.

A difference in grain isn't necessarily a problem.

And subtle variations in colour can be part of the character of real wood.

Of course, there is an important distinction between natural variation and a genuine quality issue.

Wood still needs to be properly selected, prepared and manufactured to meet the requirements of the finished product.

But I believe we should appreciate the natural characteristics of timber rather than expecting every piece to look identical.

That's part of the beauty of choosing natural wood furniture.

From Raw Timber to Beautiful Furniture

One of the most interesting parts of visiting a wood factory is seeing the journey from raw material to finished furniture.

The process begins long before a dining table or chair takes shape.

Timber needs to be selected and prepared for its intended use.

Moisture content matters because wood can respond to changes in humidity even after the furniture has been made.

The way individual pieces are cut and joined also affects the finished construction.

Then there are the details that we notice more immediately.

The shape of a tabletop.

The smoothness of an edge.

The way a surface has been sanded.

The colour and finish that bring out the natural grain.

What looks like a simple wooden dining table can involve a great deal of knowledge and careful decision-making.

And much of that knowledge isn't immediately visible in the finished piece.

It's something I came to appreciate even more during this trip.

When you speak to people who have spent years working with timber, you realise that good timber craftsmanship is about understanding the material as much as shaping it.

Learning to Work With Nature, Not Against It

One thought that stayed with me throughout the visit was how important it is to work with the natural characteristics of wood.

We often want furniture to look perfect.

Perfectly matching grain.

Perfectly consistent colour.

Perfectly smooth surfaces.

And while careful manufacturing and finishing are essential, natural wood will always have some variation.

Trying to eliminate every difference would mean losing part of what makes the material interesting.

Instead, I think good wooden furniture design should begin with an understanding of how timber behaves.

How will it respond to changes in temperature and humidity?

How should the different components be constructed?

What kind of finish will suit the intended design?

How can we bring out the beauty of the grain while creating furniture that's practical for everyday use?

These questions are particularly important when developing furniture intended to be used regularly in people's homes.

A dining table isn't simply something to admire.

It's where we eat, work, gather and spend time with family.

A dining chair needs to be comfortable and dependable.

A coffee table becomes part of our everyday routine.

The challenge is to respect the material while designing furniture that works well in real life.

And for me, that's where thoughtful design begins.

Why Natural Wood Feels So Different

There are many materials that can be used to create beautiful furniture.

But I've always felt that natural wood has a particular warmth.

Perhaps it's the texture.

Perhaps it's the subtle differences in colour.

Or perhaps it's knowing that the grain we're looking at developed naturally over time.

Whatever the reason, I find that wood brings a sense of character into a home.

It works beautifully with soft upholstery, natural fabrics and simple interior colours.

A walnut finish can create a rich, warm atmosphere.

Lighter wood tones can make a room feel relaxed and airy.

And the natural grain can add visual interest without needing complicated shapes or decorative details.

This is something I want to explore further in Furnt's next collection.

Not furniture that feels overly elaborate.

But simple, well-proportioned designs that allow the material itself to become part of the story.

Because sometimes, the most beautiful detail is already there in the wood.

Living With Wood: Our Next Collection

As we continue developing Furnt's next furniture collection, I've been thinking about a theme that brings these ideas together.

Living with Wood.

For me, it captures what I want the collection to represent.

Natural materials.

Thoughtful construction.

Simple, comfortable shapes.

And furniture that fits into the everyday rhythm of modern homes.

We'll continue focusing on dining tables, dining chairs and coffee tables, with particular attention to the proportions needed for more compact spaces.

But I also want us to celebrate the character of the materials we choose.

The warmth of a wooden tabletop.

The beautiful variation in grain.

The texture of a carefully finished surface.

And the way natural materials can bring a sense of comfort into a room.

I don't want our furniture to feel complicated.

I want it to feel considered.

Something you can imagine living with for years.

Something that becomes part of your home rather than simply filling a space.

That's the direction I'm excited to explore.

Wooden Furniture Changes With Your Home

One of the most interesting things about wood is that its appearance and behaviour can change over time.

Depending on the species, finish and surrounding conditions, wood may gradually develop a different tone.

Exposure to sunlight can influence its colour.

Changes in humidity can cause movement.

And everyday use may leave small signs of wear.

These changes aren't always a problem, although excessive moisture, heat or unsuitable conditions can damage wooden furniture.

It's important to care for wood properly and follow the manufacturer's guidance.

But I also think there's something lovely about the idea that a piece of furniture can become part of your home's history.

A dining table where countless meals have been shared.

A chair that's been used for years of family conversations.

A coffee table that has quietly been there through different stages of life.

Over time, furniture becomes associated with the moments that happen around it.

And perhaps that's another reason I feel so drawn to wood.

It has a natural character of its own, but it also becomes part of our story.

Respecting the Material

There was another thing that stayed with me after speaking to the people working in the factories.

Their respect for the material.

When you've spent years working with wood, you understand that it isn't always predictable.

Different pieces behave differently.

Some require more care in preparation.

Others have characteristics that influence how they can be used.

And every stage of production involves decisions about how best to work with the timber.

That experience reminded me that creating good furniture isn't simply about choosing an attractive design.

It's also about understanding the materials behind it.

I believe we have a responsibility to consider how those materials are selected and used.

To appreciate their natural qualities.

To avoid unnecessary waste wherever practical.

And to create furniture that's designed to remain useful and enjoyable over time.

For me, respecting wood means recognising both its beauty and its limitations.

It's about working thoughtfully with a natural resource rather than treating it as something completely uniform.

A Final Thought

I returned from this trip with ideas for new furniture, but also with a renewed appreciation for the material itself.

The grain.

The knots.

The variations in colour.

The knowledge and experience involved in turning timber into something beautiful and practical.

These are all things I want to celebrate as Furnt continues to develop.

Our next collection won't simply be about introducing more wooden furniture.

It will be about exploring how natural materials, thoughtful craftsmanship and practical design can come together.

Furniture that feels warm and welcoming.

Furniture that fits comfortably into real homes.

And furniture that allows the natural character of wood to shine through.

Because the more time I spend learning about wood, the more I appreciate something the craftsmen told me during my visit.

Wood is alive.

Not in the literal sense, of course, but in the way it responds to its surroundings, develops over time and carries the character of its natural origins.

And that's exactly what makes it so interesting to work with.

Joyce
Founder, Furnt

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why does natural wood furniture change colour over time?

Natural wood can change colour as it ages, particularly when exposed to sunlight and other environmental conditions. The extent and type of colour change depend on the wood species and finish. Some woods may darken, while others become lighter or develop warmer tones. To help maintain a consistent appearance, follow the manufacturer's care instructions and avoid prolonged exposure to strong, direct sunlight.

2. Is it normal for natural wood furniture to have different grain patterns and knots?

Yes. Natural variations in wood grain, colour and knots are common characteristics of timber. They develop as the tree grows and contribute to the individuality of each piece. However, natural variation should be distinguished from manufacturing defects or structural damage. The acceptable appearance of knots and markings depends on the wood species, grade and furniture design.

3. How should I care for natural wooden furniture?

Dust wooden furniture regularly with a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth, following the manufacturer's care instructions. Wipe up spills promptly, avoid placing hot items directly on the surface and use coasters or placemats where appropriate. Keep furniture away from prolonged direct sunlight and excessive heat or moisture, as these conditions can affect the wood and its finish.