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.’
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.’
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.
I might be biased because I actually have this lamp, but I have to admit that it's one of my favorite examples of the twisted wood trend. From the textural pleated shade to the dark, almost gray-toned wood base, this lamp tastefully blends whimsy with traditional design. It's certainly a chic pick that can elevate any tabletop.
There's something so mesmerizing about the twisted wood trend – from its sculptural design to its coiled effect. This mirror captures all of those qualities. Its twisted wood frame resembles a spiral hair tie, and in a way, gives an illusion of flexibility despite being made from wood. It can add texture to any wall in your home.
Move over, storage baskets. Wooden ladders are the new and improved way to store blankets in your living room. And with its twisted wood frame, this ladder might just be the most stylish pick. It's just under 6' tall and features four rungs on which you can drape blankets, towels, or even clothes. If you have a bare wall in your bedroom, consider leaning this chic find up against it.
The twisted wood trend can be incorporated into the kitchen, too. It makes these otherwise ordinary serving spoons look that much more interesting. This set is on pre-order, but it will ship well before the holiday season. That way, you can use these twisted wood servers during your holiday dinner parties.
The twisted wood trend makes standard decor look ten times more interesting. Take this side table as an example. Its three twisted wood legs make for such a visually appealing detail. Style it in your living room for a playful and unique touch.
When I first saw this wall shelf, I immediately imagined hanging it in my kitchen as a spice rack. Each of its two shelves provides ample room for any sort of decor (or in my case, spices). With its twisted wood legs, this wall shelf is a stylish wall decor idea that can bring some playful, artistic flair to your walls.
This chair features the hallmarks of a traditionally elegant wood accent chair – the only difference is its twisted frame. It's a design detail that adds movement and a slightly playful touch to the chair's overall design. Style this chair in your living room as a unique style statement, or let its effortless charm serve as an accent chair in your bedroom.
If you want to test the waters of the twisted wood trend before diving in headfirst, here's the product for you. This candle holder is small, at just 11" in height. Although it features a trendy twisted wood base, it certainly isn't as bold as other options. This design has the traditional charm of a regular wood candle holder with a slightly playful touch.
Looking for the perfect bar cart as we approach the fall and winter hosting season? I found the perfect model for you. This bar cart features a spacious top surface, a lower shelf, and a drawer. Its design is tastefully complemented with brass handles and four effortlessly elegant twisted wood legs. This cart will make hosting a party so much easier (and more stylish, too).
From afar, this may look like a traditional wooden floor lamp. But up close, you begin to notice its twisted design, and you can even recognize how the light itself can give this lamp base the illusion of movement. At 4.5' tall, this lamp would look stunning in a reading corner – providing both ample light and effortless style.
This accent table is traditionally elegant – it's made from 100% mango wood, has an attractive dark stain, and features a stylish circular surface. Its twisted wood base adds to its overall elegance and invites some character to its design. This table could be a tasteful addition to your living room – style it on the side of your couch to hold drinks, books, or even a small lamp.
This picture frame offers a more subtle take on the twisted wood trend. As Lauren explains, twisted wood is remarkably versatile – it can make a bold statement on large furniture, yet exude quiet elegance on smaller pieces like this frame. The textured design and light wood tone create a refined backdrop, enhancing any image it displays.
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.
