Drew Barrymore designed an affordable mid-century modern lamp for a mere $40 - a find I've been eagerly searching for, but never found any under $300. Her elegantly curved variation encapsulates luxury within a reasonable budget.
Burl Wood Makes a Comeback in Modern Design
After a period of decline, burl wood has once again found its place in contemporary home decor, thanks to a resurgence in mid-century modern design and the efforts of celebrities like Drew Barrymore.
A Timeless Material
First popular during the Art Deco period, burl wood's unique swirling grain and warm organic texture have made it a sought-after material for designers. Its popularity resurged significantly in the 1960s and 1970s as part of the mid-century modern movement, where it was embraced for its ability to blend vintage appeal with a contemporary approach.
Today, burl wood is celebrated for its timeless aesthetic and natural uniqueness, often featured in statement furniture and decor. Its distinctive whorls, warmth, and smooth sanded finish elevate any room, adding a cozy yet sophisticated vibe.
Drew Barrymore's Burl Wood Lamp
Drew Barrymore has contributed to making the search for burl wood products at the right price slightly easier. Her $40 Burlwood Table Lamp, available at Walmart, is considered luxurious and resembles its more expensive counterparts. The mid-century-modern style lamp features a natural burlwood base and a cream shade, making it an excellent addition to any room.
The Ogden Range
Shea McGee, designer and founder of Studio McGee, has also embraced burl wood in her ThresholdTM designed with Studio McGee collection at Target. The Ogden range includes beautifully burled pieces, such as a hexagon-shaped side table and a burlwood tray with gold handles and functional edges.
Styling Burl Wood
Burl wood pairs well with mixed wood tones and bright accent colours, making it a perfect fit for rooms seeking a mid-century-modern or retro look that feels current rather than dated. Its unique patterns become the focal point in furniture that balances old-world craftsmanship with minimalist geometry.
Joon Loloi's Orana Lamp
One stand-out piece in the burl wood trend is the 'Orana' lamp by Loloi sister brand Joon Loloi. Featuring a tapered burl-wood base with unique natural-wood markings, the lamp looks excellent when styled in a mid-century modern way with a variety of wood tones or paired with bright colours.
A Versatile Accessory
Burl wood's versatility extends beyond furniture. A tissue box cover with a high-gloss pattern is available as a smaller burlwood accessory, perfect for placing on a bathroom vanity or desk for a unique pop.
Expert Advice and Shopping Round-ups
For those looking for more design expertise and decorating ideas, Homes & Gardens newsletter offers practical advice, celebrity homes, and shopping round-ups to help homeowners incorporate burl wood into their homes.
With its timeless aesthetic and natural uniqueness, burl wood continues to be a popular choice for homeowners seeking to add a touch of vintage charm to their contemporary spaces.
- Burl wood's resurgence in modern design can be experienced through lifestyle and home-and-garden shopping, as celebrities like Drew Barrymore offer affordable options for burl wood products such as lamps.
- The Ogden range by Studio McGee and the Orana lamp by Joon Loloi are examples of how burl wood is transforming interior designs, offering versatility and style that can blend vintage appeal with contemporary spaces.
