As nostalgic decor continues to dominate 2026’s hottest interior trends, it’s no surprise to see a move towards dark, retro-fueled design. So expect to see an array of luxurious burl wood pieces, exuding hints of Hollywood regency, Art Deco and pure sophistication.

If you’re looking to elevate your home with a mix of contemporary style and vintage appeal, you’ve come to the right place. Both chic in design and reminiscent of bygone eras, burl wood furniture is back en vogue. Yes, in recent seasons, designers have begun to embrace darker woods, but it’s the beautiful, distinctive nature of burl that has captured my interest.

The unique knotted effect in the wood develops as a result of injury to the tree – usually walnut, cherry, elm or maple. Which, I believe, adds to the wonderful fragility exuding from each final robust, yet refined creation. Much like the Japanese art of Kintsugi, or “golden joinery”, where they piece together broken pottery with gold lacquer, woodworkers have essentially embraced the philosophy of wabi-sabi – finding beauty in imperfection. Rather than disguising damage, we have found wonder and artistry in it.

Soho Home has long been a fan of burl, using it throughout its collections on sofas, coffee tables, and sideboards. Quick to embrace the ever-evolving trends, both John Lewis and M&S have also created their own iconic numbers from decadent mirrors to ’20s-inspired bedside tables. Prices will vary, depending on quality, brand and, if antique, the decade, but whatever the bill, you know you’re investing in something gorgeously timeless.

A glossy wooden coffee table holds a glass of drink on a saucer, a decorative coral-like sculpture, and a wooden tray with small objects. The table sits on a patterned rug in a cosy living room.
Dawson Coffee Table
Soho Home, Reg £2,695 Member £2,291
A cylindrical wooden stool with a smooth, light-brown finish and natural wood grain patterns sits on a light-coloured floor against a plain, off-white wall.
Burl Side Table
Six The Residence, £395
A wooden table with an open book, a pen, a glass, a decorative bowl, and a geometric brown lamp sits beside a curved, upholstered chair in a softly lit room.
Burl Table Lamp
Ferm Living, £365
A modern, minimalist room with a textured beige ottoman on a wooden base, a potted indoor tree, woven rug, and low wooden shelf with neutral decor. Sunlight streams in through a large window.
Bidbury Pouffe
Cult Furniture, £99
A modern bedside table with a light wood finish, featuring two drawers with small round brass knobs and subtle natural wood grain patterns. The design has clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic.
Burl 2 Drawer Bedside Table
John Lewis, £349
A minimalist room with a light wood table, a small black lamp with a white shade, a closed book, and a rectangular wall mirror above the table, set against a plain white wall and wooden floor.
Veneered Occasional Desk
Rose Uniacke, £8,520

Honestly, the revival of rich, dark woods in 2026 is utterly elegant, refined and so grown-up.

A round, three-legged wooden coffee table holds a brown lidded pot, a twisted black candlestick with a white candle, and a green glass goblet. A brown upholstered settee sits in the background.
Post Coffee Table
Ferm Living, £655
A small wooden desk with a lamp, books, and a chair sits against a white wall beneath an irregularly shaped mirror reflecting a leafy plant. The space opens to a bright, stylish living area with greenery.
Wallace Desk
Soho Home, Reg £1,595 Member £1,356
A rectangular mirror with a rounded wooden frame hangs on a beige wall above a wooden cupboard. A small table lamp with a white shade and stacked books sit on the cupboard.
Burl Wood Veneer Wall Mirror
M&S, £129
A modern light wood desk with curved edges, two open drawers, a lamp, a glass, and decorative items on top, placed against a beige wall on light wood flooring.
Seana Desk
Dunelm, £399
Two modern burr wood side tables with a curved design rest on a woven rug; one holds a glass of water, the other a stack of books and a ceramic vase, all bathed in soft natural light.
Burl Nest of 2 Tables
John Lewis, £399
A round wooden side table with a light natural finish sits on a hardwood floor next to a beige chair. A white ribbed ceramic vase is placed on top, near a window with sheer white curtains.
Burl Side Table
John Lewis, £199
A square, stacked block-style side table made of light-coloured wood with a speckled, natural grain pattern, set against a plain white background.
Leonne Burl Wood Side Table
Anthropologie, £348
A modern, square ottoman with a textured cream fabric top and a smooth light wood base sits on a patterned rug next to a beige sofa in a warmly lit room.
Mota Burl Wood And Boucle Stool
Orsina, £129.95
A round wooden coffee table with a glossy, burr wood finish holds a stack of books, a ceramic decorative dish, and a metallic cup. The table sits on a light carpet in front of a textured beige sofa.
Dalton Round Wooden Coffee Table
Cult Furniture, £495
A rectangular mirror with a rounded wooden frame hangs on a beige wall, next to a lit gold wall sconce. A glass vase with green branches and two glass dishes are placed on a wooden shelf below.
Burl Wall Mirror
Heal’s, £549

Credit: Anthropologie

The burl coffee table complements the latest love for grandma-core, especially the granny sofa and we’re here for it. Just check out Anthropologie for the perfect inspo.

A modern living room featuring a curved olive green armchair, a light wood side table with a rounded edge, and a gold textured vase on top; a matching console table is in the background.
Mota Burl Curved Table
Orsina, £239.95
A tall wooden wardrobe with two closed doors, a light brown finish featuring a marbled pattern, and black vertical columns on each side.
Empire Style Wardrobe
Brights Of Nettlebed, £3,575
A tall brown and beige burr wood pedestal stands by a window, topped with a decorative vase of yellow flowers, with sunlight streaming in and greenery visible outside.
Holland Burl Wood Plinth
Anthropologie, £248
A rectangular wooden tray with raised edges featuring a geometric, starburst pattern made from various wood tones and grains. The tray is photographed on a light grey surface.
Wooden Burl Tray
Vinterior, £99
A square, low-profile coffee table made of light-coloured, burled wood with a thick top and a wide, sturdy base.
Quinn Square Coffee Table
Lillian Daph, £695
A square wooden coffee table with a rich, brown finish sits on a tan rug. On top of the table are two stacked books and a small black dish, set against a neutral beige wall.
Burl Coffee Table
M&S, £299
A wooden drinks trolley with a cupboard, shelves holding bottles and glasses, and a few magazines on the bottom shelf, stands against a white wall beneath a framed picture.
Saige Burl Bar Cart
West Elm, £899
A modern round coffee table made of light-coloured wood with a distinctive burr pattern, featuring a thick circular top and a sturdy cylindrical base.
Castile Burl Veneer Table
Barker And Stonehouse, £375
A modern, low-profile ottoman with a round, beige upholstered cushion and three cylindrical wooden legs, set against a minimalist, light-coloured wall and floor.
Thornhill Burl Ottoman
Burbeck At Home, £675
Home & Interiors, Lifestyle, Trending Lifestyle

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