Coastal North Carolina has a style all its own—relaxed yet refined, breezy yet grounded. Whether you’re decorating a beach cottage in Wilmington or furnishing a modern home Wrightsville Beach, choosing the right wood for your furniture can make all the difference in creating that perfect coastal vibe.
Here are five of the best woods we recommend for furniture that not only looks beautiful but also complements the coastal lifestyle.
Ambrosia maple is a standout choice for coastal homes. This wood features striking streaks and natural color variations caused by the ambrosia beetle, giving each piece a one-of-a-kind look. Finished naturally, ambrosia maple lends itself beautifully to coastal modern interiors—light, organic, and subtly artistic.
It’s perfect for statement pieces like dining tables or coffee tables, where the wood can really shine.
Spalted maple shares a similar light tone with ambrosia but features dramatic black lines and patterns created by natural fungi in the wood. When finished properly, it can look almost like a watercolor painting—soft and flowing, yet full of visual interest.
In a coastal setting, it pairs well with minimal, modern decor and neutral tones, creating pieces that feel both relaxed and refined.
If you’re looking to elevate your space with a sense of richness and sophistication, walnut is your go-to. Its deep, chocolatey tones and fine grain bring warmth and luxury to coastal interiors without feeling heavy.
Use walnut for accent pieces like dining tables, sideboards, console tables, or bed frames to create a balanced contrast with light walls and natural textures like linen or seagrass. Pairing solid walnut chairs with a walnut table creates a stunning heirloom dining set!
This approach works wonderfully for large furniture pieces like dining tables or bedroom sets, offering a clean, coastal feel that still feels polished and intentional.
White oak is a powerhouse wood that adapts well to a variety of coastal design styles. For a mid-century modern vibe, quarter-sawn or rift-sawn white oak offers clean lines and subtle texture. Prefer something more relaxed? Flat-sawn white oak is perfect for a coastal farmhouse look, with its wider grain patterns and warm undertones.
No matter the cut, white oak finishes beautifully and wears well, making it a durable and stylish choice for everything from dining tables to cabinetry.
Coastal furniture should feel effortless and enduring—just like life by the water. The right wood not only enhances the beauty of your space but also reflects your lifestyle and personal taste.
At Luke's Furniture Company, we specialize in handcrafted furniture made from thoughtfully selected woods, tailored to fit the aesthetic and environment of coastal North Carolina. Whether you’re dreaming of a natural maple dining table or a custom walnut console, we’re here to bring your vision to life—one heirloom-quality piece at a time.
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