Good-looking furniture for storage and display

1 Elegant oak

‘In the UK, oak has a longstanding association with quality and durability, having been used to build our ships and to furnish discerning properties since the Middle Ages,' says Lisa Gould Sandall, Designer, Ercol. ‘From a modern design perspective the strength of oak allows us to achieve fine detailing, and its attractive grain and pale warm colour makes it a an ideal material for fresh, clean, light modern-country interiors.'

2 True craftsmanship

‘When this beautifully simple oak console was conceived, we envisaged a rustic finish but still with the fine engineering for which Neptune is known,' says John Sims-Hilditch, Co-Founder, Neptune. ‘Mortise and tenon joins were a must, as were dowel locks which we revealed so you can see them throughout the piece, which gives a real sense of authenticity. We think it has a lovely heirloom feel. It's a piece that you'll want to pass down through the generations.'

3 Country classic

‘This quintessential farmhouse console table is full of country charm,' says JamesBirtwhistle, Co-Founder, The Cotswold Company. ‘Its crisp ivory-painted finish is complemented beautifully by practical hand-woven wicker baskets which add extra storage to ensure all those annoying bits and pieces that otherwise clutter up your work surfaces can be stowed neatly away. It would be a brilliant, country-inspired addition to any hallway, adding warmth, texture and style.'

4 Distinguished finish

‘Developed by our in-house design team, this sideboard features a Carrara marble top and solid walnut handles,' says David Barrett, Buyer for Living & Dining, John Lewis. ‘Finished in a cool neutral tone from our Croft Collection colour palette, it is the perfect addition to any country dining room. The stylish and practical piece not only offers storage, but the beautiful marble top is ideal for displaying decorative pieces and prized possessions.'

Montrose sideboard, H87.5xW115xD47cm £999, Croft Collection, John Lewis.

5 Character piece

‘Distressed wooden furniture is effortlessly stylish and a brilliant way to add a variety of interesting textures to the home,' says Claire Hornby, Creative Stylist, Barker and Stonehouse. ‘The timber knots and worn edges of this collection ensure no two items are ever the same. I love the way these ‘imperfections' only add to the natural charm of each piece; there's something really special about owning furniture that has its own unique character.'

6 Mixed materials

‘This console not only looks smart but is great at keeping clutter at bay and for tidying away all those knick-knacks,' says Charlie Marshall, Founder, Loaf. ‘Its four drawers and two shelves work as a dumping ground for keys in the hallway or as handy living room storage. We've used solid reclaimed fir that has been recovered from old buildings in a hand-welded metal frame to give a nice rustic, lived-in lookwith an industrial edge. The weathered timber is hand-finished to make this modern piece feel really original with no two the same.'

7 Multiple choice

‘The key when selecting a sideboard or chest is to strike a balance between storage and display,' says Paul McLaughlin, Managing Director, Libra. ‘A versatile piece like this is perfect, as with plenty of drawer space and two pretty baskets to fill with essentials, it has room to stow clutter and showcase stylish accessories on top. In a soft white finish, this hardworking piece will work with any number of décor schemes.'

For more inspiring home improvement ideas visit the Country Homes & Interiors home page.