Burl wood is certainly nothing new, but it has continually defined eras of design innovation. "Its use in interiors goes as far back as the 18th century," says designer Elizabeth Miles of Hundley Hilton Interiors. Though the material has been around for centuries, it's timeless and makes for a beautiful juxtaposition with both antique and contemporary designs.
In the 1920s and '30s, it. For example, she says that in a recent project in Tribeca, she used a tinted matte burl coffee table, which tempered the wood's warmth and allowed it to work beautifully with the blue upholstery, cooler stones, and silk wallpaper (shown above). "That balance allows it to feel timeless rather than trend-driven, or too orangey.".
The resurgence of burl wood in interior design is a testament to its enduring appeal and the timeless beauty it brings to any setting. As designers and consumers continue to embrace natural and unique materials, burl wood stands out as a perfect blend of artistry and sustainability. The unique, rare swirls and knots are a result of a mutation from infection or injury to the wood, and when you cut into it, it reveals this irregular, spotted pattern that burl is so famous for.
'Burl wood has always had this quiet, cool appeal that feels both timeless and contemporary,' Jess continues. 'It offers something unique with its intricate, one. A burl tree uh, no, Arlyn.
The very definition of the word "burl" is a lump or knot, and that's exactly what it is! Burl wood comes from a growth on a tree that shouldn't be there, typically due to some kind of stress that the tree underwent. It's essentially an amorphous blob, or a tree tumor, so to speak. A timeless material, burl wood has been making a quiet resurgence lately.
Here's what designers have to say about it. Burl wood furniture and decor is making a major comeback. Here's everything you need to know about the retro trend and how to style it in your home.
Burl wood -see why this bold, organic material is trending again in modern interiors. Discover how to style burl wood for a timeless look. Its unique grain patterns and natural beauty give it a timeless appeal that fits well with both traditional and modern luxury home decor in 2025.
Because burl wood is durable and ages gracefully, investing in burl wood furniture means you're bringing lasting style and value into your home. So, it isn't surprising that burl wood is trending for home decor. Different types of burl wood produce their own special and unique look, but they all have a '70s-style aesthetic that makes it timeless for working well in any home decor look.
Some variations are light and cloud-like, while others have dark swirls that are super fancy.