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10 unconventional ways to incorporate textural cork in your home
This sustainable material is having a serious design moment. These are the pieces to invest in now…
Eco-friendly, inexpensive, multi-purpose and durable, cork should be a no-brainer for interiors, but unfortunate 1970s associations – think varnished tiles and ugly pinboards – have left this warm, textured material out in the cold. Banish all dodgy associations, however, because for 2023 cork is enjoying a minimalist revival. Expect sleek architectural designs full of tactile charm, and don’t forget to think outside the box – even door handles and rugs come in cork now.
‘Slice’ ceiling lamp, Porventura
Lightweight yet textural, this lamp by Porventura is made with Portuguese cork. Its narrow shape and minimalist design proves that the material can be sleek and subtle too. £122, Own
‘Estela’, rug, Sugo
Crafted by manufacturer Sugo from cork and cotton threads using traditional tapestry techniques, this surprisingly soft rug’s muted shades of blue and beige provide a calming backdrop to any room. From £430, Recork
‘Terrazzo and Cork Coffee Table’, Wiid Design
An experiment in playful contrast, the ‘Estela’ table by South African studio Wiid Design marries a lightly speckled terrazzo top with a dark cork base and an unusual hollowed-out middle. £3,827, Wiid Design
Urn, Matilda Goad
London-based design studio Matilda Goad’s ‘Urn’ puts a modern spin on the traditional ancient ornament. Fill it with flowers for a touch of colour or with pencils for a smart storage solution. From £160, Matilda Goad
Bowl by Formgatan, Nordic Nest
Give your trinkets and small accessories a sustainable home with Stockholm-based Formgatan’s eco-friendly ‘Bowl’. Choose between two neutral colour options – smoky brown or a light beige hue. From £40, Nordic Nest
’L’Oiseau’ ornament, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec
Add a little something whimsical to your life with Parisian design duo Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec’s ‘L'Oiseau’. Forming part of a wider bird-shaped ornament collection, we think this cork version is a welcome antidote to its maple and ceramic counterparts. £115, Vitra
‘Accanta’ magazine table, Falegnameria Pisu
Taking its inspiration from the agropastoral lifestyle in Sardinia and the lightweight stools that were used by locals on the island is Maddalena Casadei and Falegnameria Pisu’s nifty side table ‘Accanta’. Approx £648, Pretziada
‘Acino’ stool, Design Italy
This bulbous, spherical stool might look like a Pilates ball but it’s actually a sturdy place to perch – you won’t catch anyone rolling around here thanks to its strong metal base and recycled cork upper. Approx £299, Design Italy
‘Jose’ chair, Byard Works
Solid cork forms the back of this quirky chair while birch plywood makes up the seat and legs. One of upcoming producer Byard Works’s many bold but simple pieces of practical furniture. £450, Byard Works
‘Door knob’, Skriv
At just £4.95 for two, this door knob – which resembles a traditional bottle cork – is an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to metal. Don’t be fooled by the low price tag, its unique design will give any door a surprisingly chic edge. £4.95 for two, Sklum
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