Pine Desks Go From Simple to Spectacular

They may look like plain vanilla, but pine furniture can morph into amazing with a little creativity. Any room or office can be showcased with a simple addition of a pine desk or hutch. The informal appeal can set the stage for understated elegance with a dash of surprise. Furniture stores display a myriad of styles ranging from simple Shaker to dramatic computer desks with a choice of accessories. Pine is not as formal as other hardwoods and lacks the sturdiness of oak. On the plus side, pine is cheaper than oak and the light color and light weight can lift a room from drab to dramatic. However, pine is a soft, delicate wood and can be easily damaged or dented with everyday wear.

Today, stands of pine are plentiful throughout the world and various species are raised in commercial plantations. The look of gnarly pine brings to mind days of long ago days when American pioneers struggled and felled majestic forests of pine trees to build homes and furniture. The wood was easy to work on with simple tools. Pine is not a beauty contest winner, not even close. However, the blemishes and flaws make each piece unique, similar to discovering a Picasso among the tacky items at a garage sale. When selecting any natural pine furniture look for those with fewer knots; they will have more durability.

Unlike stronger woods, unfinished pine is available at furniture stores at a fraction of the cost of finished products. A pine desk is like an empty stage waiting for the curtain to come up. It’s up to the buyer to use clear varnish, dark stain or a dazzling new paint shade to bring the desk or other furniture to life. This versatility makes pine a more attractive to the “do it yourselfer”. A simple desk can morph into a sterling attraction with just one can of paint or use a dark chocolate stain to highlight the deep, natural glow of the wood.

If you are looking for a more informal ambience to fit in with other home décor there are more daring paths to take. Widen your prospective and boundaries with a splashes of dramatic color. For example, a plain pine desk can add pizzazz to a child’s room when painted in his or her favorite color. Try bubble gum pink or canary yellow tints to match their favorite T-shirt or bedspread. The result will be amazing.

Here’s another slant about that newly painted desk: It can serve as a subtle lure to bring a child, no matter what the age, to study at their desk. A teenager might agree to take on the painting project with just a little coaxing. Send them to the paint store and stand back.

Here’s some practice advice: pine wood is not impervious to insects or weathering so leave the piece indoors. It may look as durable as spruce and oak but inside it’s as soft as butter.