Turned wood furniture spindles

Types of Turned Wood Furniture Spindles

Suppliers of spindles for furniture will probably offer buyers various types of turned wood furniture spindles. These types are determined by the furniture piece they belong to and the aesthetic value the owner wants to achieve.

• Chair Spindles

  Spindles are widely used to make chairs, especially those styled in the traditional way. You can find turned wood chair spindles on Windsor, rocking, and country-style chair models. Such spindles are designed to be sturdy near the weight-bearing zones. At the same time, they have enough decorative value to increase the chair's aesthetic appeal.

• Bannister Spindles

  Bannister spindles are an essential element of handrails and staircases. These spindles can be a source of nice accent details. However, they should still perform their duty of supporting the handrails. The bannister spindles are manufactured in various styles, ranging from straight ones to more complex twisted designs. They are suitable for traditional or contemporary interiors.

• Table Leg Spindles

  Some types of turned wood spindles for furniture can also be used as table legs. This means they are fixed at the bottom of the table or other lower furniture pieces. Such spindles have sturdy dimensions and are elaborately designed to become focal points within any room.

• Sofa Spindles

  Turned wood spindles used in sofas can be distinguished by their slim proportions and intricate designs. These details allow them to complement the wide cushions and bulky frames of sofas. They are often placed between the side arms and the main seating section or used as decorative elements on the back.

• Backrests and Dividers

  Similar to sofa spindles, backrest spindles are widely fitted into screens or room dividers. These spindles are also designed to be aesthetically appealing. However, they should still provide enough stability, considering their positioning within a freestanding structure and its height.

Designs of Turned Wood Furniture Spindles

The style of the turned furniture wood spindles mainly depends on the kind of furniture they are intended for and the design preferences of the end-user.

• Straight Design

  Straight designs are the most common type of turned furniture spindles. It makes the straight-turn furniture spindles ideal for every type of furniture. Its neutral nature makes it easier to incorporate these spindles into the existing home decor. Even though they are basic, variants might have small grooves or beadings that add a slight modification.

• Canna Design

  Canna designs are characterized by the alternations of thicker and slimmer sections on the spindle. This simple change brings visual interest and texture to the furniture piece. This style is quite popular in traditional or retro-styled interiors, where a more ornamental value is needed.

• Twisted Design

  As the name implies, twisted spindles have a twisting shape, which, to some degree, makes them comparable to helix. This form does not only serve as a functional element but also acts more like a sculptural accessory. Twisted wooden spindles are commonly applied in contemporary designs where more dynamics and movement are wanted.

• Ballooning Design

  Ballooning design spindles are produced by making the ends wider and narrowing the center. This design has striking characteristics, so it is frequently used as the main accent element in high-end decorated interiors. These spindles can be produced in various sizes and profiles, depending on what the client prefers.

• Dowel Design

  Dowel spindles are characterized by a simple cylindrical profile with no detailed cutting. They are well suited for furniture in a minimalist style. These spindles emphasize functionality and clean lines. Dowel designs are common in Scandinavian and modern industrial interiors.

Customization Options for Turned Wood Furniture Spindles

Buyers should understand the available customization options for turned wood spindles. As a rule, these spindles are manufactured and supplied in bulk. So, it is essential to understand how they can be customized to suit the needs of a certain buyer.

• Material

  Every wood type looks different and has different durability characteristics. Buyers can select the wood type based on the furniture's end use. For instance, hardwood like oak or maple will be better for pieces that are used often. Softwood is easier to work with and cheaper. That is why it is often used for decorative furniture.

• Finish

  The beauty of spindles can be showcased via their finish. Buyers can select between lacquer, stain, oil, or paint. Each offers a different texture and tone. Hence, clients will need to consult each other to decide which one is best based on the overall look they want for a certain furniture piece.

• Size and Proportions

  Spindles come in different sizes. Therefore, clients have the choice to customize their length, diameter, and proportions. This adjustment will allow the spindles to fit in areas of specified sizes and for specific furniture styles. For example, larger spindles create a monumental appearance and enhance the furniture piece's support. On the flip side, slimmer spindles are preferred for a delicate appeal.

• Turned Patterns

  Buyers can go for a simple spindle with basic turning or a complex one with beadings, flutes, or grooves. This largely depends on what style the customers prefer. More detailed turning patterns add to the furniture's ornamental value and help it stand out.

• Functional Modifications

  In some cases, spindles can also be modified to serve more functional purposes, such as increasing strength. Buyers can add reinforcing features such as tenons, dowels, or end caps. These adjustments are mainly done when the furniture is supposed to work in highly demanding environments.

How to Choose Turned Wood Furniture Spindles

When selecting the right spindles for their furniture, buyers need to consider some factors, including the furniture's style, function, and location.

• Compatibility with Other Materials

  Furniture usually uses different materials. Therefore, to get the best results, buyers need to select spindles that will match the other materials. Wood can be warm and natural, metal cold and industrial, and glass delicate, transparent, and modern. Each of these materials can influence what the spindle should look like. For instance, the wooden spindle will complement a wooden piece. On the other hand, for a metal frame furniture piece, a wooden spindle will provide contrast while penetrating the piece.

• Style

  Clients should pay close attention to the spindle design as it will determine the end result. Straight spindles are simpler and more functional. They are well suited to modern or minimalist interiors. The canna spindles are more complex. They add texture and patterns to the furniture, making them ideal for traditional or boho-styled designs. Spindles with twisting and ballooning designs are highly decorative. They can make the furniture a real masterpiece, especially in luxurious or vintage-themed interiors.

• Durability and Maintenance Requirements

  Buyers should take durability into consideration, too. As a rule, hardwoods like oak, maple, or cherry are harder and more durable than softwoods. These spindles are highly suitable for high-traffic areas, such as living rooms or hallways. They will also be perfect for outdoor furniture. On the flip side, softwood like pine is easier to turn. It will still work great for decorative enclosed items.

• Proportion and Scale

  The size of spindles as compared to the other elements of the furniture also matters. Large spindles will make the furniture weighier than it actually is. It will become a focal point in the room. On the flip side, small spindles will be more delicate and subtle. They will work great for minor furniture pieces.

• Finishing Options

  Buyers need to pay attention to the finish of the furniture spindle, too. Lacquer and varnish will create a glossy and protective film over the spindle. The spindle will look sleek and easy to wipe clean. Stains will soak into the wood, highlighting its natural grain while adding color. This option also has less of a protective quality. Oil finishes will penetrate the wood fibers, making it look natural and adding a low to matte sheen. This option often requires more maintenance. Paint is the most affordable and accessible way to add color. However, it can erode over time, exposing the wood beneath.

Q&A

What are some maintenance tips for spindle furniture taking?

Buyers should advise their clients to follow some dos and don'ts when maintaining their spindles.

• Dusting

  Clients should regularly dust the spindles to get rid of the accumulated particles. This will prevent the spindles from looking dull and faded. They should use a soft, dry cloth or microfiber wand to do it. This should be done daily, if possible. Do not use feather dusters because they can scratch the surface of the spindles.

• Avoiding Water

  Water can penetrate the wood and damage the inner layers. Therefore, they should avoid putting any water on the spindle at all costs. If the spindle gets wet, wipe it immediately with a dry, soft towel and ensure it has absorbed all the moisture before it goes back to using the furniture.

• Protecting from Direct Sunlight

  Exposing the spindles to indirect sunlight can cause discoloration over time. Clients should place the spindle furniture in an area that does not receive a lot of direct sunlight. If it is not possible, clients can use curtains or, better yet, UV-protective film to minimize the sunlight reaching the furniture.

• Using Proper Cleaning Products

  To clean spindle furniture, clients should use only products specifically designed for wood. These products do not have ammonia or bleach, as these chemicals can erode the polish and damage the wood. When cleaning, do not pour the product directly on the furniture. Pour it on a towel and use it to wipe the furniture to avoid soaking the wood with the product.

• Sanding

  Clients should sand the spindles regularly to keep them in good condition. Spindle sanding should be done using fine-grit sandpaper, around 200 to 300 grit. They should sand in the direction of the grain rather than in circles, as circular sanding can cause permanent damage to the wood. Also, don't apply too much pressure when sanding, as it can cause the paper to dig into the wood and create dents.

What are the benefits of customizing spindles?

Clients who want their spindle furniture to stand out from the crowd may choose to customize their spindles. Below are some benefits of customizing the spindles.

• DesignPotential

  Customization allows for a pretty high design potential. Buyers can select spindle designs that perfectly align with the overall furniture style. These designs range from simple canna shapes to complex twisted or ballooning forms. Therefore, the spindles will serve the functional purposes of supporting the furniture. At the same time, they will be decorative accents.

• Material Options

  Buyers can select the type of wood based on the furniture's end use. They will also have control over the type of wood that will be used. This will help them customize spindles that match the furniture's durability and visual appeal.

• Durability

  Customization comes with durability advantages as well. Buyers can reinforce or adapt spindles to meet specific functional needs. For example, more complex turning designs may feature added strength for decorative furniture used in low-traffic regions.

• Personalization

  One of the main benefits of customizing the turned wood spindles is the high level of personalization it offers. Selecting every detail allows for a truly unique and individualized outcome. This is especially valuable for consumers looking for distinctive pieces that reflect their personal style. Moreover, bespoke spindles can be tailored to fit specific themes or color schemes in a room. This allows them to harmonize perfectly with the surrounding decor.

• Trends and Innovations

  Market needs may dictate the customization trends. For instance, the rise of biophilic design has led to more requests for natural finishes and organic forms. Buyers can customize spindles to fit new trends or even create unique design opportunities.

What are some common mistakes people make when buying turned wood spindles?

Buyers should be aware of the mistakes their clients are likely to make when purchasing turned wood spindles.

• Ignoring Wood Quality

  Ended up choosing softwood spindles instead of hardwood ones. As much as softwood is easy to turn, it is less durable. So, it is not ideal for furniture that is constantly in use. On the other hand, hardwood is more difficult to turn. However, it is more durable and ideal for functional furniture pieces.

• Inconsistency with Design

  Sometimes, people buy spindles without considering their overall consistency with the furniture design. A rich, dark-stained spindle will not work well in a minimalist Scandinavian piece with a light wood finish. Moreover, buyers sometimes get so focused on the spindle design that they end up neglecting the wood type. A spindle can be intricate, but if the wood is too basic, it will still look basic.

• Overemphasis on Trends

  This is also a common mistake people make when purchasing turned furniture wood spindles. People often purchase spindles in some designs that are currently trending but might not suit their space. For instance, twisted spindles may be all the hype now, but if the client is more of a minimalist person, these spindles would be overwhelming. Instead, clients should purchase spindles that are more in line with their style and preferlooks, regardless of the trend.

• Neglecting Finish

  The finish of the spindle can hugely impact its overall appearance and longevity. Some people focus on the turn design and completely forget to pay attention to the finish. A spindle with a poor-quality finish will look bad and get damaged sooner rather than later. On the other hand, a well-finished spindle will look elegant and be better protected.

• Forgetting About Maintenance

  People may also ignore the maintenance requirements of the finishes or the wood itself. Every wood type has a certain maintenance requirement. So, people forget these requirements, which end up damaging the spindles. Moreover, some finishes require more maintenance than others. For instance, oil-finished spindles need more care than painted ones.