When it comes to Mid Century Modern (MCM) furniture, one of the most common questions we hear is whether veneer or solid wood is better. Questions about veneer likely stem from the fact that most authentic Mid Century Modern furniture was made with veneer, but detailed information on the subject is often lacking. Chances are, you’ve found this blog because you’re doing your research and trying to make sense of Mid-Century furniture while weighing your options. And that’s great! At the end of the day, doing your own research is key.
It’s important to know what you’re looking for, as many sellers don’t have the full understanding themselves. Navigating MCM furniture can feel intimidating, especially when trying to make informed decisions. But don’t worry, we’re here to guide you through the process. Let’s start by exploring the “veneer vs. solid wood” debate and explain why veneer is not only a defining feature of Mid-Century Modern design but also what makes it so beautiful.
Understanding Veneer in Mid-Century Modern Furniture
If you’re newer to vintage Mid-Century Modern furniture, you might wonder why veneer is so common in these pieces. Veneer was chosen for its aesthetic appeal and practical benefits, not as a shortcut.
To fully appreciate the role of veneer in Mid-Century Modern furniture construction, we will outline what veneer actually is and how it contributes to the design and functionality of these remarkable pieces.
What is Wood Veneer?
Veneer is slices of real wood that are applied over core materials such as plywood, fiberboard, wood or particle board to create furniture. This method helps the furniture keep its shape and resist warping while showcasing attractive wood grain and patterns that might be hard to achieve with solid wood alone.
It’s important to note that veneer is often confused with laminate (Arborite or Formica), which is a different material altogether. Laminate is used for various applications, including kitchen and bathroom countertops and in cabinet-making. Unlike veneer, laminate is not real wood; instead, it is a synthetic product.
The One That Got Away
The first Mid-Century Modern credenza I ever owned was a gift from my mom. It was made from walnut wood and was painted dark green on the top and one side. Despite its poor condition, we could see it had potential if the paint was removed.
My mom found another cabinet online for only $50 -a stunning walnut Mid Century Modern credenza. When I went to see it, I discovered it was veneered and declined to buy it. At the time, I didn’t know much about furniture and thought veneer was a poor choice. I believed that buying veneer reflected a lack of knowledge and I was trying to make good choices as I shifted away from a house full of Ikea furniture. Even when the seller offered it to me for free, just to get rid of it, I still turned it down. I thought no one else would appreciate a veneered piece and felt that choosing veneer somehow meant I was settling for less.
I still remember the beauty of that walnut cabinet and my decision to turn it down is a reminder of the beginning of my Mid-Century Modern journey and how much I’ve learned since.
The Benefits of Veneer
Veneer offers exceptional design versatility. It can be cut into intricate patterns and applied in various orientations, allowing for the creation of unique and artistic furniture pieces. This flexibility enables designers to achieve distinctive looks that highlight the natural beauty of the wood.
Veneer is durable and can maintain its beauty for many years. With proper care it will last another 50+ years.
Additionally, veneer is an eco-friendly choice. By only using slices of wood over a substrate, it conserves resources. Purchasing authentic Mid-Century Modern furniture, versus buying new, also supports sustainability.
Setting the Record Straight
One common myth is that veneer furniture is inferior to solid wood. In reality, well-made veneered furniture can offer the same level of quality and beauty. The veneer layer provides a beautiful finish, while the core material maintains the structural integrity, keeping the furniture sturdy and straight.
We often come across MCM dressers and cabinets listed online as solid wood which are actually veneered. This misidentification can cause confusion and reinforce the belief that veneer is lower-quality. In reality, veneer is a high-quality option, and most Mid-Century Modern furniture was made with it.
Many people assume that high-end designer furniture is made from solid wood. However, even the most renowned Mid-Century Modern designers used veneer in their iconic pieces. For example, Charles and Ray Eames used walnut and plywood veneers in their Eames Storage Units and Lounge Chairs. George Nelson featured veneer in designs such as the Nelson Platform Bench and the Nelson Thin Edge Bed. Hans Wegner’s dining tables and Paul McCobb’s furniture in the "Planner Group" also incorporated veneer, highlighting its versatility and significance in high-quality design.
Common Questions About Veneer in Mid-Century Modern Furniture
Q: Why does it seem like all Mid-Century Modern furniture was made with veneer?
A: It’s because most of it was! The majority of authentic Mid-Century Modern furniture was made using wood veneer. In our catalog, nearly all of our Midcentury credenzas and dressers are made with real wood veneer. Veneering has a rich history that dates back about 5,000 years, with early examples found in Ancient Egypt, including the tomb of Tutankhamun.
Q: Is veneered furniture durable? Will it last?
Q: Can a veneer Mid Century Modern credenza or dresser be refinished?
A: Yes, it can! Damaged Mid Century furniture never needs paint as a cover up! Skilled and experienced refinishers can achieve remarkable results. Just take a look at our catalog to see the many refinished Mid-Century dressers and credenzas we have completed.
Q: What were the design benefits of using veneer to make Mid-Century furniture?
A: The primary benefit of veneer was its ability to enhance the clean lines and minimalist look characteristic of Mid-Century Modern design. Veneer allowed designers to showcase premium woods like walnut, teak, or rosewood, achieving a sophisticated aesthetic while minimizing issues like warping and shifting that can occur with solid wood. Additionally, veneer was sustainable as it made efficient use of natural resources.
Q: How does veneer compare to solid wood in Mid-Century furniture design?
A: Veneer had a crucial role in achieving the sleek, minimalist look that defined Mid-Century Modern design. It alloed for more consistent finishes and enabled designers to create intricate patterns and designs that are difficult to achieve with solid wood. Veneer also contributed to the lighter, more minimalistic profiles that are characteristic of the MCM era, avoiding the heavier and bulkier appearance often associated with solid wood furniture.
Q: Can veneer hold up to everyday use in Mid-Century furniture?
A: Yes, in fact, most Mid-Century Modern dining tables, made of teak, walnut, or rosewood, were veneered. Proper care and maintenance can ensure its longevity.
Q: Does veneer affect the authenticity of Mid-Century furniture?
A: No, veneer was a key part in the original construction of Mid-Century Modern furniture-making.
Q: Why might some sellers misrepresent veneered furniture as solid wood?
A: Some sellers might say veneered furniture is solid wood because they fear that buyers would not be interested in veneer. Additionally, they might not fully understand furniture construction themselves, leading to this question being answered incorrectly.
Q: Is a veneer Mid-Century dresser less valuable than a solid wood Mid-Century dresser?
A: No, since most Mid-Century Modern furniture is made with wood veneer its value is not solely determined by the material. Factors like craftsmanship, design, functionality and condition play significant roles.
Q: I’m a seller and I’m unsure how to respond to questions about whether a piece is solid wood or veneer. What is the best way to answer?
A: When customers ask if a piece is solid wood or veneer, they’re looking to make an informed choice. Be clear and honest in your response. Since authentic Mid-Century furniture typically features veneer, it’s likely that their next purchase, whether from you or another seller, will be as well. Instead of feeling intimidated, take the opportunity to educate yourself and your customers about veneer. Also, sharing resources, like this article, can also deepen their appreciation for veneer and its role in Mid Century Modern design.
Conclusion
Veneer is an extraordinary material with numerous benefits, from sustainability to design flexibility and durability. At House of Cascadia, we celebrate the beauty and craftsmanship of veneered furniture and strive to educate our customers about the value it brings to Mid Century Modern furniture design.
We hope this post has shed light on the advantages of veneer and debunked some of the myths surrounding it. Whether you’re considering a veneer piece or exploring other options, remember that design along with quality and functionality are what truly matter.
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Did you think veneer was a negative aspect when you first started looking at Mid-Century Modern furniture?
Share your experiences or questions in the comments below!