Bois brossé vs. bois patiné vs. sablé – textures and when to use each

Texture is the unsung hero of furniture. It invites touch, reveals age, and sets apart a mass-produced object from something artisanal. At River Wood Interiors, we often use bois brossé (brushed wood), bois patiné (patinated / aged wood), and bois sablé (sand-blasted / sanded texture). In this article, we’ll define each, show how they’re done, and guide when to choose which for your chalet furniture or interiors.

1. Defining the textures

• Bois brossé (brushed wood)
  A method using a wire brush or stiff bristle brush to remove the softer wood fibers, leaving the harder grain more prominent. This draws out contrast in the grain and gives tactile depth.

• Bois patiné (patinated / aged wood)
  A finish that mimics natural aging — oxidation, subtle gray tones, softened edges, and gentle wear. It can be natural (using time, light, micro-abrasion) or accelerated via chemical treatment or gentle distressing.

• Bois sablé (sand-blasted or lightly sanded texture)
  Using sandblasting or fine sandpaper to lightly etch the surface, providing a uniform matte texture. It gives a soft, even grain-on-grain feel, often used before final finishes to ensure good adhesion.

How each texture is created (in our atelier)

• Brushing process:
  We select brushes matched to the wood species and run them along the grain direction. Softer growth rings wash away; denser ones stay raised — creating natural relief. The depth is tuned per piece (light, medium, deep).

• Patina process:
  We may use mild oxidizers, tinted oils, or light abrasion to mute bright tones or simulate age. Sometimes we blend with waxes or micro-sanding to smooth while retaining character.

• Sanding / sablage:
  A light abrasives pass pre-brushing or pre-finishing ensures a uniform base texture. For sandblasting, very fine media is used to avoid over-etching.

• Overlap & blending:
  In many of our pieces, we combine techniques (e.g. brush + patina) to get depth and aged nuance.

When to use which texture (design decision guide)

• Statement vs. background: Use brushed on focal faces (fronts, table tops) and patina on surrounding elements for balance.

• Wear zones / daily contact: Use gentler patina or lightly brushed finishes in high-touch areas (bedside tables, drawer fronts) so texture doesn’t collect dirt.

• Lighting and contrast: In a space with strong natural light (chalets), brushed surfaces cast shadows and emphasize grain; patina tones softly under changing light.

• Color palette: Brushed enhances contrast; patina softens color transitions (good for blending with stone, textiles).

• Cost / process time: Brushing and patination are labor intensive; sanding is quicker. Use textured finishes where they make visible impact.

Technical considerations & finishing compatibility

• Adhesion & sealing: After brushing, grain valleys absorb finish differently — use penetrating oils first to equalize, then topcoat.

• Filling voids: Before patination or sanding, fill or stabilize checks / holes with tinted resin, blending with the wood.

• Protection: Brushed wood is more vulnerable to dust and wear — a protective topcoat (hard wax, UV-sealing lacquer) is essential.

• Blend transitions: For mixed-material furniture (melamine, veneer edges), gently chamfer transitions to avoid harsh texture lines.

Case examples & aesthetic direction

• A River table top in walnut may be deep brushed on the slab faces, while side aprons receive a light patina to soften transitions.

• In bedroom furniture suites, drawers and bedside surfaces might carry subtle patina, with brushed detailing used on the edges or handles to elevate contrast.

• In ski rooms, benches and rails can adopt a more robust brushed finish for durability, with patinated accents for harmony.

Why this matters at River Wood Interiors

We believe texture is part of the story. Each board’s grain, each slab’s contour, and each finish choice speak to the mountain, to time, and to human hands. When Paul finishes a piece with brushed grain exposed, then gently patinated to calm tone, he reveals both character and refinement. Your furniture isn’t just seen — it’s felt.