Why Mahogany? Amazing Grain, Luminous Color
Mahogany's Character and Warmth Shines Indoors and Out
Few hardwoods offer Mahogany's consistent color, interesting grain pattern or ability to hold a stain and polish. In its natural state mahogany has a brownish, ruddy hue that ages into a uniform color that's hard to describe without waxing poetic. I like to think of it as a fine port wine that has a pale yellow light streaming through it.
Mahogany often appears to have a faint light source inside of it. It doesn't of course, but mahogany's grain pattern absorbs and deflects ambient light, making it one of the most desirable woods in interior design. Take a look at these photos and you'll see why.
Mahogany often appears to have a faint light source inside of it. It doesn't of course, but mahogany's grain pattern absorbs and deflects ambient light, making it one of the most desirable woods in interior design. Take a look at these photos and you'll see why.
This wall, sheathed in natural mahogany planks, anchors this room without being heavy. Woods look best when there are a variety of wood species used in the same room.
All of the wood tones and grains work together when this is done properly. It's a terrific way for finishes to do double duty as adornments.
All of the wood tones and grains work together when this is done properly. It's a terrific way for finishes to do double duty as adornments.
Mahogany naturally resists rot, so it's a prized wood for boat decks and railings. It can also be used for the wood trim on the exterior of buildings, as this home shows perfectly.
This home's impact comes from the mahogany trim, sheathing and deck railing.
This home's impact comes from the mahogany trim, sheathing and deck railing.
As a wood that can be used outdoors, mahogany's an obvious choice for landscaping and architectural features.
Making privacy screens that are objects of interest and beauty is an art form, and this one succeeds admirably. The stacked timber appearance would work just as well indoors as it does outdoors.
Making privacy screens that are objects of interest and beauty is an art form, and this one succeeds admirably. The stacked timber appearance would work just as well indoors as it does outdoors.
Mahogany's been a prized wood used in furniture since Sir Walter Raleigh presented a mahogany table to Queen Elizabeth I in the late 1500s. It can be milled and carved beautifully and holds a high gloss finish better than any other hardwood used in furniture making.
Mahogany is native to the New World tropics but is now cultivated around the world. Its country of origin plays a large role in its quality, and the finest mahoganies still come from Honduras and Cuba.
Mahogany is native to the New World tropics but is now cultivated around the world. Its country of origin plays a large role in its quality, and the finest mahoganies still come from Honduras and Cuba.
Mahogany tends to have a consistent color and holds stains evenly.
A mahogany kitchen is an investment that will last a lifetime and will go on collecting compliments for years.
A mahogany kitchen is an investment that will last a lifetime and will go on collecting compliments for years.
Mahogany's rot resistance makes it a good choice for kitchen and bath counters.
Even when it's exposed to water, it will look great for a long time. The fact that mahogany's natural color deepens with time means this counter look better as it ages.
Even when it's exposed to water, it will look great for a long time. The fact that mahogany's natural color deepens with time means this counter look better as it ages.
Using a wood floor in a wet area like a bath can be a problem, but this mahogany floor can handle any insult this bathtub can dish out.
The Edwardian feel of this bath is made possible by the mahogany floor, trim and doors. They make the perfect backdrop for this dramatic pedestal tub.
The Edwardian feel of this bath is made possible by the mahogany floor, trim and doors. They make the perfect backdrop for this dramatic pedestal tub.
Mahogany makes for a beautiful floor even when there's no water in sight. Its use in this living room adds warmth and its sheen adds light.
Whether on the floor, on trim, on cabinetry, on doors, on wall, indoors or out — few woods can add the character and warmth mahogany does.
Related ideabook: The Wonder of Walnut: A Love Story
Whether on the floor, on trim, on cabinetry, on doors, on wall, indoors or out — few woods can add the character and warmth mahogany does.
Related ideabook: The Wonder of Walnut: A Love Story
If you look at the wall directly behind the plant you can make up the thread-like, vascular nature of mahogany's grain.