Is Cedar Furniture Good for Indoor Use As Well?

You’ve noticed the increased interest in and popularity of cedar patio furniture, and you’ve found that many of your friends and neighbors are investing in sets and really enjoying them.  You hear all the great features about the wood, and you’re wondering if you can use the same tactic indoors – redecorating with all cedar.  Will wood furniture fair as well indoors as it does for a patio setting?  In many cases, it will, but there are precautions to keep in mind in making such a choice.

First of all, know that not all wood is the same.  If you are looking at oak patio chairs, for example, you are going to find very different properties from cedar chairs.  Therefore, if you are considering cedar furniture for indoor use, you must only compare it to the cedar that you see on your neighbor’s porch or patio.  Cedar is a very durable, hard wood, and you can easily incorporate it into your home design.  The wood is also abundant throughout the United States, meaning no lack of supply for furniture manufacturing.  However, you may want to consider the consequences of decorating an entire room with this material.

Cedar is an aromatic wood, giving off a scent from naturally produced oils that are quite potent.  Many people have used the wood for hope chests and closet construction because it gives clothing a naturally pleasant aroma while also repelling moths, which like to eat clothes.  For patio sets, this is great – it keeps moths away that would typically attack the lighting around you, and it allows you to enjoy the aroma on the breeze.  However, it will carry the same scent indoors in a much tighter space without the great circulation of the outdoors.  Too much cedar may be overwhelming.

Also, for patio tables and small accent pieces, cedar is a great choice, and for couches and chairs that are upholstered, it can work nicely.  However, solid wood furniture does not exactly provide a comfortable seating arrangement for guests and should be kept to a minimum.  Try adding unique pieces to your living room and foyer, like antique rocking chairs.  These add character to a room and give you a conversation piece.  Especially attractive pieces such as glider rocking chairs can make a great addition to your living room, den, or entertainment room when constructed of solid cedar.