Rosewood furniture has long been prized for its exquisite beauty, durability, and rich history. However, with the increasing scarcity of rosewood trees and the ethical concerns surrounding its harvesting, the question arises: Is it still worth investing in rosewood furniture?
Why is rosewood so special?
If you are considering purchasing rosewood furniture, here are some factors to consider:
Beauty: Rosewood is renowned for its deep, reddish-brown colour and intricate grain patterns. Its lustrous finish and warm tones create a luxurious and elegant ambience
Durability: Rosewood is a dense, hardwood that is highly resistant to decay, insects, and scratches. This makes it a durable and long-lasting choice for furniture
Value: Rosewood furniture is considered a valuable asset that can be appreciated over time, especially if it is antique or of high-quality
Sustainability: Look for furniture made from sustainably sourced rosewood or recycled materials
Provenance: Ask about the origin of the wood and the certification process
Quality: Invest in high-quality furniture that is well-crafted and durable
Budget: Rosewood furniture can be expensive, so be sure to set a budget and stick to it
How to identify rosewood?
Here are some key characteristics to look for:
Heartwood: Typically a deep reddish-brown colour, often with streaks of purple or black
Sapwood: Lighter in colour, often yellowish or white
Intricate patterns: Rosewood exhibits unique and intricate grain patterns, often with swirls or curls
Density: The grain is typically dense and fine-textured
Smooth finish: Rosewood has a smooth, silky texture when polished
Weight: It is a heavy hardwood, weighing more than many other species
Sweet fragrance: Rosewood often has a sweet, slightly floral fragrance
Certification:
Sustainable sourcing: Look for furniture or wood products with certifications like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to ensure the wood is sourced sustainably
Caution:
Imitations: Due to the high demand for rosewood, there are many imitations and counterfeit products on the market. Be cautious and verify the authenticity of any rosewood item you purchase
Illegal logging: Support sustainable sourcing and avoid purchasing rosewood products that may have contributed to illegal logging
Let’s explore some exquisite rosewood furniture options for every room in your home.
Foyer/entryway rosewood furniture: Sideboard and corner tree hall
This sideboard is a keeper! Image source: Pinterest @artemest and @slcfurniture
A rosewood sideboard or corner tree hall can be a stunning and functional addition to your entryway or foyer design. This combination creates a welcoming atmosphere and provides a practical space for storing coats, shoes, and other essentials. Rosewood’s rich colour and intricate grain patterns add a touch of luxury while its durability ensures it will last for many years even if it’s a pinch in the pocket. The sideboard or corner tree hall can also serve as a display area for decorative items like vases, plants, or family photos.
Living room rosewood furniture: Centre table, sofa, wall mouldings & bookcase
Indian royalty meets modern living
Imagine a living room design adorned with intricately carved rosewood furniture exuding a sense of Indian royalty. A grand rosewood centre table with its rich grain patterns shimmering under the soft light serves as the focal point of the room. A luxurious rosewood sofa, upholstered in plush velvet or silk completes the whole look of the royal court. To add to these architectural details, rosewood wall mouldings and a towering rosewood bookcase are the cherry on top of these beautiful architectural details.
Dining room rosewood furniture: Table, chairs & crockery unit
A dining set that will last a lifetime
A rosewood dining set, comprising a table, chairs, and a crockery unit, can be a stunning centrepiece of your entire house. The rich, reddish-brown hue of a rosewood dining table creates that much-needed warm and inviting atmosphere in your dining room design. The durable nature of rosewood ensures that your dining set will last for generations, becoming a cherished heirloom. Whether you prefer a classic or contemporary design, a rosewood dining set is a choice that can never go wrong.
Kitchen rosewood furniture: Island tables
Beauty and utility in one 1st Image source: Pinterest @slcfurniture
In the kitchen, an island table serves as both a functional workspace and stylish rosewood furniture. A rosewood island table can be used for preparing meals, serving food, or simply gathering with family and friends because its durability ensures they are not spoiled by spills. The natural beauty of rosewood furniture complements both modern and traditional kitchen designs.
Bedroom rosewood furniture: Bed, side tables, dresser & cabinet
Your bedroom deserves rosewood
Looking to make your bedroom a luxurious retreat? Then rosewood furniture is the way to go! A rosewood bed, with its rich, warm tones and intricate grain patterns, can become the centrepiece of the room. To complement the bed, pair it with rosewood side tables, providing convenient surfaces for lamps, books, or alarm clocks.
A focal point that’s both functional and beautiful
A rosewood dresser or cabinet can add further storage space for clothing, jewellery, or personal belongings, while also serving as a stylish focal point of your bedroom design. The combination of these pieces creates a cohesive and luxurious atmosphere in your sleeping space.
Bathroom rosewood furniture: Vanity cabinets
A vanity that will stand the test of time Image source: Pinterest @decorplanet and @RejuvenationHome
A rosewood vanity cabinet can elevate your bathroom to a spa-like retreat, while its durability ensures it will withstand the humid environment. A rosewood vanity cabinet can be customised with various features, such as drawers, shelves, and integrated sinks, to suit your specific needs and preferences. Whether you opt for a traditional or contemporary design, a rosewood vanity cabinet is sure to make a lasting impression.
Study room rosewood furniture: Built-in bookshelf, table & chairs
A bookshelf that’s worth its weight in gold
Rosewood is a dense, hardwood that is naturally resistant to moisture. This resistance helps to create a less hospitable environment for mould growth compared to other materials, such as softwoods or particleboard. Books in a rosewood bookshelf design are protected from temperature and humidity fluctuations reducing the risk of mould growth.
Home bar unit made of rosewood
A stylish storage solution for your spirits Image source: Pinterest @slcfurniture
A rosewood home bar unit can serve as both a functional piece of furniture and a decorative focal point. It can be used to store liquor, glassware, and bar tools, while also providing a place to entertain guests. Rosewood, being a dense hardwood, helps maintain a relatively stable temperature. This is crucial for liquor storage, as fluctuations in temperature can affect the taste and quality of the spirits. Some people believe that rosewood may have subtle aromatic properties that can enhance the flavour profile of certain liquors, particularly aged spirits. While these benefits are not scientifically proven, the natural properties of rosewood make it a desirable material for home bars, contributing to a stylish and functional storage space for your liquor collection.
Feeling inspired, much? These rosewood furniture designs could be yours too! Visit your nearest Livspace experience centre to look at our exclusive collection of quality materials.
Our products undergo 146 quality checks
You can choose from over 20 lakh catalogue products
Disclaimer: All contents of the story are specific to the time of publication. Mentions of costs, budget, materials, finishes, and products from the Livspace catalogue can vary with reference to current rates. Talk to our designer for more details on pricing and availability. The Pinterest images used in this blog are solely for illustrative purposes. We do not claim ownership of these images, and all rights belong to their respective owners. If you are the owner of any image and would like it to be removed or credited differently, please contact us.
FAQs
Is rosewood a good wood for furniture?
Rosewood is a highly resilient and long-lasting wood, making it an ideal choice for furniture. Its strength and resistance to wear, impact, moisture, and other damage ensure that it can withstand the rigours of daily use. With proper care, including regular re-oiling, rosewood furniture can remain in excellent condition for many generations.
Is rosewood wood expensive?
Rosewood furniture is typically more costly than basic furniture, which often starts at around 25,000 rupees.
Is rosewood better than teak?
The debate between rosewood and teak often comes down to personal preference and specific needs. Both kinds of wood are highly regarded for their durability, beauty, and value, but they have distinct characteristics that may make one more suitable than the other depending on your application.
If you prefer a rich, dark colour and intricate grain patterns, rosewood may be the better choice. If you prefer a lighter, more natural-looking wood, teak may be more suitable
Both rosewood and teak are highly durable, but teak's natural oils provide additional protection against the elements
Rosewood is generally more expensive than teak due to its scarcity and higher demand
Is Indian rosewood good quality?
East Indian Rosewood is a robust and heavy wood with a rough texture and strong structural integrity. While it presents some challenges in terms of machinability and manual handling, it is a prime choice for woodworking techniques like turning and veneering and exhibits exceptional finishing qualities.
How to check the quality of rosewood?
Real rosewood has a shiny, smooth finish that enhances its natural beauty. The natural oils present in the wood give authentic pieces a pleasant, sweet fragrance. A quick sniff should reveal its unique aroma, setting it apart from artificial imitations.
