Features and color characteristics
The color of oak wood is light straw, light brown or yellow as the tree matures and becomes darker. Different processing methods make it possible to obtain a rich palette of warm and cold shades with varying degrees of saturation. There are species with natural dark, almost black wood. Oak can always be recognized by its well-drawn characteristic pattern.
Oak colors and shades
The range of shades is surprisingly wide. There are many options in the palette. From bleached wood, light - gray, golden, beige to dark brown - wenge and completely black. Thanks to the possibilities of modern wood processing methods, it is possible to create even more diverse shades and textures.
Whitened or bleached oak
Natural white wood is found only in young representatives of the species. But such trees are not used in production, and over time their wood darkens. And even from real White Oak it is impossible to make a product marketed under the name “white oak”. The wood of this tree is somewhat darker. Where does the huge range of products come from in ash white, pearl, snow white, vanilla, cream, silver white or ivory?
In order for the material to receive an elegant white shade, it needs to undergo a bleaching procedure with various chemical solutions. After processing, the wood is impregnated with oil, and varnish is applied on top. This technology allows us to obtain the so-called “bleached oak”. Various bleaching methods using different types of oak make it possible to obtain shades such as milky, milky, bleached oak, Atlanta oak, etc.
Golden oak
Natural oak wood has a light straw color. This color is closest to a golden hue. If you lightly tint the wood or coat it with a special varnish, you can get a thick or light shade of gold.
Also, golden notes are present in the color of oak called Rustic. This type of treatment allows you to age the surface of the wood. The natural surface relief is increased artificially, and the protruding ridges are painted a darker color. In a natural environment, a similar effect is obtained from prolonged exposure to sun, water and wind. The combination of honey and caramel shades with the color of burnt sugar looks very impressive, although it does not always give a golden color.
There are also shades of gold in sedan oak, which is obtained through special processing.
Dark oak
The dark color of oak can be natural or artificially obtained.
Under natural conditions, the dark, rich color of the wood is characteristic of special oak species. For example, for a variety called “Cognac”, which grows in European countries, not excluding the British Isles.
Wood may darken from being in water for a long time. Oak that has lain in water for centuries is considered the most valuable and is called “stained.”
Today, a similar effect can be achieved using ordinary stain or thermal treatment, which, among other things, improves such characteristics of wood as:
- strength;
- hardness;
- durability;
- appearance.
Black oak
One of the most valuable types of black oak is considered to be stained wood, which has spent approximately 1000 years under water. The material “seasoned” in this way changes its properties and turns into a durable, heavy-duty product, close in strength and hardness to iron.
The artificial staining process also produces black and smoky shades. That is why parquet and laminate flooring in black and gray tones are so popular, capable of introducing notes of centuries-old luxury and stylish touches of technological modernity into the interior.
Black wood is also found in nature. For example, Wenge oak, found in the jungles of West Africa, has a dark chocolate color that looks almost black due to its darker veins.
In the presented video you can get acquainted with the variety of materials with shades of oak.
Bog oak
Bog oak is a completely unique mineral resource. It is so unique that it is sometimes equated to gas or oil. Bog oak is an incredibly beautiful and high-quality material that was created by nature itself, absolutely without human intervention. It is the natural origin of this material that makes it so rare and in demand.
Bog oak is mined in the deep waters of rivers and swamps. Thousands of years ago, oak groves grew on the banks of these rivers, but over time, the waters washed away the banks and the trees fell into the water, remaining in the bowels of the earth and below the water level for several hundred, or even thousands of years.
Without access to oxygen, tannins contained in wood react with iron salts found in water. Due to the lack of oxygen, wood does not rot. When interacting with iron salts and other elements of the periodic table, which our rivers are rich in, oak wood acquired unique physical and chemical properties.
Extraction of bog oak from rivers and swamps
For example: various shades - from light gray to coal black with a purple tint; The color depends on the time spent under water and the composition of the water. Also, stained oak becomes stronger and more durable.
Since the wood is located in different swamps and rivers, that is, it is in different conditions, each tree acquires a unique color and texture.
Which significantly increases its cost, because everyone wants to own some unique and rare item.
Some samples of bog oak were studied in the laboratory and subjected to radiocarbon analysis, which made it possible to determine the age of the oaks, which ranged from 400 to 2000 years.
Combinations with other colors
Lightened colors have become especially in demand with the advent of white interiors into fashion. Also, the following shades go well with bleached oak - light lilac, blue denim, dim emerald, golden, silver, violet-gray, black.
In the interior, combinations of golden oak with warm ocher colors look good. Straw, red, brown, yellow ocher and dark chocolate colors are perfect for it. All the color richness of wood will be fully revealed in combination with gold or silver details.
Products and finishes made of dark oak will look advantageous in the interior in combination with velvety orange, reddish red, rich tomato, olive, deep dark blue, gold, silver, black.
Black oak looks impressive next to white, light gray, sky blue, beige, brown, champagne, scarlet, yellow, gray, gold and silver.
Benefits of oak wood
Oak wood is a high-quality building material. It is simply impossible to list the list of applications where oak wood is used. It starts from land-based buildings and underwater wooden ships, ending with key chains, cutlery, Chinese chopsticks, vases and other decorative items.
For home use, oak is used to make material for stairs, doors, parquet, cabinets, sofas, kitchen walls and other various household utensils. After all, real strong wood does not rot, repels dust, does not absorb odors, and its service life is at least 10 years.
Oak wood is an excellent building material
The advantage of oak is its pronounced cross-sectional pattern and a wide range of shades, which look very good on home furniture. In addition, oak material is easy to change and process. Thanks to this, in skillful hands you can achieve incredible texture and design.
The natural shades of oak amaze with their diversity and beauty: from pure white to black and charcoal. At the same time, there are no red shades in the range of colors. There are only gold, gray, beige, brown. And these are exactly the colors that will look perfect in your bedroom or kitchen.
Stylistics of color
Designers recommend using oak furniture and trim in country houses and country houses. Natural shades will look organic in them. They are perfect for rustic country style, Provence, loft. Bleached materials will fit perfectly into the Scandinavian style and minimalism. Dark representatives will equally successfully occupy a worthy position in both classical and modern styles.
For small rooms it is better to choose materials made in light colors. They will visually increase the space. Dark colors are perfect for spacious halls, dining rooms or offices.
Shades of oak color in the interior
A variety of shades allows you to choose the optimal colors for each room in the house. Correctly selected materials will help emphasize the advantages of the room, correct its shortcomings, set a certain style direction and determine the character of the interior. Oak furniture, floors, doors, windows, various decor and even wallpaper imitating natural oak wood will create a pleasant, cozy atmosphere and fill the house with warmth.
In the living room
The choice of oak color for your living room depends on its size and style. In a small room, bleached materials will look advantageous. For example, bleached shades or Sonoma oak, which has a grayish-pink tint with whitish streaks, will make the room visually lighter and airier.
Decorations and furniture in a pleasant light color will look simple and elegant. These design elements:
- make the interior stylish;
- fits well into any color scheme;
- will create a feeling of free, uncluttered space;
- they will be very practical - dust and small scratches are practically invisible on them;
- will become a worthy element of many interior solutions.
Dark colors - wenge, smoky, black stained oak - are a good choice for spacious rooms. Floors and furniture made in similar shades will become a worthy decoration of such rooms, adding a touch of luxury and presentability to them.
In the hall
In the hallway, in addition to oak finishing, there can be a wardrobe, an open hanger, a shoe rack, and a banquette. The composition will be perfectly supported by a mirror or a picture in an oak frame, or lamps made of thin slats. The entrance door must be selected in such a way that it matches the interior doors, furniture and baseboards.
Since the hallway is most often a small room, light shades are also appropriate here. Dark ones will look good as accents against light neutral walls. For the floor, it is better to choose a darker material with a pronounced wood pattern. It is not so noticeable abrasions and chips that will inevitably appear due to contact with hard soles and heels.
In the kitchen
The kitchen is a source of pride for any housewife and a cozy place in the house where not only family members, but also guests love to gather. Elements made of oak could not be more appropriate here. This could be the floor, walls, furniture, various utensils and even a chandelier. A light oak countertop looks great, complemented by a decorative protective panel in the same colors.
At the same time, we must not forget that in this room the furniture gets dirty much more. Grease stains, splashes of water, fingerprints - all this forces you to turn to the least easily soiled colors. Grayish shades with whitish streaks and dark veins will perfectly hide any minor dirt. This is especially true in sunny rooms, where every speck or speck of dust catches your eye. It will not be possible to hide imperfections on dark surfaces. Therefore, in well-lit kitchens it is better to use sets in light colors. Surprisingly, they will be even easier to care for than their black counterparts with a matte surface.
It's another matter if the kitchen is on the north side. In this case, dark surfaces are quite acceptable. And if you don’t cook in the kitchen often, such interior elements won’t bring much trouble.
When choosing the shade of oak trim or furniture, you need to focus on the dimensions of the catering unit. In a small kitchen, light shades will be optimal, which will add lightness to the interior and will not give an oppressive effect. At a minimum, the top tier of the headset should be made light. Then there will be a feeling of spaciousness and the room will be filled with air.
In the bedroom
The choice of oak color for a bedroom is primarily determined not even by the size of the room, but by the preferences and gender of its future owner.
For a woman, romantic pinkish-golden shades are an excellent choice. They will go well with delicate textiles and accessories and will emphasize the femininity of the hostess.
The men's bedroom is a combination of functionality with a certain degree of brutality. Dark tones and sharp contrasts are appropriate here. Wenge oak combined with heavy linen fabrics is an excellent choice for a man's "shelter".
The room where the couple lives should be a compromise for two opposites. In such an interior it is better to use light golden or gray shades, honey or smoky. The choice depends on the taste of the owners, the size of the room, the degree of illumination and the chosen style solution.
In the nursery
The nursery is usually presented as a sweet, airy little world, where there is no place for dark shades. And this is absolutely true if we are talking about a room for kids or a “princess” bedroom. Bleached silver, pearl, and beige shades reign here. They are complemented by airy textiles in delicate or bright colors.
A child who has entered adolescence is unlikely to appreciate such an interior. Most likely he will find it too childish. For teenagers, catchy color accents and daring solutions are relevant. Therefore, dark and even black furniture in combination with bright posters and photographs of his favorite musical groups may seem more attractive to him.
In the office
Oak furniture traditionally decorates classic cabinets. As a rule, this is a massive table, chair, bureau or secretary made of luxurious dark wood, trimmed with genuine leather or cloth, richly decorated with carvings or inlays. Furniture in such offices is the main character. Luxurious and noble, it speaks of the solidity of its owner and his commitment to traditional interior design. In such an environment, there is no shame in receiving business partners and important guests. As a rule, this is how offices in rich private houses are arranged.
In offices furnished in apartments decorated in a modern style, oak furniture and decoration are equally appropriate. But for such interiors it is better to use minimalist models - without any special decorations. Any shade will do – it all depends on the preferences of the home office owner. Some people like a strict atmosphere in dark colors, others like to work in an atmosphere of snow-white lightness and freshness, while others are attracted to golden and honey shades. Some people like practical and unpretentious furniture in Sonoma oak tones, which perfectly helps to concentrate on work. Its main advantages are that it allows you to create:
- work atmosphere;
- cosiness;
- durable and non-staining interior.
Oak
3D stained
Types of oak
North America can be called the birthplace of oak, but now it can be found on other continents. Oak grows in temperate latitudes and tropical highlands. Scientists know about the existence of more than 600 species of oak, each of which differs in wood texture, color and other characteristics. Some species shed their leaves in the fall, others remain evergreen. Oak has a powerful root system and a spherical crown, easily reproduces, and can grow not only in forests, but also in densely populated residential and industrial areas, in cities and villages. It is often chosen for landscaping garden areas and planted in parks and squares.
White oak grows mainly in forests, has a spreading spherical crown and can reach a height of 30 meters. Most often, such trees are found in North America. A distinctive feature of this species can be considered large leaves that change their color from deep red to delicate green. Most often, such oak trees are planted in public gardens. White oak wood has an intricate pattern, which explains its popularity for making furniture and interior parts. North America is home to another type of oak - swamp oak . This tree grows very quickly and has remarkable decorative properties, but does not tolerate sudden temperature changes. Red oak grows not only in Canada and the northern regions of the United States, but also in our country. It withstands severe frosts well and is resistant to pests. Red oak wood has a pinkish-red hue and a straight-grained grain. Mongolian oak can be found in the Far East, despite the name, Mongolia is not its homeland. The wood of this oak is highly resistant to low temperatures, so it is often used to build houses in the region. English oak or European oak is the most famous representative of the genus. You can see it in the forests of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus, and in other regions. The age of such oaks can reach 1500 years. Its wood was used to make household items, construction and furniture.
Use of oak wood
Oak materials in the interior look elegant and stylish, fit perfectly into any style, and harmoniously combine with decorative elements. But they are not only pleasing to the eye, but have an invaluable positive impact on the well-being of people who live or work in their home or office. Scientists have proven that oak has special energy and helps normalize blood pressure, the functioning of the heart and blood vessels, and the liver. Oak wood is successfully used for the production of both above-ground and underground structures, and underwater parts of wooden ships. Wood that is located close to the oak core is valued; it is impregnated with special substances - tils, which act as preservatives. This wood does not warp or crack. Mongolian and European red oak is most often used to make furniture. Craftsmen use all types of oak wood for carpentry and construction. Particularly valued among specialists is bog oak, the wood of which acquires a dark tint after prolonged exposure to moisture. Products, buildings and furniture made of oak look fundamental, expensive and beautiful, so choosing this type of wood will be justified in any situation. Oak has always enjoyed love and respect in our country. Poets sang its beauty and power, musicians dedicated songs, and craftsmen used it to create durable buildings. The Slavs considered the oak tree to be a sacred tree, and a person who cut it down without permission would face severe punishment. Oak was also admired in other countries. Even in Ancient Greece, the winners were given wreaths of oak leaves; the Romans believed that acorns were a gift to the people from the god Jupiter.
Oak can be called a real long-liver among trees; its age sometimes reaches 1000 years. As the tree grows, the borders of countries change, civilizations disappear, but the oak continues to grow and delight others with its beauty, giving travelers coolness and its fruits to the inhabitants of the forest. Oak bark is used to treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract; it has anti-inflammatory properties and is used to create decoctions and tinctures.
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Oak colored flooring
Oak flooring will decorate any interior. Thanks to the variety of shades, it will perfectly fit into a variety of styles - from traditional classics to ultra-fashionable modern.
Bleached oak will bring sophistication and airiness to the interior, golden coating will add coziness and warmth, cognac and honey shades will create an elegant and luxurious atmosphere, black wood will hint at the solid financial status of the owners.
Combinations of boards of different colors look interesting. The colorful coating will perfectly decorate both light and dark interiors. They can be laid out in a brick pattern or a herringbone pattern.
Floors made using the rustic technique look luxurious. Aged boards with a clearly visible texture bring the spirit of history into the interior design. The convex ridges of the wood pattern, emphatically dark and expressive, attract the eye and make the floor even more impressive. These floors look especially good in country or loft settings. The atmosphere of Provence is perfectly emphasized by worn gray boards.
There is another unusual color option for oak flooring – smoky gray. Designers very often use such coatings in styles such as modern, modern minimalism and even high-tech. In each of these interiors, gray floors made of natural oak, laminate or parquet will look just wonderful. Against the background of a wooden floor, house plants and flowers in luxurious flowerpots look very picturesque. A palm tree or ficus is perfect, but plants with flowers - roses can also become a bright accent against the background of discreet and unassuming wood.
