Incorporating marquetry in your bespoke furniture commission

Marquetry is the art of covering the surface of a piece of furniture with pieces of veneer to form a decorative pattern or picture.

The technique can also be used to decorate small items with a smooth surface such as wooden jewellery boxes, coasters or place mats. It is often considered the highest art form in wood. The early use of wood veneers for decorative purposes dates back to ancient Egypt where the Pharaohs incorporated thinly sliced sections of contrasting woods and semi precious materials assembled in geometric patterns into chests and chairs.

Decorative veneers for furniture are usually cut from hardwood trees, an increasing amount of which is becoming available from renewable sources, or timber farms. Examples include teak and Indian rosewood. However, other materials can also be used in marquetry including mother of pearl, brass or fine metals.

In its simplest form, marquetry uses just two sheets of veneer, which are temporarily glued together and cut with a fine saw, producing two contrasting panels of identical design.

The inclusion of an individual design or picture in the marquetry is a way to ensure that your furniture commission is truly bespoke. Some companies may consider commissioning special gifts for customers incorporating their logo.