{"title":"All Finish Samples","description":"\u003ch1\u003eWood Finish Samples for Every Species We Build In\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur \u003cstrong\u003ewood finish samples\u003c\/strong\u003e let you see each James \u0026amp; James stain on the actual hardwood it is applied to, in your own light, before you order a made-to-order piece. The collection includes 11 samples across oak, knotty alder, white oak and black walnut.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhich wood finish should I choose?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLight and bright:\u003c\/strong\u003e Oat on Oak, Harvest Wheat on Alder, Satin on White Oak.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWarm mid-tones:\u003c\/strong\u003e Almond on Oak, Tobacco on Alder.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBalanced and versatile:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sable on Oak.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDeep and grounding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Espresso on Oak, Charred Ember on Alder, Satin on Black Walnut.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStart with the room. Bright, airy spaces often welcome a light finish like Almond, which brings out oak's warmth, while a darker floor or a moody palette may call for Charred Ember, a near-black brown that anchors a space. Hazel on White Oak and Sandstone on White Oak round out the set for white oak designs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are torn between two neighbors on the scale, such as Almond and Sable, order both. The difference between a fresh, light brown and a balanced medium brown is easier to judge on your own table than on a screen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow the Samples Are Made\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReal wood:\u003c\/strong\u003e each sample is the species named in its title.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSame process:\u003c\/strong\u003e hand-applied stain sealed with a polyurethane topcoat.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNatural variation:\u003c\/strong\u003e grain, knots and color differ from board to board.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA finish behaves differently on alder than on oak, which is why every sample names both the stain and the species. Expect your furniture to match the sample's tone while showing its own grain, since no two boards of solid wood are the same.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGetting the Most From Your Samples\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMorning and evening:\u003c\/strong\u003e view samples in daylight and under lamps.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAgainst the floor:\u003c\/strong\u003e set them on your flooring and beside cabinetry.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCheck availability:\u003c\/strong\u003e the species offered varies by design.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLive with your samples for a few days before deciding. A tone that looks warm on a sunny afternoon can read deeper at night, and seeing that shift is the reason to order a physical sample. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/finish-color-guide\"\u003efinish color guide\u003c\/a\u003e shows how each stain compares across species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eChoose a Finish Made for Life\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNext step:\u003c\/strong\u003e select your finish on any product page.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNeed a second opinion:\u003c\/strong\u003e book a free 30-minute design consultation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrefer a shortcut? Browse furniture already grouped by tone in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/light-natural\"\u003eLight \u0026amp; Natural\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/rich-moody\"\u003eRich \u0026amp; Moody\u003c\/a\u003e, then order the samples that match your short list.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"stain-sample","title":"Charred Ember on Alder Sample","description":"\u003ch3\u003eVisualize Your Custom Furniture with Confidence\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eChoosing the right finish for your home is a deeply personal decision. The way natural light filters through your windows, the color of your walls, and the texture of your rugs all influence how a piece of furniture feels in your space. Our Charred Ember on Alder sample allows you to bring this striking finish directly into your home, helping you make an intentional choice for your next gathering piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCharred Ember on solid alder is a rich, dark finish designed to highlight the natural character of the wood. It features a deep, smoky hue with subtle undertones of warm brown and black, creating a beautiful charred effect. Alder wood is known for its smooth, fine grain, and this finish accentuates those natural patterns rather than hiding them, offering a balanced look that feels both grounded and refined.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhether you are planning a dining room with bold contrast or looking to add depth to a warm, rustic living space, this sample helps you design with certainty. We recommend placing the sample in different areas of your room throughout the day to see how the morning sun and evening lamplight bring out the subtle undertones of the wood.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt James \u0026amp; James, we build furniture to be lived in and gathered around for years to come. Ordering a physical wood sample is the first step to ensuring that the custom piece we handcraft for your family fits seamlessly into your home and your daily routines.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"James \u0026 James","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46147821764832,"sku":null,"price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0264\/9636\/8699\/files\/b2d5ab4a-40c5-4e0d-a0fb-cbe5ec23969f_0fc4c173-b3ff-4444-a823-075b83bbe689.jpg?v=1740949893"},{"product_id":"stain-sample-alder-tobacoo","title":"Tobacco on Alder Sample","description":"\u003cp\u003eChoosing the right finish for your custom furniture is an intentional process. Our Tobacco on Alder Wood Sample allows you to bring a piece of our workshop into your home, helping you visualize how this warm, inviting tone complements your space, lighting, and existing decor before placing your order.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eA Warm, Versatile Finish\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eTobacco on Alder is a thoughtful, medium-brown finish designed to highlight the natural character of solid alder wood. With its rich, earthy undertones and subtle depth, this finish accentuates the unique grain patterns inherent in every piece of timber. It is a versatile choice that feels equally at home in a classic, rustic, or contemporary setting, bringing a sense of grounded warmth to your dining room, living room, or workspace.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhy Order a Sample?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eWood is a natural material, and its appearance can shift beautifully depending on the time of day and the lighting in your room. By holding this physical sample in your hands, you can observe how the medium-brown tones interact with both natural sunlight and evening lamplight, compare the finish directly against your flooring, cabinetry, and wall colors, and feel the smooth texture and quality of our solid alder wood firsthand.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEach sample is crafted from the same solid alder we use to build our handmade tables, benches, and storage pieces, ensuring an accurate representation of the final product. Take the time to live with the color for a few days, placing it in different areas of your room, so you can make your choice with complete confidence.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"James \u0026 James","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46147821961440,"sku":null,"price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0264\/9636\/8699\/files\/29466794-dbd8-4278-aa63-c10523797a44_ab5e71b0-c781-4beb-989e-407901f3d430.jpg?v=1740949917"},{"product_id":"stain-sample-white-oak-satin","title":"Satin on White Oak Sample","description":"\u003ch3\u003eBring the Warmth of White Oak Into Your Space\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eChoosing the right finish for your handcrafted furniture is a deeply personal decision. Our Satin on White Oak sample allows you to experience the texture, warmth, and character of solid white oak in the comfort of your own home before making your selection.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis finish is designed to let the natural beauty of the wood speak for itself. With no added stain, the Satin finish highlights the organic grain patterns, warm golden hues, and subtle character variations inherent to solid white oak. A smooth, low-sheen satin coat is applied to protect the wood while providing a soft, natural glow that doesn't distract from the wood's authentic character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eTesting in Your Home's Unique Light\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eWood is a natural material, and its appearance can shift throughout the day. We highly recommend placing this sample in the room where your custom furniture will live. Observe how the golden tones and satin sheen respond to your morning light, afternoon sun, and evening lamplight. This simple step ensures that the final, handcrafted piece we build for you feels entirely at home in your space.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Solid White Oak\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Satin (natural, no added stain)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSheen:\u003c\/strong\u003e Low-sheen, smooth satin\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery piece of furniture we make is built to order, designed to be gathered around, and crafted to last for generations. Starting with a physical sample is the best way to begin your journey toward a custom piece you will cherish for years to come.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"James \u0026 James","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46147822190816,"sku":null,"price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0264\/9636\/8699\/files\/7e0b68fd-0fd1-4b83-9322-4cf251f8f879_42077092-1c53-4be5-a536-d6a2adc0642d.jpg?v=1740949926"},{"product_id":"stain-sample-alder-harvest-wheat","title":"Harvest Wheat on Alder Sample","description":"\u003ch3\u003eBring the Warmth of Harvest Wheat Into Your Home\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eChoosing the right finish for your custom furniture is an intentional process. Lighting, wall colors, and existing decor all play a role in how a wood tone behaves in your space. Ordering a physical wood sample allows you to see and feel the material in your own home before we begin handcrafting your heirloom piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOur Harvest Wheat on Alder finish is a light, honey-toned stain designed to celebrate the natural character of solid alder wood. It features a beautiful balance of golden hues and occasional weathered accents, often revealing subtle gray undertones that vary naturally with the wood's unique grain. This versatile finish brings a quiet warmth and depth, making it equally suited for modern spaces and classic, rustic homes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhy Order a Wood Sample?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTrue-to-Life Color:\u003c\/strong\u003e See how the golden tones and subtle gray undertones shift throughout the day in your home's natural light.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTactile Experience:\u003c\/strong\u003e Feel the smooth texture of our finished solid alder wood.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConfident Coordination:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hold the sample against your flooring, paint swatches, and existing decor to ensure a harmonious match.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eEach sample is crafted from the same solid alder we use to build our furniture, giving you an honest representation of the grain, texture, and tone that will define your finished piece.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"James \u0026 James","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46147822354656,"sku":null,"price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0264\/9636\/8699\/files\/03e97b68-58f4-4d5e-87ab-e159a7def682_b9e6b76f-4d9a-4cae-b71e-7edad3d9cca8.jpg?v=1740949933"},{"product_id":"stain-sample-black-walnut-satin","title":"Satin on Black Walnut Sample","description":"\u003cp\u003eChoosing the right wood and finish for your home is a deeply personal decision. Our Satin on Black Walnut sample allows you to experience the warmth and character of solid black walnut in your own space before selecting your handcrafted furniture.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eNatural Character and Tone\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis sample showcases the authentic beauty of solid black walnut, left unstained to let its natural character shine. Without added stains, the rich brown tones, striking grain patterns, and subtle color variations inherent to the wood are fully revealed. It is a look that feels both grounded and refined, bringing an organic warmth to any room.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eA Soft, Low-Sheen Finish\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe apply a smooth, low-sheen satin finish that protects the wood while highlighting its natural glow. Rather than masking the wood under a heavy gloss, the satin sheen offers a soft, understated luster that feels wonderful to the touch and responds beautifully to the changing light in your home throughout the day.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eThoughtful Planning for Your Home\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause lighting and surrounding decor vary in every home, we highly recommend holding a physical sample in your preferred room. Observe how the walnut's deep tones shift from morning light to evening lamplight, helping you confidently choose the perfect foundation for your custom dining table, bench, or accent piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt James \u0026amp; James, we believe in the enduring quality of real, solid wood. Every piece of furniture we make is built to be gathered around, and that journey begins with selecting the right material. This sample represents the exact wood and finish we use in our workshop, giving you an honest preview of the heirloom-quality piece we will craft for you.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"James \u0026 James","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46147822485728,"sku":null,"price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0264\/9636\/8699\/files\/Black_Walnut_Finish_Sample_08.2026.jpg?v=1786482706"},{"product_id":"stain-sample-oak-sable","title":"Sable on Oak Sample","description":"\u003ch3\u003eBring the Warmth of Sable on Oak Into Your Home\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eChoosing the right finish for your custom furniture is an intentional process. Seeing how a color interacts with your home's unique lighting, wall colors, and existing decor makes all the difference. Our Sable on Oak sample allows you to experience this beautiful finish firsthand before making your decision.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSable is a balanced, medium brown finish designed to highlight the natural character of solid oak. With its soft undertones, it emphasizes the organic texture and distinctive grain patterns inherent to oak wood. It is a versatile and enduring tone that pairs thoughtfully with a wide range of interior styles, from classic to contemporary.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eThoughtfully Crafted Samples\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eEach sample is crafted from the same solid oak we use to build our furniture, ensuring you get an accurate representation of the wood's natural texture and how it takes the finish. We recommend placing the sample in different areas of your room throughout the day to see how the morning sun and evening lamplight bring out its warm, inviting character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWood Species:\u003c\/strong\u003e Solid Oak\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinish Color:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sable (a balanced medium brown with soft undertones)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePurpose:\u003c\/strong\u003e Designed to help you confidently select the right finish for your custom James \u0026amp; James furniture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"James \u0026 James","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47911894745312,"sku":null,"price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0264\/9636\/8699\/files\/Sable-Grain-Reshoot-1.jpg?v=1761527224"},{"product_id":"stain-sample-oak-espresso","title":"Espresso on Oak Sample","description":"\u003ch3\u003eVisualize Your Custom Furniture with Confidence\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eChoosing the right finish for your handcrafted furniture is an intentional decision. Our \u003cstrong\u003eEspresso on Oak Sample\u003c\/strong\u003e allows you to bring this rich, grounding tone directly into your home, helping you visualize how it interacts with your unique lighting, flooring, and surrounding decor before placing your order.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eA Deep, Grounding Tone\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eEspresso is a deep, bold brown designed to highlight the natural, distinctive grain of solid oak. Rather than masking the wood's inherent character, this finish settles beautifully into the grain patterns, offering a refined contrast and a sense of depth. It brings a warm, steady presence to any space, grounding your dining room or living area with timeless character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhy Order a Physical Wood Sample?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTrue Color Representation:\u003c\/strong\u003e See how the Espresso finish responds to your home's natural morning light and warm evening lamps.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeel the Grain:\u003c\/strong\u003e Experience the authentic texture of solid oak wood.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCoordinate with Ease:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hold the sample directly against your existing flooring, cabinetry, and walls to ensure a balanced look.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe craft each piece of furniture to order, and starting with a physical sample ensures your finished heirloom piece is exactly what you envisioned for your home and family gatherings.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"James \u0026 James","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47911895007456,"sku":null,"price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0264\/9636\/8699\/files\/Espresso-Grain-Reshoot-1.jpg?v=1761527222"},{"product_id":"stain-sample-oak-oat","title":"Oat on Oak Sample","description":"\u003ch3\u003eBring the Warmth of Oat on Oak Into Your Home\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eChoosing the right finish for your custom, handcrafted furniture is an intentional decision. To help you visualize how our Oat on Oak finish will look in your unique space, we offer physical wood samples. Seeing the wood in your home's natural light, alongside your existing decor and flooring, ensures complete confidence in your choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOur Oat finish is a light, golden natural tone designed to showcase the authentic beauty and distinctive grain of solid oak. Subtle and transitional, this finish highlights the natural character of the wood while offering a warm, inviting feel that complements both classic and modern interiors. Each sample is crafted from the same solid oak we use to build our heirloom-quality furniture, giving you an accurate representation of the texture, tone, and quality you can expect.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlace the sample in different areas of your room throughout the day to see how the golden tones shift from morning light to evening warmth. It is a simple, thoughtful step toward creating a gathering space you will cherish for years to come.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"James \u0026 James","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47911895040224,"sku":null,"price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0264\/9636\/8699\/files\/Oat-Grain-Reshoot-2.jpg?v=1761527222"},{"product_id":"stain-sample-oak-almond","title":"Almond on Oak Sample","description":"\u003cp\u003eChoosing the right finish for your handcrafted furniture is a deeply personal decision. The unique lighting of your home, the color of your walls, and the natural flow of your daily life all influence how a wood tone feels in your space. Ordering an Almond on Oak sample allows you to experience this finish in your own environment before selecting your heirloom-quality furniture.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eA Balanced, Warm Tone\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlmond on Oak is a thoughtful, balanced finish designed to highlight the natural character of solid oak. It features a light, warm brown tone that gently enhances the wood's organic grain variation without masking its inherent beauty. Fresh yet classic, this finish brings a sense of calm and openness, making it particularly well-suited for bright, airy interiors and spaces filled with natural light.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eTest in Your Own Light\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause solid wood is a natural material, it responds beautifully to its surroundings. We highly recommend placing your Almond on Oak sample in the room where your future furniture will live. Observe how the warm tones shift from the soft glow of morning light to the cozy warmth of evening lamps. Placing it alongside your existing flooring, cabinetry, and paint colors will help you design a cohesive, welcoming space for family and guests to gather.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHandcrafted Quality\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis ensures you receive an honest representation of the texture, tone, and enduring quality you can expect from James \u0026amp; James.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"James \u0026 James","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47911895204064,"sku":null,"price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0264\/9636\/8699\/files\/Almond-Grain-Current-Web-Swatch-Revised-v3.jpg?v=1769114883"},{"product_id":"sandstone-on-white-oak-sample","title":"Sandstone on White Oak Sample","description":"","brand":"James \u0026 James","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53947740258528,"sku":null,"price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0264\/9636\/8699\/files\/White_Oak_Sandstone_Finish_Sample_08.2026.jpg?v=1786483355"},{"product_id":"hazel-on-white-oak-sample","title":"Hazel on White Oak Sample","description":"","brand":"James \u0026 James","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53948230992096,"sku":null,"price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0264\/9636\/8699\/files\/White_Oak_Hazel_Finish_Sample_08.2026.jpg?v=1786483437"},{"product_id":"umber-on-black-walnut-sample","title":"Umber on Black Walnut Sample","description":"","brand":"James \u0026 James","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":68103317881056,"sku":null,"price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0264\/9636\/8699\/files\/BlackWalnut_Umber.jpg?v=1791491653"}],"url":"https:\/\/jamesandjamesfurniture.sbs\/collections\/finish-samples.oembed","provider":"James \u0026 James","version":"1.0","type":"link"}