Wood-scented materials are like the brushstrokes of nature, painting a poetic symphony in the fragrance of wood. From trees, bark, roots, to soil, each element is a natural canvas, combining to create the unique charm of woody notes. Woody scents often evoke a sense of security, comfort, and warmth. The scent of wood arises from its volatile organic compounds, which are usually found in the resin, bark, heartwood, and sapwood. These aromatic compounds are released over time and with changes in temperature, and the fragrance varies depending on the tree species, geographical location, and the age of the wood.
When choosing furniture, the pure and unique aroma of solid wood always brings a moment of peace and ease after a busy day when you come home. Which wood smells the best? Each type of wood has its own unique scent, whether strong or subtle, and always has its admirers!
Woods with natural fragrances:
• Hinoki (Japanese Cypress)
It has a rich, layered woody aroma that transports you to a small cabin in the mountains, far from the hustle and bustle, making your mind relax. It's a scent that’s very suitable for meditation, allowing you to experience a sense of emptiness and tranquility. The sapwood is light white, while the heartwood is light yellow or light red.
• Port Orford Cedar (POC)
In this magical forest, the scent of cypress wood gently diffuses, exuding a delicate, lemony woody fragrance. This natural aroma reminds one of the refreshing essence of mountains, rivers, and seas. The wood has straight, fine grain, similar to Taiwanese cypress, with a light yellow-brown color.
• Western Red Cedar (WRC)
It has a bright and strong unique woody scent, with an aromatic and spicy fragrance that invigorates the senses like a fresh mountain breeze, dispelling fatigue. As the fragrance drifts, it feels as though a mist is rising from the valley, transforming into a serene mountain landscape, bringing a peaceful and quiet natural atmosphere. The sapwood is narrow and nearly white, while the heartwood ranges from dark reddish-brown to light yellow.
How to make the wood fragrance last longer?
• Cleaning and maintenance
Keeping the surface of wooden furniture clean helps maintain its fragrance. Use a clean, dry cloth to gently wipe the surface to remove dust and dirt. (The wood's fragrance is often stored in its capillaries, and if these pores are clogged or sealed, the scent may fade or fail to emit.)
• Air circulation
Avoid placing wood in humid and enclosed environments to preserve its fragrance.
• Avoid direct sunlight
Prolonged exposure to sunlight can not only fade the wood grain but also damage the texture of the wood.
• Consider the environment's temperature
Place wooden furniture in a dry, cool environment. Woody notes are like nature's whispers, revealing the resilience of life, the tranquility of nature, and the steadiness of the earth, making it an art of living, a cultural aesthetic. It feels as if you are in a leisurely forest, enjoying the fragrance of the woods, with every moment infused with a sense of peace, allowing you to feel the presence of nature.