Scallops, waves, and bobbins are all part of this curvy new world we find ourselves in. Over the last 5-8 years, we’ve seen a lot of late-70s to early-80’s Post-Modern organic shapes coming back into style, especially in furniture. Post-Modern is about the rejection of tradition. After the formality of the 30s - 50s, decor and furniture lines became more organic. First, there was Art Deco and Hollywood Regency, which had elaborate patterns and decorations but still demonstrated somewhat organized design lines. Then, the Mid-Century Modern era shifted in a different direction, with a Bauhaus philosophy that focused on the natural beauty and function of materials and manufacturing capabilities. It was about taking straight lines and letting them have more movement. It was all about freedom, baby!
This most recent Post-Modern organic resurgence has brought organic-shaped couches, coffee tables, and lots and lots of block and ball-shaped tables. Here are a few examples.
This post-modern collection, and more are available to purchase.
This resurgence, though, seemed to morph into arch designs or fluted rainbow shapes, seen in jewelry, home decor, painted wall solutions, and even in my bar shampoo from Kitsch ! How many arch videos have you seen just this year on Instagram where someone is adding an arch doorway?!
I see the scallop, wave, and bobbin (or orb) shapes emerging as a tip-toe back to a repeatable order. It makes sense that we all crave predictability after a pandemic. I noticed this new trend about a year ago when I was just shopping around, and then Etsy had it in their predictions for 2024. Once it was publicly declared, the number of sellers that jumped on that bandwagon skyrocketed. Now, there are many great options if this trend tickles your fancy!
So, what exactly am I talking about? Here are examples of each idea.
The scallop shape (left) is a repeated half-circle. This shape isn’t new. It’s been around for decades and used in various decor schemes. The right is an example of wavy. Subtle but different. We'll get in bobbins and baubles below. I see all of these decor ideas applicable in traditional, transitional, contemporary and for sure, maximalist styles.
Below you can see some really traditional decor items just re-vamped to be scalloped and others that feel pretty fresh.
[1] Subtle Scalloped Frames: Both the bobbin frame here and now this skinny scallop are really new areas where shape trends are showing up.
[2] Lacquered Serving Tray: The traditional lacquered serving tray seemed to be the first to adopt the scallop. This is a pretty easy entry to the trend and something you can use for years and years. I have two large lacquered trays from Williams-Sonoma that are over 10 years old. They are great for protecting your white “non-stain” counter-tops from red wine stains. Yes, they all stain eventually. Also great for your bathroom products that can also stain pristine new counter-tops.
[3] Scalloped Wall Stencil: This exaggerated scallop at the height of traditional wainscoting is pretty original. I’ve seen it in wallpaper decals and paint stencils, which this link is. Very cute for a child’s room or craft room.
[4] Gingham Scalloped Placemats: I love the idea of placemats in new shapes. I’ve always thought the round placemat was quite functional and these are just adorable!
[5] Wallpaper Boarder: Wallpaper edge trim that can be used in lots of various ways. This door trim is very quaint and charming for sure.
[6] Scalloped Bathmats:There are lot of rugs now with the scallop shape, but I really liked this option for bathmats. They coming in lots of different color options too.
[7] Tiny Flower Pots: These cute little pots are hard to resist. Small size for almost any starter plant, traditional stripes and scalloped too. Great gift item!
Let’s talk waves! The organic shapes we’ve been seeing in furniture have shown up in wobbly shaped floor mirrors and picture frames for a few years already. Now there is literaly a wave of waves! Much of it now has taken on a pattern similar to rickrack, a common craft and sewing ribbon.
[1] Wavy Shelf: Floating shelf but with a wavy base pattern. Super cute!
[2] Wave Pattern Bed Linens: Very traditional bed linens but with contrasting waves. Comes in a multitude of colors and 500 thread count!
[3] Mod Wavy Mirror: I like this version of a wavy mirror. It's great for a kids' room.
[4] Wavy Trimmed Pillows: Very reminiscent of rick rack a common sewing trim. Love the tone on tone!
[5] Anthropologie Wave Curtains: Now this is a double-wide version of using ricktack as trim. Great curtains in other colors too, from Anthropologie.
[6] Red Wavy Placemats: I love a square placemat! The curvy waves and tonal colors are a great update and look modern.
If you're in the UK, you might call this a bobbin, or in Australia, a bauble. In the US, we might call them bubbles. No matter which, they sure are cute! Check them out!
[1] Large Black Bobble Vase: Handmade vase and an Etsy favorite!
[2] The Original Bobbin Frames: Handmade in the UK. Lots of great color options.
[3] Bobble Round Mirror: A great DIY project to just buy this one since it's done!
[4] Large Bobbin Frames: I love these and will have 1 on my walls soon!
[5] Bobbin Framed Fish Art; Already done!
[6] Short Bobble Planter: There are lots of versions of these around, but I like these in particular.
[7] Stacked Bubble Vase: 3D printed and comes with a waterproof liner!
So many cute ideas from great hand-made makers. This is just a smattering. I have an Etsy board with even more if you'd like to check those out here. Let me know in the comments what you love most or if there's something cute you've found elsewhere! Love sharing great finds!
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