Goodbye, sleek lines. Right now, designers are thinking outside of the box with all-things scalloped. Over the past few months, we’ve spotted interior designers on both sides of the coast trade in their stiff, boxy silhouettes for pieces with sweet, squiggly edges. And they’re everywhere: The trim of a pleated lampshade, along the bottom of the nightstand, framing a kitchen stool—everywhere.
Scalloped decor has a charming, old-school quality that makes it perfect for English cottages and East Coast homes. However, as traditional interiors are on the rise along the West Coast, so are these curvy touches. For Leah Ring, principal of Los Angeles-based studio Another Human, these scallops represent a more seismic shift in the design scene.
Kara DeYoung
“I think after years of ‘warm minimalism,’ people are now wanting more layers, color, and decorative details in their spaces,” she explains. “A scallop is a fun detail because it has an old world feel but can also feel very fresh and contemporary.”
Aymee Kuhlman of Light and Dwell agrees and says the curvatures are not only a “nice counterbalance” to the sleek, midcentury-inspired wares of yesteryear, but they also evoke coziness so many crave. “Scallops and curves are inherently warm and nostalgic,” the Oregon-based designer points out. “They soften hard lines, introduce movement, and add a bit of whimsy without overwhelming the space.”
But while these wiggly can conjure the same comfort of a vintage quilt or dinnerware passed down many generations, there’s a fine line between scallops that are “on-trend” and “overly twee.”
Courtesy of Anthropologie
Denver designer Peggy Haddad says intentionality is key—and encourages scallop students to start with smaller details. “A scalloped tray, a throw pillow, or a lampshade is an easy way to bring in that unexpected detail,” she explains. Scale, Haddad adds, can also have a major impact on the overall vibe. “A tiny scallop on a lamp shade feels sweet and subtle, while a large-scale scallop on a mirror or valance becomes a design statement,” she explains.
Courtesy of Article
If you’re looking to bring a scalloped touch to a larger piece of furniture—say, a bathroom vanity or set of chairs—it’s important to consider how this curvy detail will jell with the rest of the room. “When incorporating scallops, the surrounding finish and color selections are key to make sure the scallop doesn’t make the space too saccharine sweet,” Ring recommends. For Ring, a certified maximalist, that means ensuring the scalloped detail is just as bold as the rest of the decor. In one of her bathroom projects, Ring offset a red scalloped vanity with “pretty wild” design elements like a clamshell sink and floral wallpaper. “The scallop feels playful, but not at all juvenile,” she explains.
Or, if you fall on a more minimalist end of the design spectrum, Kuhlman likes to take a cue from Mother Nature and incorporate these details in just a few places. “The key was keeping these elements understated and consistent in scale,” she explains. “Whether it’s a scalloped edge on a cabinet or a curved sofa back, those details invite the eye to linger just a moment longer—which, to us, is the hallmark of thoughtful design.”
Kara DeYoung
Scallop details might be having a moment now, but do they have staying power? Like most trends, this one’s popularity will ebb and flow; however, Haddad argues they’re intrinsically baked into the design world. “They’ve been used in architecture and furniture for centuries, so when thoughtfully applied, they feel more timeless than trendy,” she explains. Since these frills look good in virtually every home style—yes, according to Haddad, even modern and coastal interiors—it’s safe to say they’re not going anywhere anytime soon.
We only recommend things we love. If you buy something through our site, we might earn a commission.