What I'm Thinking About Interior Design Now Vol.16

Last time, I wrote mainly about the materials used for sofas, but this time I would like to write about the characteristics of the materials used for dining table tops.

The most popular items are wooden products. There are a wide variety of woods, and even though they are called wood, there are different types depending on the type of wood.

solid wood

All materials are carved from natural wood.
Many people probably think that solid wood = good furniture. Each piece of wood has a different grain, which gives it a rich expression and a nice texture.
Some are made from a single piece of wood, but these days most are made from several pieces of solid wood joined together, a process known as laminated wood.
Since it is all made of natural wood, if small scratches appear on the surface, it is possible to expose a new surface by scraping it, restoring it to like-new condition.

However, if the wood is not dried sufficiently, it may expand and contract due to humidity, which can lead to warping. With an oil finish, there is a risk of water stains and regular oil application is required, which can be quite time-consuming.
Personally, I would like people to use it with an open mind and not worry about stains or scratches. At worst, they might just scrape it off.

Also, some people say they don't like the grain of the solid wood they've just ordered. I try to explain this when I sell it, but I think the best thing about materials is that each piece is different, so in those cases, it's best to either buy a display item if possible, or avoid natural wood.

veneer

It is natural wood, but it is thinly sliced ​​to a thickness of about 0.2mm to 0.6mm.
It's like peeling the radish.
It is then pasted onto plywood and processed into furniture.
Although it is thin, it is made of natural wood, so at first glance the surface looks like solid wood.

It is lighter than solid wood and often cheaper, but older people sometimes disregard it, thinking it is just veneer furniture.
Veneer is often used in Scandinavian and European furniture, and the texture is not bad.

The disadvantage is that unlike solid wood, it cannot be easily repaired, and because it is a thin material, if it gets deep scratches, unlike solid wood, it cannot be sanded down, and the underlying plywood will be visible. If it is used as a dining tabletop, care must be taken to avoid deep scratches.

Glass

It's perfect for creating a modern atmosphere.
Transparent glass also has the effect of making the space appear larger because it is transparent.
Even if the table has beautifully designed legs, clear glass will allow you to see them without hiding them. Colored glass is also available, so you can add color to accent the room.

Commonly mentioned concerns include the clicking noise that occurs when placing something on the tabletop and the pain that can be caused when bumping into sharp corners on the tabletop.
The only way to reduce noise is to put down coasters or placemats.
And if you bump into it, it will certainly hurt, I think it will hurt twice as much as a wooden one, so you need to be careful if you have children around.

You just have to be careful with both. There are some that protect the corners, but they ruin the design, so I don't recommend them.

Marble Ceramic

Marble has become a popular choice in recent years, perhaps due to the increasing number of brands offering it.
Unlike in the past, matte finishes are now more popular than the smooth texture of polished surfaces.
Like solid wood, this material is different, but it has a luxurious feel. It requires some care to handle, but it can be polished and refinished.

Then there's ceramic, a stone-like material that's easy to handle.
It is a material that looks like stone, but is easy to handle and has a versatile nature that is scratch-resistant, water-resistant, and heat-resistant, which marble does not have.
However, both are quite expensive, but they are recommended for those looking for a luxurious feel.

melamine

Our table is made of this material and has a matte black top.
I think it's a good material that's easy to work with, but I don't see it used in many pre-made tables.
It's a material that doesn't bother you at all if something spills on it, or if you grill meat on a hot plate and oil splatters.
Maybe people are avoiding it because it looks cheap. A certain brand previously released it as a new product, but it was discontinued within a year.
I asked why and was told it didn't sell... I think it's good though.
I don't think it looks that cheap. Personally, I highly recommend it.

The National Crafts Museum opened in Kanazawa this year. Thorough COVID-19 prevention measures were in place. Advance reservations are required for admission.

(text: Doi)

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