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Nine furniture pieces that celebrate the beauty of burr wood
The imperfect and extraordinary swirls found in burr wood are championed in these unique designs
You can’t have missed the fact that burr wood is now ubiquitous. It has been spotted everywhere, from the likes of Soho Home to lesser-known brands such as Amsterdam-based furniture foundation Lemon. Interior design fans include Bryan O’Sullivan and Kelly Wearstler, who use the organic material in spaces with earthy palettes and 1970s decor to create a look that embodies quiet luxury. Though burrs (growths within a tree’s trunk) are technically deformities, the resulting timber, with its grainy swirls and unique patterns, is beautiful and deserving of celebration.
‘Cinque Terre’ side table, Studio Sam
Interior design practice Studio Sam’s ‘Cinque Terre’ cubed side tables are inspired by the coastal, mountainous region of Liguria, Italy. Half burr wood, half marble, the tables come in pairs which can be combined to form one longer table or separated and used as bedside tables on either side of the bed. £4,788, studiosamlondon.com.
‘Wallace’ shelving unit, Soho Home
Made from mappa burr, Soho Home’s ‘Wallace’ bookcase is ideal for those with eccentric interior style and an eclectic book collection. Its irregularly shaped built-in shelves are designed to complement books, decorative ornaments or plants, £1,995, sohohome.com.
‘The Elm Burl Sideboard’, Axel Wannberg
Stockholm-based designer and cabinet maker Axel Wannberg is a big proponent of burr wood, having used it for many of his pieces including a table lamp bench and a stool. He also turned to the material to complete this elm burr sideboard, which is made to order. Price on application, axelwannberg.com.
‘Turchese’ coffee table, Campbell Rey
The ‘Turchese’ coffee table by Campbell Rey is a robust, statement piece with a geometric twist that provides additional display and storage space for your books and magazines. Handmade from burr oak in the UK, its attraction lies in the glossy veneer finish. £7,625, theinvisiblecollection.com
‘Sunny’ armchair, Uchronia
French multidisciplinary studio Uchronia is known for its whimsical, bohemian style and penchant for groovy 1970s squiggles. ‘Sunny’, this striking loveseat embodies the brand’s signature aesthetic thanks to its wiggly lines and decadent purple cushion cover. Approx £11,140, uchronia.fr
‘Burl’ mirror, Six The Residence
The knots found in burr wood add a visual point of interest to the frame of Six The Residence’s ‘Burl’ mirror, immediately elevating it from conventional to avant-garde. £675, sixtheresidence.co.uk
‘Post’ coffee table, Ferm Living
While this Ferm Living coffee table was originally released in lacquered MDF, the new burr iteration is undeniably a huge upgrade as the uniquely patterned burr wood finish adds a rich texture and depth. £655, fermliving.co.uk
‘Constant’ nightstand, Yaniv Chen
If you’re into expertly crafted, bespoke furniture and you haven’t already heard of interior design brand Lemon, then keep reading. Founded by Kevin Frankental, it stocks expertly crafted pieces such as Yaniv Chen’s bedside table – a cylindrical poplar burr unit with a neatly curved door and a handy shelf. Approx £4,920 per pair, lemonfurniture.co
‘Bardot Burl Panel Platform’ bed, RH
This hulking sculptural bed is available in three attractive finishes: ‘Blond’ mappa burr, ‘Caramel’ oak burr and ‘Espresso’ walnut burr. If we had to choose one it'd be this honey oak, as it really allows the burr knots shine. £5,995, rh.com
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