Choosing Oak Dining Benches for a Country Cottage
An oak dining bench suits a country cottage because it shares the same honest, natural character as the building itself. Oak is strong, ages gracefully and develops a mellow patina that sits comfortably beside beams, flagstones, exposed brick and painted plaster. When choosing one, think about the finish first, as waxed, oiled and lacquered oak each look and wear differently. Then consider size and proportion, since cottage rooms are often small with low ceilings, uneven floors and narrow doorways. In this guide we explain the differences between solid oak and oak veneer, how to match bench tones to an existing table, which leg styles feel right in older homes and how to fit a bench around a range cooker, inglenook or window seat. We also cover cushions and textiles, caring for oak through the seasons and how to keep uneven cottage floors from making your bench rock, so it feels part of the house for many years....
