Solid Mahogany Furniture Facts

The Wood

• Mahogany comes from a large tree native to the rain forests of Latin America. The tree grows up to 150 feet in height, and its trunk can reach a diameter of 6 feet. The wood varies in color from yellowish to pink, and it ages to a deep red color. The wood is hard but easily worked and carved, and it holds nails and screws well. Mahogany can be polished to a high luster, and it often is often marked with attractive natural figures and patterns. All of these characteristics have made mahogany highly prized for furniture construction for centuries.

History

• Mahogany became a popular furniture wood around the middle of the 18th century, replacing walnut as the most common wood used for fine furniture. At the beginning of the period during which mahogany was most popular, furniture fashion took a turn toward less ornamentation, but mahogany's suitability for carving encouraged furniture makers to add carved decoration to their pieces. The cabriole leg, a gracefully curved support for furniture, was developed during this period, and by the end of the century, cabriole legs often were carved with beastly claw or paw details.

Cost

• Antique mahogany furniture, often made from a species called Swietenia mahagoni, is highly sought after and quite expensive. The wood is extremely rich and lustrous, as well as durable. The popularity of mahogany furniture in the 18th century exhausted the supply of Swietenia mahagoni, and modern mahogany furniture is made from Swietenia macrophylla, a related species that is similar in appearance but somewhat less attractive and durable. These modern mahogany furniture pieces are considerably less expensive than antique mahogany pieces.

Care

• Like all fine wood furniture, mahogany furniture should be protected from exposure to sunlight, heat, dirt and water. Dust furniture with a dry cloth, and clean up spills with a slightly damp cloth. Avoid using lemon oil polishes that contain kerosene; use aerosol polishes instead. High-quality furniture wax applied every six months will protect the furniture's shine and finish. Mahogany is susceptible to stains from water and condensation, so always use a coaster under glasses and dishes.