The retro burl wood furniture trend is back
As we all know, trends are cyclical. Things date and then come back around again in what feels like no time – yet there’s one retro furniture piece I really didn’t see making a revival in 2025. Oh but how wrong I was.
Burl wood, with its roots in the Art Deco design period and a spike in 1970s interior design style, has not been seen in furniture trends since its original ‘cancellation’ in the ’80s. But we’re officially declaring this year as its comeback era.
In fact, it is so popular right now that Jess Hubner, founder of Collection Seven, reports that sales of burl wood items have gone up by 420%. ‘People are seeking more distinctive, handcrafted pieces and burl wood definitely fits that bill. It’s a material that’s enduring and feels like a keepsake which is what I think people fall in love with,’ Jess explains. ‘It also strikes this balance of feeling quite modern yet antiquated so I think it can quite easily stand the test of time and the different trends that come and go.’
(Image credit: Marie Flanigan Interiors / Photography Julie Soefer)
As someone who loves thrifting and finding vintage, I’m rather excited about this one. With unique markings that rival marble, ‘burl’ wood is actually not a type of wood (as I originally thought) but is the name given to diseased growth. Yes really.
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-of-a-kind grain that feels quite special and brings a sense of individuality and craftmanship into a space.’
‘While burl wood certainly has vintage charm, it’s incredibly versatile and can be adapted beautifully to suit modern spaces,’ she adds. ‘Burl wood works wonderfully in spaces that feel curated and comfortable – whether it be an eye-catching piece in your living room, a statement bed, or an accent chair in your study – the result is a space that feels elegant but not overdone, rich, welcoming, and full of character.’
Shop burl wood pieces for your home
Of course, if you’re to shop ‘real’ solid burl wood it can be quite an investment (and a mission to source). Here, I share my favorite pieces I’ve found to shop now from solid pieces to more affordable burl wood veneer.
Ogden Burled Wood Accent Table
Of course, Shea McGee knows what’s up and has designed the ‘Ogden’ range for her Threshold™ designed with Studio McGee collection at Target of beautifully burled pieces like this hexagon-shaped side table, perfect for drinks and a lamp.
Memini Burl Wood Vanity Mirror by Athena Calderone
Design guru Athena Calderone has included this Art Deco motif in her collection for Crate & Barrel including in this elegantly unique mirror that has been finished with a notched border and ‘terraced’ structure to give it depth and dimension.
Orana Burl Wood Table Lamp
Have you heard of the newly launched Loloi sister brand Joon Loloi? It is time to get to know. Offering an array of rugs and home accessories, a stand-out piece is this ‘Orana’ lamp that is crafted with a tapered burl-wood base, each with its own unique natural-wood markings.
Sabal Console Table by Carly Cushnie
Made alongside fashion designer Carly Cushnie, this console table brings together an antique-inspired burl finish with striped wood for an eclectic mix of trends. It feels contemporary yet retro and ideal for any setting.
Ladorada Burl Veneer Tissue Box
If you’re looking to introduce a smaller accessory, this cute tissue box cover will help to elevate even the most mundane of pieces. Sit it on your bathroom vanity or desk for a unique pop of high-gloss pattern.
Carolina Burl Wood Swivel Counter Stool
The humble stool gets a glow-up with the Carolina counter stool. Made with a sculptural shape, it has been finished in swirling burl wood with brass hardware, and a soft light cognac cushion that sits on top for a plush seat.
Tamara Burl Open Shelving Unit
Shelving units are hard to make beautiful but this burl piece really fits the bill. Made from engineered hardware and finished with burl wood veneer, it features 3 handy shelves for extra storage or styling possibilities.
Ogden Burled Wood Coffee Table
Another Shea McGee piece, this coffee table is seen here in the darker chocolate brown shade but can also be purchased in a light and bright iteration. It has a more-than-spacious top for drinks, styling pieces, and feet – and adds retro glamour to your living space.
Zodax Leiden Burl Wood Design Decorative Box
To add a little burl to your bookshelves or nightstand, this little trinket box from Amazon is a great find. As it is lined with soft black suede it can be used to store jewelry but is also a great spot to hide TV remotes or keys and glasses by the front door.
Whether you’re a fan of vintage trends or lean more contemporary, burl wood is a unique and statement-making material that can happily blend into retro or modern spaces. Will you be picking up a piece?
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