When buying antique furniture, one of the most common questions is:
“What wood is this made from?”
Understanding the difference between oak, mahogany, walnut and elm not only helps you identify furniture styles and periods, but also explains why some pieces are rarer, sturdier, or more valuable than others.
Below is an easy guide to help you recognise these four classic antique woods — including their grain, colour, weight, and where they were most commonly used.
🌳 1. Oak – Strong, Traditional, Country and Timeless
Historical use: Widely used from the 16th to early 20th century – especially in farmhouse, Tudor and Arts & Crafts furniture.
Common furniture types: Dressers, sideboards, refectory tables, kitchen tables, coffers and cabinets.
How to identify oak:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Colour | Warm honey to deeper golden brown (darkens with age) |
| Grain | Coarse, visible, with prominent swirls or “tiger stripes” |
| Weight | Very heavy and incredibly strong |
| Feel | Solid, durable, often thick proportions |
| Character | Rustic, traditional, strong English/Farmhouse feel |
Why people love it:
Oak is strong, dependable and full of country character — perfect for farmhouse kitchens, hallways and casual living spaces.
🌺 2. Mahogany – Elegant, Refined and Classic
Historical use: Dominant in Georgian, Regency, Edwardian and Victorian fine furniture.
Common furniture types: Wardrobes, pedestal desks, chests of drawers, dining tables, glazed bookcases.
How to identify mahogany:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Colour | Rich reddish-brown to deep wine tones (deepens with age) |
| Grain | Fine, straight or flame-grain (water-like ripples) |
| Weight | Heavy but smoother to the touch than oak |
| Finish | Often French polished or high sheen |
| Character | Formal, refined, elegant, luxurious |
Why people love it:
Mahogany looks and feels grand and luxurious, with a warmth that suits both elegant period interiors and modern classic homes.
🌰 3. Walnut – Luxurious, Sculptural and Highly Decorative
Historical use: Very popular from the late 17th to early 19th century, especially in Queen Anne and early Georgian furniture.
Often used in fine cabinets, bureaux, and veneered pieces.
How to identify walnut:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Colour | Chocolate brown, sometimes with grey or purple tones |
| Grain | Smooth, rolling patterns – marbling, burrs or swirls |
| Weight | Medium-heavy, not quite as dense as oak or mahogany |
| Finish | Smooth, with more natural satin sheen |
| Character | Decorative, elegant, rich, sculptural |
Why people love it:
Walnut is loved for its beautiful grain patterns, especially burr walnut (highly figured surfaces). Very collectible and increasingly rare.
🍂 4. Elm – Warm, Rustic and Full of Character
Historical use: Often used in Windsor chairs, rustic tables, benches and country storage pieces.
Less formal than mahogany or walnut – more commonly used in regional or rural furniture.
How to identify elm:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Colour | Golden tan to warm brown, often with streaks of orange or red |
| Grain | Wavy, uneven, rustic, sometimes knotty |
| Weight | Medium-heavy, with strong resistance to splitting |
| Character | Earthy, natural, rustic – full of handmade charm |
Why people love it:
Elm is full of irregularities and natural charm, making it perfect for country cottages, artisan interiors and relaxed living spaces.
🪑 Quick Comparison: Which Wood Suits Which Style?
| Wood | Style Suitability | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Oak | Farmhouse, Tudor, Arts & Crafts, rustic country | Kitchen, hallway, cottage interiors |
| Mahogany | Georgian, Edwardian, Regency, classic | Dining rooms, offices, formal spaces |
| Walnut | Queen Anne, Georgian, Fine Cabinetmaking | Collectors, decorative showpieces |
| Elm | Rustic, country, artisan, folk furniture | Cottage, relaxed interiors, Windsor chairs |
🕵️ How to Identify Wood at a Glance
| Question | If YES, likely to be... |
|---|---|
| Is it heavy, thick-grained, honey-brown? | Oak |
| Is it reddish, smooth, elegant, polished? | Mahogany |
| Is it swirly, patterned, decorative, chocolate-toned? | Walnut |
| Is it rustic, uneven, knotty, slightly golden-orange? | Elm |
✨ Final Thought
Different woods carry different moods.
Oak feels grounded and country.
Mahogany feels classic and refined.
Walnut feels decorative and luxurious.
Elm feels warm, rustic and hand-crafted.
Understanding the wood type helps you appreciate both the history and craftsmanship behind every antique piece — and helps you choose the right furniture for your home.