Luna
Walnut Nesting Tables (set of 2)
$780
from $65/mo
Material Guide
Walnut Furniture
Walnut has been the cabinetmaker's luxury hardwood since the seventeenth century, and the mid-century made it a signature: American black walnut's chocolate depth, straight grain and workability suited the tapered, thin-profile furniture of the period exactly.
Origins & Types of Walnut
American black walnut is the darkest and most consistent; European walnut is lighter and more figured. Crotch, burl and figured cuts are reserved for veneers because the grain is too unstable for structural use. Steamed walnut is more uniform in tone; air-dried walnut keeps the purple and honey variation prized in bespoke work.
How to Style Walnut
Walnut is a warm, dark anchor. It flatters brass and bronze, cream plaster, camel leather and deep green, and it gives pale rooms the weight they often lack. Because it is visually heavy, use it for one or two substantial pieces rather than a matched suite.
Walnut Care & Maintenance
Walnut lightens with UV exposure rather than darkening, so keep it out of direct sun and rotate objects on the surface. Oiled walnut re-oils easily; hard-wax finishes are more spill-resistant. Wipe with a barely damp cloth, dry immediately, and never use silicone polish.
Shop Walnut
Walnut Questions
- Does walnut fade?
- Yes — unlike most hardwoods it lightens in sunlight, so consistent light exposure matters.
- Is walnut hard enough for a dining table?
- Comfortably, though it dents more readily than oak. A hard-wax oil finish helps.
- How do I keep walnut from looking dull?
- Re-oil annually and avoid silicone-based sprays, which build up a hazy film.
- Why is walnut expensive?
- Slow growth, limited supply and high demand for wide, clear boards.
- What pairs well with walnut?
- Brass, cream boucle, honed marble and deep green or ochre textiles.