Ebony wood has long been prized for its rich, dark color and smooth texture. However, ebony furniture and accessories often come with premium price tags that put them out of reach for many consumers. Thankfully, there are ways to get the elegant ebony look without spending a fortune.
Finding Quality Ebony-Style Furniture for Less
While solid ebony pieces are rare and costly, you can find more affordable ebony-style furniture made from wood veneers, laminates, or wood stain over less expensive woods. The key is knowing where to look:
- Check furniture warehouse stores – Retailers like IKEA, Costco, and Rooms To Go sell contemporary ebony-style desks, bookcases, beds and more at discount prices.
- Try online specialty stores – Wayfair, Overstock, and Hayneedle have a decent selection of ebony furniture from various brands usually priced below high-end retailers.
- Search classified ads – Check Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and OfferUp for quality used ebony furniture in your area. With some hunting, you can find great deals on pre-owned pieces.
- Look for sales – Department stores and furniture chains will sometimes discount ebony desks, coffee tables, headboards, etc. Time your purchase right and you can save substantially.
The key is being patient – good deals on ebony furniture pop up frequently if you make it a habit to browse classified ads and look for sales.
Finding Quality Ebony Home Décor for Less
Ebony-inspired home accents like vases, trays, bowls, and figurines can add a touch of dramatic elegance. But again, solid ebony pieces can be prohibitively expensive. Some tips for finding affordable options:
- Check home goods stores – Retailers like HomeGoods, Tuesday Morning, and Ross have surprisingly good selections of ebony décor and accessories at reasonable prices.
- Look for resin and wood composite – Items made from resin, wood composites, or wood sheets laminated with ebony edge banding can mimic the ebony look at a fraction of the cost.
- Search Etsy – The handmade marketplace has ebony-inspired home goods like candle holders, bookends, boxes, and jewelry organizers, often for under $50.
- Find vintage pieces – Scour thrift stores, antique shops, and online vintage retailers to discover classic ebony designs, like art deco figurines, at bargain prices.
With some persistence, you can curate a stylishly elegant ebony-accented home without emptying your wallet. From sleek minimalist coffee tables to dainty hand-carved figurines, the options for ebony style on a budget abound.
Enjoying the Ebony Look Through Faux Finishes
An easy affordable way to get the dramatic ebony appearance is through faux finishes. There are several techniques you can try using paints and glazes to make inexpensive woods closely resemble ebony’s deep black color and smooth finish.
Ebony Staining
Applying ebony wood stain to lighter woods like pine is a straightforward faux finish option. Be sure to:
- Sand and prep the wood properly to aid stain absorption
- Apply a pre-stain conditioner for a more even tone
- Use a gel stain for better control and less blotchiness
- Apply thin coats, letting each dry before adding another
- Finish with a matte polyurethane for protection
With some practice on scrap wood, you can use staining to convincingly mimic ebony on projects like cabinets, furniture, trim, and more.
Paint and Glaze Technique
For a more dramatic ebony effect, you can try a paint and glaze finish. The steps include:
- Paint the wood black with a satin or matte paint
- Once dry, use a dark brown or black glaze over the paint
- While wet, wipe the glaze to leave color in recesses
- Seal with a matte varnish after drying
The contrast of black base and deep brown glaze mimics the look of natural ebony grain. This works great on molding, table legs, craft projects, and decorative boxes.
Ebony Liming
Liming creates a whitewashed driftwood appearance on wood after applying a lime-based solution. To create faux ebony:
- Brush wood with white liming agent and let soak in
- Wipe excess mixture off and allow to dry
- Apply black liming wax to create stark ebony contrast
- Buff off excess for smooth finish
With some testing, liming can create a beautifully weathered ebony look on small furniture, shelving, and other wood objects.
The right faux finishing technique can offer the elegant style of ebony at a fraction of the cost. With some clever techniques and inexpensive paints and stains, it’s easy to get the dramatic ebony look you love.
Maintaining and Protecting Ebony Pieces
Once you’ve found quality ebony-style furniture and decor items for your home, you’ll want to care for them properly to maintain their beauty. Here are some useful care tips:
- Dust regularly with a soft cloth to prevent buildup in intricate carvings
- Use coasters and table pads to prevent stains and scratches
- Apply beeswax polish periodically to enhance the wood’s shine
- Avoid harsh cleaners or abrasives that can damage the finish
- Keep pieces out of direct sunlight to prevent fading
- Consider waterproofing outdoor ebony furniture annually
- Repair scratches and finish flaws quickly to avoid further damage
With regular gentle cleaning and polishing, your ebony furniture and accessories will retain their rich, lustrous appearance for years of enjoyment. Take steps to protect delicate carvings and finishes from wear, and your ebony pieces can become treasured heirlooms.
Achieving Ebony Elegance Affordably
The striking bold hue of ebony wood imparts sophistication and visual drama to any space. But you don’t have to overspend to incorporate ebony’s iconic high style into your home. With smart sourcing of quality ebony-inspired furniture and décor along with creative faux finishing techniques, you can achieve the coveted look of ebony for a whole lot less. Keep your finds looking their best with proper care and maintenance, and you can enjoy affordable ebony elegance for years to come.
