Colours of the Rainbow – Brown Furniture Reimagined

Had the nursery rhyme I Can Sing a Rainbow included brown, it might not have been so catchy. Red and yellow and pink and… brown doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue.

Yet brown furniture, long overlooked, is quietly making a comeback.

Evolution Through History

“Brown furniture doesn’t follow fashion—it sits above it.”

Brown furniture has long been dismissed as heavy, outdated, and unfashionable. In today’s world of sleek online trends, its resurgence might seem improbable—like a Glastonbury crowd chanting “Oh, Jeremy Corbyn” to the tune of Seven Nation Army. And yet, it’s happening.

Furniture, like art or architecture, evolves—but it’s too often lumped under the generic label brown. A sixteenth-century oak dining table can sit in the same category as a Georgian piece, despite centuries of difference.

Shifts in Taste and Use

The twentieth century changed everything. Mass production, cheaper prices, and modern shipping made furniture more accessible, while companies like Ikea, G-Plan, and UniFlex popularised sleek, modern designs.

Furniture moved from being a permanent investment to a style statement—something you could swap out as trends changed. Brown furniture, timeless and understated, often sits above these passing fashions.

Brown Is a Colour

“Not all browns are created equal—wood offers a spectrum richer than you’d think.”

The biggest misconception about brown furniture? That it all looks the same. Wood offers a huge palette—deep reds, golden yellows, rich chocolates, and lighter honeyed shades. The natural grain can be stunning, enhanced with careful staining.

Historically, brown dominated because colourful pigments were expensive. Bright blues, reds, and greens were reserved for fabrics, walls, or high-end decorative work, while brown wood was practical, elegant, and versatile.

Recolouring Tradition

“Furniture once destined for the skip can now live on, blending classic craftsmanship with contemporary flair.”

Modern techniques allow us to rethink brown furniture. Strip back old finishes, apply water-based stains, and seal traditionally. The result? Pieces that respect their history while feeling fresh, contemporary, and ready for a new life.

Quick Tip – Reviving Brown Furniture

1. Strip old finishes to reveal the natural wood tone.
2. Experiment with modern water-based stains.
3. Finish traditionally for authenticity.
4. Result: fresh, colourful, and characterful.

A New Dawn

Happily, brown furniture is back in style. And while it often works best in its natural shades, a touch of colour from the rainbow can breathe new life into these enduring classics.

Did You Know?

• Flatpack furniture revolutionised access and style in the 20th century.
• Mass-produced modernist pieces were often painstakingly handmade originally.
• Brown furniture is quietly making a comeback—timeless, versatile, and surprisingly stylish.