There is a school of thought amongst consumers that solid oak furniture offers less in the way of style than furniture made of the lighter woods available. It's an idea that is based on the notion that solid wood is thick, hard and heavy, like slabs, and are fixed together to make weighty chests of drawers, immovable wardrobes and coffee tables that require almost the whole family to lift. This, of course, is not true.

It is true that solid furniture is generally heavier than something like solid pine, which is somewhat less weighty than its oak counterpart. Solid wood is less susceptible to damage from the elements, with most needing only to be treated from time to time to protect it from damp or heat. Furniture that is not solid can see its veneer covering lift as dampness gets underneath, while cracking and warping from heat are also types of damage that can destroy the look of the piece. Of course, chipping is always possible in both solid and veneer furniture, but in solid furniture the same wood is exposed, making simple repairs possible.

But it's not just about damage, it's also about the furniture styles and ranges that are available in solid oak. There is no shortage of quality solid oak ranges about, with Hereford Oak furniture collections a leader amongst the list that includes Aquarius Oak, Cambridge Oak, Lyon Oak and Vancouver Oak, amongst many. These ranges comprise a variety of furniture pieces that are distinctive because of the design, colour and finish each have. From oak wardrobes and oak dining tables to elaborately carved oak cabinets and oak kitchen units, these pieces can match the interior decor of any room or home.

Style is imperative for any product in a competitive industry, and the furniture industry is no different. In fact, the more charismatic the design, and more striking the visual effect of the furniture piece, the more likely it is to sell. That's why the variety of furniture designs is vast, and it is no less the fact for solid furniture with finishes and effects used to beautify the pieces.

Oak is an ideal wood when it comes to staining, with colours ranging from a refreshing harvest gold to a more earthy dark red hue. A rustic finish allows for the natural grain and knot structure of the solid piece to appear aged, giving the piece an almost vintage look. However, a more distressed look, such as those mimicking steel brushed or chipped surfaces, is also attractive as it lends a sense of worn legacy.

Such effects and designs are not limited to tables for the dining room or living room, but extend to all products to allow everyone to have the style they wish in any room in the home or office. Casual units, like bookcases, nests of tables, TV units and telephone and hall tables, range in size and finish. Even for the student or home office worker, desks are designed to suit their practical needs as well as the spatial restrictions of the room they are studying or working in.

Leading brand names, such as Hereford oak furniture, offer ranges that appeal to the complete spectrum of consumers, from those who like the contemporary styles to those who would rather the old-world, vintage affects. Even the minor details, like the type of handle on drawers or cabinet doors, are specifically tailored to complement the tones of the stained oak wood itself.

The stereotypical solid oak dining table, for example, can have a wide variety of shapes and sizes, from the square-cornered rectangular table to the oval model for four that extends to sit double that. The ability of extend in length might be a practical aspect of its design, but its style is never compromised, retaining the same finish seamlessly throughout.

It's a fact that solid does not have to mean boring. These examples show just how varied the design and appearance solid oak furniture can be. They are not cumbersome items to be avoided, or so bland that they fail to excite, but boast innovation and even elegance along with their reputation for durability and value.