Hi All, I am slowly graduating into more complex furniture projects. Most of my previous ones have been paint-grade small tables, or outdoor furniture that I wasn't as fussy about the wood/stain design on. My upcoming project is to build a bedroom furniture set. Kind Bed, 2 night stands, two chest of drawers. First up is the bed. I have some preliminary designs mocked up for the bed, which has 6x6 square posts and some basic panels to finish out the headboard and footboard. I have attached a picture of an example for what the bed might look like. Not the exact design, nor the exact color (she wants it a touch more gray than this), but something as a reference at this point.
Where I need some help is selection of the type of wood that will look good stained or dyed a medium gray. I would like something that I can buy matching plywood to help build the panels and other furniture, but won't clash with the hardwood lumber used throughout the build. My wife is requesting the gray color, and I believe that she prefers cleaner grains as opposed to something highly figured. I think the color is more important that the grain configuration though. So I am looking for a wood species that takes stain or dye reasonably well, would look good in a gray finish, and has a complimentary plywood or veneer available. I have hardwood lumber shops locally that offer a pretty wide variety, and was hoping to pick a few cutoffs from them tomorrow, and a few different stain options to mix and match what might look good together.
I'd also appreciate any insight or suggestions on types of finish that folks have had good success with relative to gray. Should I look at a gel stain, oil stain, dye?
Looking forward to any help you might be able to offer. Thanks!
Bedroom Set Picture.jpg