When did good furniture loose its edge ? Let's blame the advent of electric light . Furniture is practically and philosophically different if it is designed , made , and used in organic light . Natural raking daylight pops wood figure and color while candle or lamplight not only affects the appearance of woodwork , softening marks of merciless wear and deepening shadow lines , but also the feel of furniture . Firelight lends woodwork an indescribable warmth and tactile magnetism . By contrast , over-lit rooms erase all shadow lines , washout subtle wood tones , and highlight the tinniest scratches . Traditional woodworkers knew the conditions they were designing for and the contextual excellence of their work is obvious . Natural light complemented and emphasized their lines , and the natural wood colors and organic finishes available to them . Likewise , contemporary design is a function of contemporary conditions . Blinding Technicolor wattage forces us (woodworkers) to simultaneously contrive visual interest and hide distractions . Elaborate lines , figured woods , exotic woods , flashy joinery , dyes , and synthetic scratch resistant finishes are all common elements of modern plastic fine woodworking . Obviously furniture design evolves for many reasons and I believe light is a key , if overlooked , element .
