At The Wainhouse Company, our philosophy is simple: make it well and make it last. We combine solid wood materials and expert craftsmanship with high-quality finishes and beautiful colours to create furniture that will be cherished for a lifetime and beyond. Each piece is protected from scratches, moisture, and everyday wear.
Let's explore the colours and finishes we use on all Wainhouse furniture.
Our Wood Colours
Our four fundamental colours are Natural, Light, Medium, and Dark. These colours come from dyes that we apply by hand directly onto the wood. Importantly, none of our finishes contain yellow or orange undertones. While we do offer some limited-edition colours like Weathered Oak on select special products, we won't cover those in this post.
The dyes sink deep into the wood grain, highlighting the natural beauty and character of each piece while showcasing its unique patterns and textures. We carefully select each colour option to complement both traditional and contemporary interiors, giving our customers the flexibility to match their furniture with existing décor. After applying the dye, we add protective finishing treatments that keep the colour rich and vibrant for years to come.
Natural
Natural is the lightest in our colour palette. It’s a clear oil treatment that keeps the natural colour of the wood intact while beautifully showing off the swirling grain pattern of natural wood.
Natural looks slightly different on different woods, such as pine and oak, but it achieves a beautiful light tone throughout.
Pictured: Our Scandinavian Mandal Bar Stools finished in our Natural shade
Light
Our light shade is several shades darker than natural. This dye deepens the colour of natural bare wood while maintaining a contemporary finish without any yellow or orange undertones.
Pictured: A Farmhouse Slat Back Carver Chair finished in our Light Oak colour
Medium
Medium is our most popular shade because it complements most home elements beautifully. It's only a few shades darker than Light. Neither too dark nor too light, it works seamlessly in diverse interiors—from traditional homes to modern apartments.
Pictured: A selection of wooden chairs finished in our Medium Oak colour.
Dark
Our dark shade gives furniture a beautifully aged appearance and looks elegant on every piece. It's cooler than walnut, and resembles the bark of an oak tree—deep and rich with a subtle hint of warmth.
Pictured: Our Charlbury Dining Stool finished in Dark Oak
Our Wood Finishes
Our wood finishes come in either matte or satin. Matte mimics a waxed finish while offering superior durability. Satin provides a subtle sheen—imagine the luxurious, silky appearance of satin fabric.
Both finishes are equally durable, easy to clean, and offer a smooth surface.
We use clear Osmo oil treatments for both finishes—the same treatments designed for wooden floors. These provide exceptional durability, protecting your furniture from liquids, scratches, moisture, and daily wear to maintain its new appearance.
How To Clean and Maintain Our Wood Finishes
To clean our finishes, use a damp cloth only—no harsh detergents needed. Chemical sprays can gradually wear down the finish and expose your furniture to moisture, potentially causing discolouration or patchy appearance. That said, our Osmo oil finish is highly resistant to daily cleaning and wear, making it ideal for busy households.
For long-term care, we recommend applying a fresh coat of Osmo Clear (in either matte or satin finish) every 3-5 years.
Get Your Free Wood Samples
To help you make an informed decision when choosing colours for our Wainhouse furniture, you can order free wood samples through our website using this link: Order samples – The Wainhouse Co. Samples will be delivered directly to your door within a few days.