Bookmatching: The Art of Mirrored Wood Surfaces
Bookmatching is the process of matching two or more pieces of wood surfaces so that the adjoining wood surfaces mirror each other perfectly – making it look like an open book. It adds significant visual interest to a project and has always been considered a hallmark of fine craftsmanship.
The Importance of Stock Selection in Bookmatching: One of the keys to crafting visually pleasing bookmatched surfaces is our careful stock selection of rosewood. We handpick rosewood with rich color variations, a knot, or a vibrant display of grains so that when mirrored, a majestic pattern forms - much as the wings of a butterfly.
The Process of Creating Bookmatched Surfaces: Next, we cut a solid block of wood into slabs – kind of like cutting up a loaf of bread into slices. Once cut, we number the slabs systematically. The first slab is polished in a block on one side while we polish it next to it on the other side. When we lay out the slabs this way in an end-to-end style, the entire pattern continues from one slab to the next with no break between each other. And this is how we get that beautiful mirror image effect.
The Labor-Intensive Nature of Bookmatching: All bookmatched furniture pieces are priced at a premium because the manufacturing process is highly labor-intensive, time-consuming, and even wasteful. We selectively apply bookmatching to only a relatively small quantity of furniture to completely transform it - such as a tabletop or console front panel.
Limited Availability of Bookmatched Furniture: Due to the labor-intensive nature of bookmatching, it is only offered on a limited number of furniture pieces. If you're looking for a truly one-of-a-kind piece with stunning visual interest, consider opting for a bookmatched surface at Boston Mills.
The History of Bookmatching: The art of bookmatching has been around for centuries, with examples dating back to ancient Egypt and Greece. In the past, it was often used to create intricate and elaborate designs on ornate pieces of furniture, such as cabinets and chests. During the Renaissance, bookmatching became increasingly popular as a way to showcase the natural beauty of wood and highlight the craftsmanship of the furniture maker. It was often used on the fronts of cabinets, dressers, and other pieces of furniture to create a stunning visual effect. Today, bookmatching is still considered a hallmark of fine craftsmanship and is often used to add visual interest to high-end furniture pieces. It requires a high level of skill and attention to detail, and is typically reserved for only the most special and unique furniture pieces.
By using these specialized woods and techniques, our furniture at Boston Mills truly stands out and adds an extra level of detail and beauty to each piece.