Wood furniture is a warm trend that will never go out of style, but certain types seem to become trendier depending on fads and designer tips. Since many home designs and themes are cyclical, it’s no surprise burl wood is trending for home décor, becoming a big choice for furnishings and fixtures. This particular type originated in the 1900s, but it rose in popularity during the 1960s when décor was all about texture and dimension. Since then, it has reappeared in trends, but has recently had a renaissance and is being used in a lot of home designs because of its stylish simplicity and unique look. 

What really makes burl wood notable is the design within the wood. The grain pattern always varies from piece to piece, making each one almost one of a kind. The wood produces these anomalies when stressors are introduced, creating a unique pattern. If you’re wanting a piece of furniture that really makes a statement and brings texture without needing a lot of print or pattern in other areas, burl wood is a great option. 

Styling burl wood is very easy and takes a lot of the work out of designing a room. For minimalistic aesthetics, you could easily just add a burl wood console or coffee table and that alone would add texture. You could even DIY a faux burl wood coffee table on a budget using peel-and-stick wallpaper and epoxy resin if a real one is out of your price range. One large piece with this material or multiple smaller items could easily be combined to add a warm, cozy ambiance, and the wood also introduces a grounded effect that helps balance the room. Inviting and soft thanks to the grain pattern, burl wood is an easy addition in living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and even bathrooms.

Should you prefer a more eclectic or maximalist vibe, this type of wood can match that as well. In fact, burl wood almost seems made for this aesthetic, as the busy nature of the grain produces an elevated vibe. Pieces made of this material are artistic on their own, making them a statement for any space you use them. The price of these furnishings can vary, so keep an eye out for thrifted selections when you can. This also helps add a vintage element to your home.

While West Elm predicted the burl wood trend would make a big comeback in 2023, it seems it has stuck around much longer than a lot of fads. If you’re wanting tips for styling burl wood that include pairing it with other woods, opt for warmer hues that will really create that cozy, earthy vibe. Each piece has different knots and grain patterns, so depending on the designs your wood has produced, this will allow you to decide if you need more or less patterns or textures in the room. If your wood is already a warmer color, adding in neutrals and lighter hues is a great way to complement this material. Balancing the simplicity of white (or colors within that palette) and the brown wood builds on the nature-style ambiance, giving everything from rustic to farmhouse to even mid-century modern aesthetics. 

People enjoy finding or buying burl wood because it is so different compared to other wood pieces, and with the trends leaning toward nature-inspired designs, it’s no wonder why consumers prefer this type of wood to other, more basic versions. However, don’t overdo it with burl wood, as the grain can become overwhelming if used too much in one space. A single piece can go a long way — or, at least spread out your burl wood furnishings to avoid overwhelming one area.