Mission furniture is rooted in the Arts & Crafts movement of the late 19th century. One of the oldest primary resources available on mission furniture is a Popular Mechanics handbook from 1909 titled “Mission Furniture: How to Make It” by H.H. Windsor. This book outlines detailed plans for constructing chairs, desks, shelves, and more. 

The handbook also includes information on how to achieve various wood finishes, giving us a window into the past and helping us understand the techniques early mission furniture craftsmen used to create the timeless appearance we still enjoy today. 

However, if you decide to follow Windsor’s advice, just know you do so at your own risk — we can’t vouch for all the methods the book describes, and the instructions are far from comprehensive. Not all these wood finishing techniques may be safe or effective without specialized expertise.

True Mission Oak Stain

According to Windsor, the “true mission oak stain” is a dull gray with reddish flakes and almost-black grain. This look can be achieved with a mixture of black and pink pigments, oil, japan drier, and turpentine.

Flemish Finish

Flemish oak was one of the most popular “fancy oaks” in 1909. Windsor recommends filling the wood with a paste filler strained with raw umber and, once it’s dry, applying a stain made from transparent flat raw umber. For darker shades, a drop of black pigment can be added to the stain.

Mahoganizing

To create a finish that looks like mahogany, the handbook recommends rubbing diluted nitric acid into the wood, then using a brush to apply a stain made with dragon’s blood (a type of resin) and sodium carbonate dissolved in alcohol. Multiple coats can be applied. Rubbing the wood with a bit of raw linseed oil can add extra luster and shine.

Linseed Oil

For craftsmen on a budget, the book recommends mixing equal parts of boiled linseed oil and asphaltum varnish, brushing it on, removing the excess with a rag, and applying a coat of varnish.

Filling Oak

Two parts turpentine, one part raw linseed oil, and a bit of japan drier can make a “very good” hardwood filler for oak. After applying a coat of filler, let it stand until it turns gray, then rub it off with a rag. To show off the wood grain and give it a golden effect, you can apply a coat of burnt umber stain prior to the filler.

Wax Finishing

For wax-finishing softer woods, first apply a stain, then a liquid filler or shellac. Two parts melted wax and one art turpentine can be rubbed vigorously into the wood with stiff bristles or a woolen rag to produce an eggshell gloss effect.

Often, waxing open-grained wood will show white streaks in the pores. To minimize this effect, use black wax instead. While artisans in 1909 had access to black wax, they could also make their own by melting floor wax, adding a drop of black pigment, and allowing the wax to cool and harden. Windsor promises that this wax won’t streak but give a smooth, glossy finish.

Oak Fuming

Ammonia fuming can be difficult and dangerous, but according to Windsor, “Darkened oak always has a better appearance when fumed with ammonia.” The ammonia doesn’t actually make contact with the wood — instead, a small saucer of it is placed in an airtight container, with the wood suspended above it. After a few days, the fumes will create a dark or grayish color. The wood should be waxed afterward, not varnished.

Additional Wood Finishes

If you’re a mission furniture purist, you’re free to stick with the old-fashioned wood finishes, but it has been well over a century since mission furniture originated. Thanks to modern innovations in manufacturing and materials, there are now endless options for wood finishes that contemporary Arts & Crafts artisans did not have access to. 

To learn more about modern wood finishing techniques and how they compare to the historic methods recommended in the 1909 handbook, check out another one of our blog posts, “Exploring Modern Wood Finishing Techniques for Mission Furniture“.

The Timeless Beauty of Mission Furniture

At Sugar House Furniture, we celebrate the traditional techniques pioneered by long-ago craftsmen. Each of our heirloom-quality furniture pieces is created with timeless beauty in mind, reminiscent of the past while also suiting modern interiors. To see what we have to offer, come visit us in Salt Lake City, Utah, or browse our website. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.

Lighting is the unsung hero of interior design. You don’t always notice it, but it has the power to quietly transform the ambiance of a space, enhance a room’s functionality, and highlight the beauty of furnishings and decor. In the world of mission furniture, which is known for its timeless elegance and quality craftsmanship, choosing the perfect lighting can take your home to the next level. 

Keep reading to explore the art of lighting and learn how to illuminate your home with style, especially when it comes to complementing the warmth and beauty of mission furniture.

Consider the Functionality of Each Space

As you plan your home’s lighting scheme, consider the unique requirements of each room. For example, softer, more subdued lighting in bedrooms can promote relaxation and rest, while a bright, well-lit kitchen is essential for meal preparation. In spaces dedicated to hobbies or work, such as craft rooms and offices, task lighting like adjustable lamps or LED strips is crucial to ensure adequate visibility and minimize eye strain. By tailoring your lighting choices to suit each space’s specific needs and functions, you can create living environments that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

Create a Welcoming Atmosphere

The key to effective lighting in your home is creating a welcoming atmosphere. Choose soft, ambient lighting rather than harsh or cool-toned bulbs to instantly make a room feel cozy and inviting. This is especially important if you want to showcase the intricate details and natural wood tones of mission furniture. Consider incorporating adjustable lamps, dimmer switches, or even smart lightbulbs to control the intensity of the illumination and tailor your lighting to suit different moods and occasions.

Choose the Right Fixtures

When it’s time to select lighting fixtures for your home, you must consider both form and function. There’s a plethora of options out there, from pendant lights to sconces to table lamps, so you’re sure to find fixtures that suit your personal taste. Whichever style you choose, consider opting for energy-efficient LED bulbs, which not only help reduce energy consumption but also ensure longevity and minimal maintenance.

For mission-style interiors, fixtures with classic shapes, clean lines, and warm finishes like copper or bronze are ideal choices. Wooden table lamps with stained glass shades are an especially great choice, as they complement the rustic charm of mission furniture while adding a touch of sophistication.

Layer Light for Balance

Just as you can layer color and textures in your decor to create a sense of harmony and balance in your home, layering light sources can have a similar effect. Typically, a well-lit room has three layers of lighting: ambient, accent, and task. 

Ambient lighting provides overall illumination, while accent lighting adds visual interest and highlights focal points such as decor elements or architectural features. Task lighting, on the other hand, serves a functional purpose, helping you see clearly while you read or cook. Thoughtfully combining these layers can contribute to a balanced and visually appealing environment that showcases your home in the best possible light.

Embrace Natural Light

Although artificial light sources undoubtedly play a significant role in home design, natural light reigns supreme when it comes to enhancing the beauty of a space. If you’re lucky enough to receive ample natural light in your home, make the most of it by arranging furniture to maximize daylight exposure and sticking to minimal window treatments. Not only does this illuminate your mission furniture, but it also creates a connection with the outdoors, bringing the tranquility of nature into your home.

Accentuate the Beauty of Mission Furniture

Mission furniture is known for its simplicity and elegance. Strategically placing your accent lights can work wonders in highlighting its beauty. For instance, you can use picture lights or track lighting to draw attention to specific furniture pieces, such as a solid wood bookcase or a handcrafted dining table. By illuminating these focal points, you can not only showcase the craftsmanship of your mission furniture but also add dimension and depth to your home’s overall decor.

Unique Lighting From Sugar House Furniture

At Sugar House Furniture, we don’t just specialize in high-quality mission furniture — we’re also proud to offer a range of complementary accessories, including handcrafted light fixtures, clocks, wall hangings, rugs, mirrors, and more. With a little help from us, you can create the beautiful, sophisticated home you’ve always dreamed of. Come visit us in Salt Lake City, Utah, or browse our website to see what we have to offer.

Every piece of furniture has a unique story to tell. Whether it’s your grandma’s dining table, an antique dresser, or the side table you bought while traveling, there’s something special about furniture that has stood the test of time. However, even the sturdiest furniture pieces will start to show signs of wear and tear as they age. Timeless mission furniture is no exception. 

That’s where the art of furniture restoration comes in. With a little care, you can ensure your investment in durable, high-quality furniture pays off, and your heirloom pieces will remain beautiful and functional for years to come.

In this handy guide, we’ll explore the world of furniture restoration, focusing on expert tips and tricks to help you revive your aging mission furniture pieces to their former glory. Keep learning to learn how to refresh wood finishes, leather, upholstery, and hardware.

Wood Furniture Restoration

Mission furniture is known for its solid wood construction, timeless appeal, and gorgeous finishes. When it comes to mission furniture restoration, it’s best to start by cleaning the piece thoroughly with a gentle wood cleaner and soft cloth. This step is essential for removing dirt, grime, and old wax buildup. 

For scratches and other imperfections, wood fillers or touch-up pens are effective tools to fill in the gaps. However, for surface-level scratches, you may not need these specialized products. Try mixing one part canola or olive oil with one part vinegar, rubbing it on the scratches with a soft cloth, and letting it sit for a few minutes. The oil expands the wood to fill in the scratch, while the vinegar stains the wood. You may have to repeat this process a few times. Once you’re satisfied with the results, wipe off any excess vinegar-oil mixture with a clean cloth, and you’re done!

Walnuts are another great furniture restoration tool. Simply break a raw, unsalted walnut, rub the meat into the scratch in the direction of the wood grain, and you’re done! The walnut meat fills in the cracks, and the oil expands and stains the wood.

Once the wood surface is clean, smooth, and free of imperfections, consider applying wood polish or wax to nourish the wood and enhance its appearance. For best results, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Upholstery Restoration

In addition to solid wood, mission-style furniture often utilizes leather or fabric to upholster chairs, sofas, and ottomans. Revitalizing these materials is a crucial step in the furniture restoration process.

Leather Upholstery

Leather upholstery adds a touch of elegance and warmth to any space; however, it may become cracked, dry, or faded over time, detracting from its original beauty. To revive leather upholstery, start by cleaning it with a mild leather cleaner or saddle soap to remove dirt and stains and prepare it for conditioning. After that, you’ll want to apply a moisturizing leather conditioner or cream to restore the upholstery’s buttery softness and beautiful sheen. For stubborn stains or discoloration, it’s best to seek professional assistance to ensure proper care and prevent accidental damage.

Fabric Upholstery

Mission-style chairs and sofas that utilize fabric upholstery may require special attention from time to time to keep them looking fresh. Begin by vacuuming the upholstery to get rid of pesky dust, debris, and pet hair. For light stains and mild odors, you can spot-clean the fabric with an upholstery cleaner or fabric-safe detergent, but be careful not to saturate the material. For more significant stains, consider professional upholstery cleaning services for the best results. 

Reviving Hardware and Metal Accents

To complement the wood finishes, mission furniture often features metal hardware and accents, including drawer pulls, handles, hinges, and subtle decorative elements. The final step in the mission furniture restoration process is reviving these metal components. Start by removing them from the furniture piece and cleaning them with a metal cleaner or polish and a soft cloth or brush. This removes rust, tarnish, and corrosion, restoring the metal hardware’s shine and brilliance.

Mission Furniture in Salt Lake City, UT

Mission furniture restoration requires patience and attention to detail, but by following these simple tips and tricks for breathing new life into wood, upholstery, and hardware, you can preserve its timeless beauty, ensuring it sticks around for generations to come. 

At Sugar House Furniture, we are proud to offer a wide range of mission furniture pieces. Visit our showroom in Salt Lake City, Utah, or browse our website to discover the timeless, durable pieces you’ve been looking for. If you have questions about furniture restoration and caring for your mission-style furniture, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.