Cerused dressed timber dates back to the 15th Century, a skill that enriches the grain details in porous timbers, most commonly oaks. The style is predominantly created by using a pigmented grain filler to accent the pores of a timber or applying a pigmented wash.

Cerused dressing can be achieved with white pigments in oil or other clear bases against dark surfaces. You can also tint your pore filler paste with white to achieve this look and to mask unwanted tones.

A modern take on the material trend is adding a rich colour to the white medium to produce colour infused pieces. The key areas we are seeing this revival is in flooring, cabinetry and doors. However there are no rules to where and how to use this technique but here are some trend timbers that have taken us aback with their beauty. 

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The cerused detailing on the door heightens this highly textured and pattern focused space. In lighter tones it creates a marble effect and a charming subtle, touch to bright and neutral surfaces. 

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Darker and cooler tones in trend woods showcase the beauty and versatility of using coursed  dressed timber. Commonly used in contemporary and luxe styles, the neutral and cooling hues are easily paired with bright colour, metallics and slate greys. 

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The ceruse style in darker tones is a real statement piece and can match any style from Art-Deco, rustic and contemporary. Matching perfectly with bold patterns and bright colours, it adds a whimsical appeal to any space.

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The more traditional light tones in dressed timber are used in coastal style furniture, commonly known as ‘white-washed’. A beautiful way to up-cycle furniture is to add this decorative technique to hide imperfections and unwanted colourings as it breathes new life into pre-loved wooden surfaces.

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Try to incorporate trend timbers in unconventional spaces such as bathrooms and kitchens. By applying the cerused technique to wood, it removes the orange stained hue from conventional cabinetry and bench surfaces and adds a modern touch. 

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If you’re looking for the perfect rug to match your floor, check our our guide on how to style rugs. 

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Also known as canopy chairs, porters chairs, balloon chairs or Versailles chairs, this mainstay of traditional design is finding a home in unexpected spaces. Let’s take a look at the reinvention of a striking style of furniture that can adapt to any space. There are a number a different methods for making the most of dome chairs in a room. Probably the most subtle and inclusive approach is to upholster in the lighter shade within your colour scheme. This will allow the dome chair to blend in and be seen as an interesting addition rather than the key focal piece.

Marrying the framework colour of your dome chair to your surrounding furniture may be a more traditional approach, but who said traditional needs to be bland? Select a pattern from your room’s Style Board and feature on the rear of your chair. It’s a subtle and personal way to include your dome chairs, while having the added benefit of drawing attention to lines and colours of your room’s framework.

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Of course, you can throw the whole idea of subtlety out the window by creating the most plush and ornate incarnation of the dome chair – a cozy yet flamboyant feature that would look at home in any palace. Adding butting and stud work creates a real eye catcher! Buttoning works in almost every style. It’s all about the fabric finish, colour and pattern that will bring your style to life.

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The addition of another material such as rattan and the use of ornate craftsmanship in the wood framework turns your dome chair into a perfect addition to a French Accent or Traditional Chic space. In an environment that draws the eye to fine detail rather than bold palettes and patterns, focusing on shape and texture is key.

If the last thing on your mind is allowing your beautiful dome chair to become a seamless part of the background, there are many ways to make a huge impact. Using block colour fabrics in brighter tones really adds some punch to this design. Pull a colour from your palette to create a more traditional and harmonised space, or select a completely juxtaposed colour to your palette for a more modern feel.

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Pattern is a very personal preference but when done right can truly show your personality and wild side. This chair has spunk! While the dome chair certainly adds flair, it’s not exclusive to feminine spaces. Notice how using leather on the external shell creates a more masculine feel.

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In fact, with the right materials and simplified colour scheme, the dome chair makes the short jump from ‘ornate’ to ‘stately’. Another benefit to leather is its durability, but remember comfort when it comes to internal surfaces. If you need more durability, opt for commercial grade fabrics and an aptly simplified pattern.

There’s no doubting the dome chair’s lasting appeal, and as you can see from the examples, it has a talent for being a chameleon or a showstopper, depending on your use of this boldly shaped furniture.

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