The Edgy Design Trend That's Making a Serious Comeback

Many of the world's greatest artists have shown us the brilliance and beauty in flaws. Author Leonard Koren writes about wabi-sabi, a Japanese aesthetic and art form, roughly translated as "the beauty of things imperfect." And singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen reminds us to "forget your perfect offering/There's a crack in everything/That's how the light gets in." When it comes to interior design trends, there's no better proof of this perspective than with burl wood furniture.

This grain of wood gets its intriguing, kaleidoscopic swirls from a mutation, which usually manifests as an outgrowth of a tree trunk after some form of stress. While burl wood is born out of imperfection and mutation, the marbled twists of wood exude a striking, meditative warmth, bringing more depth to any space they enter. Because this type of wood is rare and difficult to work with, it carries a unique blend of rustic vibes and modern elegance. If you find inspiration in nature and love layering rich materials to create a textured space, this interior design trend belongs in your home. Shop our collection of burl wood furniture and décor we're loving right now.

Brass & Burl Walnut Burl Dresser $4315

Shop

This rich walnut burl wood veneer paired against antique brass hardware gives this dresser a classic and regal look. It belongs in a room where people will be able to admire its beauty. 

Wormwood Decor Turquoise Burl Wood Display Bowl $175

Shop

If you like the burl wood trend but prefer more raw and rustic pieces as opposed to the common glossy look, this one is for you. Use it as coffee table décor or a catch-all for your odds and ends. 

Williams-Sonoma Exotic Burl Wood Gallery Picture Frame $65 to $100

Shop

Update your average wood frames to a burl wood option for some extra quirk and texture. 

JayStrattonWood EBONY & ELM BURL mirror frame $730

Shop

Propped up by a burl wood block, this is easily the chicest makeup mirror we've ever seen. In fact, it's more like a work of art made all the more beautiful by the jagged, natural asymmetry. 

Safavieh Couture Burly End Table $1015 $550

Shop

The contrast between the black lacquer and burl wood drawers creates an interesting juxtaposition. It also has a nice retro vibe. 

World Market Large Elm Burl Poppy Accent Table $220

Shop

Use this minimalist handmade piece by World Market as a side table, laptop table, or as a stylishly perched console table in an entryway.

Clayton Gray Home Fraiser Table Lamp Burl Wood and Nickel $537 $300

Shop

This is not your average lamp. Inspired by burl wood design, this bronze table lamp boasts a sophisticated, moody feel. 

3 Eleven Decor Mid Century Retro Cube End Table $326—$383

Shop

Bold yet timeless, this burled cube coffee table will complement a variety of living rooms. 

West Elm Olive Wood Rustic Cutting Board $60

Shop

Why use a regular old cutting board when you can have one like this? 

CB2 Aqua Virgo Burl Dining Table $699

Shop

Spacious yet slim, this dark burl wood dining table manages to be both understated and bold. 

CB2 Marq Square Burl Wood Tray, Large $50

Shop

Breakfast in bed or bathroom organization solution, at your service. 

CB2 Amati Burl Wood Entryway Cabinet $999

Shop

Speaking of smart storage solutions, this is the perfect cabinet to tuck away odds and ends in the bedroom and living room.

CB2 Marisa Burl Wood Desk $799

Shop

This rounded edge burl desk is going to be the most show-stopping piece in sight wherever it goes. Its half-moon legs paired against the clean lines and neutral tones make this desk the perfect vintage-meets-modern centerpiece for offices to entryways.

Burke Decor Putnam Waterfall Edge Two Tier Side Table in Dark Burl Wood $1323

Shop

Minimalist, sleek, and clean-lined, dark burl wood strikes a nice balance between intensity and gentleness. It would look perfect as a bedside table. 

Jonathan Adler Bond Desk $2950

Shop

Here's another stylish desk that makes a case for the lucite and burl wood duo. 

Foundry Select Gorgias Live Edge Reclaimed Acacia Wood Accent Mirror $410

Shop

This organic burl wood mirror would look beautiful in a nature-inspired home or beach house—see how it feels when you mount it above the console table or the sink in a powder room.