Your home’s entryway is more than just an in-between space. It’s the first thing that welcomes you and your guests, setting the tone for everything that lies beyond. However, this area is often overlooked when it comes to design and organization. Fortunately, with a bit of creativity and the right furniture and decor, you can transform your awkward or crowded entryway into a more welcoming space. 

At Sugar House Furniture, we specialize in handcrafted mission furniture for all areas of your home. We’re proud to offer a collection of entryway furniture designed with practicality, convenience, and timeless beauty in mind. Let’s explore some effective ways to create a more functional, appealing space with the help of classic mission furniture.

Embrace Simplicity

When it comes to choosing furniture pieces that contribute to an organized entryway, clean lines and sturdy craftsmanship are paramount. Mission furniture, with its classic simplicity and emphasis on functionality, is perfect for the job. 

Begin by assessing your goals and requirements. Do you need ample storage for coats, bags, and shoes? Maybe you’d prefer a bench to slip on your shoes before heading out the door. Whatever your heart desires, mission furniture can offer versatile solutions perfect for your home.

Define Zones for Functionality

Before selecting your furniture pieces, consider the layout of your entryway. Whether it’s cramped or expansive, defining different zones will enhance its functionality and create a sense of order and purpose. You’ll want to allocate space for storage, seating, and decor. For example, a mission-style hall tree across from the doorway can serve as a focal point, offering hooks for coats and bags, and a bench adjacent to the door can provide a place to tuck away storage cubbies for shoes and accessories.

Optimize Vertical Space

In smaller spaces, maximizing vertical space is key to optimizing organization. Mission furniture offers many options, including tall bookcases, coat racks, hall trees and seats, and wall-mounted shelves that make efficient use of limited square footage. By expanding the space vertically, you’re not just keeping clutter at bay; you’re also drawing the eye upwards, making your entryway feel more open and expansive.

Incorporate Functional Storage Solutions

Clutter is the enemy of a welcoming entryway; however, if you have young children, maintaining organization can be a challenge. As soon as they walk in the door, they throw their belongings in a heap on the floor and scurry away, leaving you to hang up their bags and jackets and put their shoes in the closet. Adults aren’t immune to clutter, either — you’ve probably found yourself with a pile of mail on the side table waiting to be sorted. 

Combat disorganization with clever storage solutions and multifunctional furniture pieces. For example, a bench with hidden compartments or drawers provides a place to stow seasonal gear or pet accessories. A sideboard with cabinets provides additional storage for keys, mail, and other essential items, keeping them within reach yet neatly organized and out of sight.

Create a Cozy Seating Nook

If you have a bit of extra room in your entryway, why not elevate it by creating a cozy seating nook? Imagine how convenient it would be to have a space right by the door to sit and wait for your ride to arrive, pull on your socks and shoes before leaving the house, or invite guests in for a casual chat. 

Choose a mission-style bench with upholstered cushions or a pair of accent chairs on either side of a small table. For extra storage space, opt for a hall seat with hooks or cabinets. Additionally, incorporating soft, cozy lighting with a mission-style sconce or lamp can create a warm ambiance, inviting your guests to linger a while longer.

Add Personality with Accessories

Mission furniture acts as a timeless base, allowing you to add accessories and decor that showcase your personality. Infuse the space with warmth and character by incorporating throw pillows, textured rugs, and houseplants. Hang mirrors or framed artwork to reflect natural light and provide an instant mood boost. The sky’s the limit when it comes to decor!

Create a More Functional, Appealing Entryway With Sugar House Furniture

Thanks to the enduring charm and convenient functionality of mission furniture, an organized and inviting entryway is within reach. At Sugar House Furniture, we offer a wide range of quality furniture that’s sure to stand the test of time. If you’re ready to say goodbye to clutter and chaos, come visit us in Salt Lake City, Utah, and explore our endless options.

If you’re looking for timeless furniture pieces with classic character and expert craftsmanship, you may have found yourself drawn to the sophisticated allure of mission-style furniture. These pieces are known for their sturdy construction and simple elegance. 

In order to truly understand and appreciate mission furniture, you must learn to recognize the distinct characteristics of the wood used in its construction. From the rich tones of cherry to the warm hues of oak, each type of wood has unique qualities and contributes to the overall charm of the final piece. 

In this helpful guide, we’ll examine the characteristics of five types of wood commonly used in mission furniture — oak, cherry, maple, walnut, and ash — so you can identify them next time you’re shopping for furniture.

Guidelines for Identifying Wood Types

While most reputable manufacturers provide information about the materials used in their products, it’s not always available, which is why it’s important to be able to identify wood types yourself — especially if you’re buying furniture secondhand. 

However, before attempting to identify the type of wood used in a particular piece of furniture, there are a few questions you must ask.

First, is it solid wood, or is it a man-made composite like particleboard? Does it have a veneer? If it’s not solid wood, it will be a lot trickier to identify. Your best bet is to ask the sales clerk or manufacturer about its composition.

Next, look at the color of the wood. Is it natural, or has it been stained? Stains and finishes can obscure details and make one type of wood look like another, so unless you have extensive experience, you may not be able to identify the wood species. If possible, look for surfaces that haven’t been stained, such as the underside of a tabletop or the backside of a dresser.

#3. Identifying Maple Wood

Maple is the strongest type of wood on this list and is known for its impressive durability. Typically, maple furniture is made using the sapwood of a maple tree — the part that’s closer to the bark layer. This gives the wood its light color, with red or brown tints from mineral streaks. It can also have pitch flecks, which are areas where the wood was injured, leading to the formation of darker spots. Over time, maple furniture will darken, developing a golden tint.

#4. Identifying Walnut Wood

Black walnut wood is relatively easy to identify thanks to its dark color, high density, and tight, straight grain. While some types of walnut can be light brown or yellow, most walnut furniture is made from the chocolate-brown heartwood found in the center of the tree. It’s tough and durable, with a hardness value between that of oak and cherry.

#5. Identifying Ash Wood

Ash wood is typically very light in color, with various shades of beige that tend to darken only slightly over time. It almost always has a straight grain but can occasionally grow in unique patterns. It’s lightweight yet durable, making it a popular choice for everything from furniture to baseball bats to tools.

Fine Wood Furniture in Salt Lake City, Utah

At Sugar House Furniture, we are proud to provide heirloom-quality oak, cherry, and maple furniture crafted by experienced artisans. Whether you’re searching for a perfect statement piece or a full set, our mission furniture is sure to stand the test of time. Come visit us in Salt Lake City to see what we have to offer!

In our last blog post, “A Complete Guide to Historic Wood Finishes for Mission Furniture,” we discussed the traditional wood finishing techniques outlined in a Popular Mechanics handbook from 1909 called “Mission Furniture: How to Make It.”

While some traditional wood finishing techniques, like the use of natural oil, have stood the test of time, others have not. In the century-plus since mission furniture’s genesis, we have developed countless innovative wood finishing techniques, providing greater durability and versatility than ever before.

If you’re looking to invest in mission furniture, it’s essential to understand common wood finishing methods to find high-quality products that will stick around for generations. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most popular wood finishing techniques you’ll see in the mission furniture industry today.

Why is Wood Finishing Necessary?

Before we get into specific wood finishing techniques, let’s talk about why wood finishing is necessary. The main reason to apply a finish is to protect the wood. Wood is porous, which means that it will absorb moisture, oils, and dirt. By finishing the wood, you make it more resistant to stains and water damage. This also makes the wood less likely to expand and contract with changing temperatures and humidity levels.

In addition to its functional benefits, wood finishing provides aesthetic advantages, as well. Finished wood is easier to keep clean — rather than getting embedded in all the grooves and pores, dirt and dust can be easily wiped off. Plus, applying a finish enhances the wood grain by increasing the contrast between light and dark shades.

Depending on the type of finish used for your mission furniture, it may have to be refinished every once in a while to keep the wood in top condition. This can either be done at home or by a professional craftsman. If you have questions about refinishing, don’t hesitate to contact us for advice.

Common Wood Finishing Products

Quality wood furniture, whether crafted in the mission style or not, will likely have one of the following finishes. Each of these wood finishing products has its own strengths and is suitable for diverse applications, so it’s important to understand these differences to determine whether a furniture piece will meet your needs before buying.

Natural Oil

Natural oil finishes, including tung or linseed oil, are excellent for highlighting the grain and texture of the woods, making them a popular choice for mission furniture. They penetrate deep into the wood, enhancing its rustic natural beauty and providing a low sheen. These finishes may require occasional reapplication to maintain their appearance.

Shellac

Shellac, a type of resin, is a traditional wood finish. It gives mission furniture a warm amber hue while offering a moderate level of protection against wear and moisture. Shellac is easy to apply and dries quickly, making it perfect for DIY furniture restoration projects.

Lacquer

Lacquer is available in both clear and tinted varieties, offering a durable, glossy coating and providing excellent protection against spills, scratches, and UV damage. While lacquer products require careful application, they create a smooth finish that complements mission-style furniture.

Polyurethane

Polyurethane is a unique type of polymer that can provide varying levels of sheen. It’s elastic like rubber but can be repeatedly reformed like plastic, making it exceptionally durable and resistant to abrasions. Oil-based polyurethane finishes offer outstanding protection and depth, but water-based options dry faster and emit fewer fumes.

Varnish

Varnish is made of a blend of solvent, resin, and drying oil. It forms a hard, transparent film over wood surfaces, protecting them from moisture and heat. Whether you prefer a matte or glossy finish, varnish allows you to customize the look of your furniture while ensuring its longevity. Applying varnish requires meticulous surface preparation and proper ventilation, but to many artisans, the beautiful and durable results justify the extra effort.

Wax

Wax finishes like beeswax or carnauba wax provide a soft, lustrous sheen, enhance the wood’s natural color, and create a smooth surface. However, wax offers limited protection against spills and scratches when compared to other wood finishing options. For those who prefer a traditional, hands-on approach to maintenance, regular waxing is a great way to maintain wood furniture’s beauty and integrity.

Stain

Stains are specially formulated to add color to wood while allowing the natural grain to shine through. Because they’re available in an array of hues, wood stains enable you to customize your furniture’s appearance to suit your aesthetic preferences. 

Explore the Possibilities of Mission Furniture

At Sugar House Furniture, we aim to provide high-quality furniture that will endure the trials of time. Whether you prefer an eye-catching stain or a more natural oil-based finish, we have a wide range of options to choose from. Come visit us in Salt Lake City, Utah, to see for yourself the difference that expert wood finishing can make.