October 15, 2019, 10:25 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Zircon wood bedroom furniture is becoming increasingly popular. The scent of zircon is said to lower heart rate, positively affecting sleep. myHOMEBOOK consulted an expert to learn more about this miracle wood.
Furniture made from Swiss pine has been around for centuries. In the past, its distribution was limited to the Alpine region, where the so-called Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra) is native. Known as the “Queen of the Alps,” it belongs to the pine family and thrives at altitudes of up to 2,800 meters. Despite harsh weather conditions, it reaches an impressive height of 20 to 30 meters. The Swiss pine grows more slowly than any other conifer and can live up to 400 years. The wood is particularly stable, easy to work with, and features a lively yellow-reddish grain. Not only does it look beautiful, but it also emits a warm, intense resin scent. Can Swiss pine wood help with falling asleep?
How does Swiss pine wood work?
To scientifically confirm the relaxing effects of the Swiss pine scent, a study was commissioned in 2001. According to the study results from “Johanneum Research,” participants in a room lined with Swiss pine wood had a lower heart rate than usual. Those sleeping in a Swiss pine bed experienced up to 3,500 fewer heartbeats per night. “The researchers, led by Prof. Maximilian Moser, identified the fragrance compound pinosylvin as the trigger for better nighttime recovery, improved general well-being, and surprisingly, greater social extroversion,” explains expert Erich Binder in response to a myHOMEBOOK inquiry. Additionally, Swiss pine wood has antibacterial properties, which is particularly interesting for use in the kitchen.
Positive side effect: The scent of Swiss pine wood effectively repels clothes moths!
Where does the myth of the Swiss pine come from?
Few other types of wood are attributed with as many positive properties as the Swiss pine. One might think it possesses a special magic. Tyrolean guest rooms have been paneled with Swiss pine wood for centuries. They are affectionately called: Swiss pine rooms. While the Swiss pine is still rooted in the ground, it emits only a subtle scent. However, when boards are made from it, a “mild, round, warm vibrating” aroma unfolds–like dry needles in the autumn sun. Even Swiss pine wood from the 16th century still smells intense.
“For hundreds of years, Swiss pine has been used as furniture wood, especially in rural areas,” says Erich Binder, managing director of the Binder furniture workshop. “Even back then, people appreciated the calming effect of the wood. The Swiss pine was already considered very valuable, which is why the so-called Swiss pine room is mainly found in wealthy farms and inns.”
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What furniture is Swiss pine wood suitable for?
In the past, not only bedrooms were made from Swiss pine wood, but entire Tyrolean guest rooms were furnished with it. Today’s offerings range from extracted aroma oils to scented pillows with Swiss pine shavings, bedroom furniture, flooring, bread boxes, dog beds, and special room cleaners. According to Erich Binder, Swiss pine can be used for all furniture in the house: “However, since Swiss pine is a very soft wood, it is less used for heavily used furniture like kitchens or bathrooms. It is becoming increasingly popular, especially in sleeping areas or living rooms.”
Environmental factor Swiss pine wood
The Swiss stone pine reproduces successfully with the help of a native bird, the nutcracker. “The nutcracker stores the seeds of the Swiss pine as a winter reserve but often forgets where it has deposited them. These forgotten seeds grow into wonderful Swiss pine trees,” says Binder. Additionally, Tyrolean forestry operations plant about 130,000 young trees annually. The Austrian forest inventory carefully monitors the population development of the Swiss pine and has found in recent years that only about half of the annual growth is harvested for economic purposes.
Responsible use of Swiss pine forests can even mean maintenance for the Swiss pine population: The forests are rejuvenated, and the different age groups make the forests overall more resilient.
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What to consider when buying
When purchasing a product made from Swiss pine wood, you should always inquire about its origin and ensure you are buying a high-quality solid wood product. Quality seals for wood include the FSC seal or the “Blue Angel” environmental label. The Joanneum study also identified four cornerstones for healthy Swiss pine wood beds that you can use as a guide:
- Only buy pure Swiss pine solid wood, no veneered parts or three-layer panels.
- Ensure it is air-dried Swiss pine wood.
- Only use wood from Swiss pines that have grown at an altitude of at least 1,900 meters above sea level.
- The wood should have an open-pored surface, raw or treated with natural oil. No varnishes, no waxes!