Choosing the timber for a bespoke commission is one of the earliest and most consequential decisions in the design process. The timber sets the tone of the entire piece, its colour, its grain and the way it interacts with the light, architecture and furnishings of the room it will inhabit.

At Bruno Boulay's material library, four timbers form the core of the collection: American Black Walnut, European Oak, Smoked Oak and Fumed Oak. Each has its own character, and none is objectively better than another. The right timber depends on the room and the commission.

American Black Walnut

American Black Walnut is the signature timber of the workshop. Its deep chocolate tones and fine, figured grain create a warmth that deepens with handling and age. Walnut sits comfortably in both panelled country houses and warm contemporary interiors, and it pairs naturally with antique brass and burgundy or olive cloth.

For those considering bespoke pool tables, walnut offers a richness that anchors a room without overwhelming it. Read more about its character in our guide to why American Black Walnut is an exceptional timber for luxury furniture.

European Oak

European Oak is paler and more open-grained than walnut, with a character that reads as well in restrained contemporary interiors as in traditional ones. Its tone sits comfortably alongside painted furniture and lighter floors, and it accepts finishes from natural through limed to bleached.

Oak is often the right answer where the room calls for character without darkness, pairing well with bronze, leather, slate or silver cloth.

Smoked Oak

Smoked Oak is produced through a process that deepens the timber's tone while preserving its natural grain. The result is a rich, smoky warmth that suits contemporary interiors particularly well, offering depth without the darkness of walnut.

Smoked Oak pairs effectively with cooler cloth colourways and more restrained metal finishes, making it a strong choice for modern interiors where a mid-tone timber is wanted.

Fumed Oak

Fumed Oak is treated to develop a deeper, more consistent tone throughout the timber. It carries a muted, aged quality that sits naturally in period properties and heritage interiors, complementing traditional architecture and darker, more saturated cloth colours.

How to Choose

The right timber depends on several factors:

  • The natural and artificial light in the room
  • The architecture and period of the property
  • The colour of existing furniture, flooring and fabrics
  • The finish to be applied to the timber
  • The cloth and metal finishes that will accompany it

Rather than choosing in the abstract, timber is selected against samples of the interior. Boards and finishes are presented alongside samples of flooring, fabrics and paint, so the decision is made in context.

For a full comparison of the materials available across the collection, explore the material library, or learn more about the craftsmanship behind every commission.