Flip the script on classic interiors – how the twisted wood trend brings a welcome whimsy into our homes

This trend gives wood furniture and decor a playful twist (literally)

a blue floral printed couch with a skirt and two pillows. A side table holding books, a small vase, and a lamp with a twisted wood base
(Image credit: Kensington Leverne. Design: Emma Ainscough)

I’ll never tire of decorating with wood. Its natural elegance and timeless appeal always look beautiful, no matter the style or setting. That said, the style editor in me has been craving a fresh take on the wood furnishings we know and love – and I think I’ve found it: enter the twisted wood trend.

This trend puts a literal spin on traditional wood decor, offering a playful evolution of the bobbin furniture trend and perhaps responding to our collective desire for more distinctive, personalized homes. ‘People became tired of everything being so plain,’ interior designer Lauren Saab explains. ‘For years, it was all smooth, straight, minimal furniture, and after a while, it felt cold.

Twisted wood arrives and gives you something different.’ Twisted wood introduces movement to otherwise static pieces, texture to a material that is usually flat, and personality to decor that might otherwise feel plain. ‘It feels more crafted, like someone actually worked on it, even when it is factory-made,’ Lauren adds. ‘That small detail makes a big difference. It gives just enough character to stand out while still feeling at home in a modern setting.’

a living room with a stone fireplace, a metal fireplace screen, a wooden mirror, and a plant in a vase on the mantel

(Image credit: Lulu & Georgia)

Twisted wood details have a dynamic, almost kinetic quality. As Lauren explains, ‘What makes twisted wood stand out is how it plays with light. A straight leg feels static, but a spiral reflects shadows in a way that keeps changing as you move around it.’

The size, shape, or style of the piece doesn’t matter. ‘Even something small, like a stool or a mirror frame, can transform how a room feels,’ Lauren continues. ‘The twisted wood trend gives the space more shape and prevents it from feeling lifeless.’

Like traditional wood furniture, twisted wood is inherently versatile, adaptable to any interior style. In some spaces, it becomes a bold design statement; in others, it offers a subtle, complementary touch. ‘On a large piece, like a console or a bar cart, the detail immediately draws the eye and sets the tone for the room,’ Lauren says.

‘On a smaller piece, it recedes slightly, adding just a hint of texture. The fact that it can feel bold in one context and understated in another is what makes it so versatile.’

a dining room with a black dining table and dining chairs, twisted wood candle holders, a set of plates, and a vase holding flowers

(Image credit: Magnolia)

The twisted wood trend injects a fresh sense of energy into a classic material, and I, for one, am eager to incorporate it into my own home. If you’re ready to embrace this playful, sculptural trend, I’ve curated a selection of standout pieces to inspire your space. Explore the best of the trend below.

Whether large or small, lightly stained or dark, twisted wood designs add undeniable character to a home. But take Lauren’s advice: ‘You don’t need to fill a room with twisted wood. Just start small,’ she recommends. ‘What you don’t want is to overdo it. If every leg in the room shares the same twisted wood finish, the space stops feeling curated and starts to feel staged.’

As with any trend, the key is finding balance in interior design. With just a few thoughtfully placed twisted wood details, you can achieve a space that feels both dynamic and harmonious.

Devin Toolen
Style Editor

Devin Toolen is a New York-based Style Editor for Homes & Gardens. After achieving her Bachelor’s Degree at Villanova University, Devin moved to Paris, France, to obtain her Master’s Degree at Parsons School of Design. Upon returning to the United States, Devin began working in the media industry with Cosmopolitan Magazine, where she wrote trend-driven fashion stories and assisted on set for many photoshoots, and later Livingetc, where she wrote interior design stories and assisted with the magazine’s social media pages. She has an appreciation for every aspect of personal style – from the clothes we wear to the design of our homes. In her spare time, Devin enjoys embroidery and antique shopping in the city.

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