Maximalist decoration is currently winning the tug-of-war with minimalism with OTT floral prints everywhere (helped by Bridgerton's new season hysteria).
Social media is full of decorational wall-panelling how-tos. Scallop trims abound, serving no purpose other than prettiness. And a curious new theme has been popping up in online furniture shops for some time now: bobbins.
The bobbin look celebrates spheres and curves, applying ornamental shapes to functional areas like dresser, table and chair legs or on mirror frames.
The bubbly aesthetic feels pretty and joyous, adding a sense of play to interiors that might otherwise be decked out in straight lines. Pairing well with broader cottagecore and modern farmhouse themes, the Arts & Crafts look stems from the 17th Century and is enjoying a major resurgence lately.
Find the look in home accessories, as well as furniture. Addison Ross’s bobbin-themed salt and pepper mills are among the company’s bestsellers. We spoke to co-founder and brand director Sarah Ross to find out why bulbous bobbins are having such a moment.
Where has the bobbin trend come from?
The Bobbin style isn’t new by any means, but it’s become a very popular trend. We’ve noticed a significantly strong rise since 2022. The motif originated in the 17th century and was initially used as a detail on the legs of chairs and tables. It is such a simple yet effective detail for elevating a space.
What are its characteristics?
The Bobbin style is a very tactile, cylindrical form that’s reminiscent of an old-fashioned sewing cylinder. Its quirky feel adds a contemporary focal point to furniture but can also be represented as a singular piece. The curves make a lovely contrast to a more sleek, minimal room.
Why is it so popular now?
There seems to have been a resurgence of appreciation for vintage aesthetics, and the bobbin style can inject a slightly muted version of maximalism and playfulness into homes with ease.
Is it just a flash in the pan or is it here to stay?
Addison Ross launched its first collection of Bobbin salt and pepper mills in 2022 and they have sold out multiple times. We are only seeing our numbers of sales rise for this category and have since brought out varying sizes and colours of the Bobbin mill to keep up with demand.
How can you easily incorporate bobbins into existing interiors?
There are endless ways to incorporate the style into interiors! The simplest and most cost-effective way is via an accessory such as a pepper mill placed on a dining table or countertop. It can look beautiful as a detail on the neck of a lamp or the edge of a mirror. The simple bobble pattern can be easily adapted onto all sorts of pieces to give a contemporary edge and looks most joyful in vibrant colours.
If you’re ready to embrace the bobbin look, we’ve scouted out some of the best pieces available to buy now, along with on-theme accessories for those wanting to dip a toe in (or with a tighter budget).
Shop our favourite, joy-inducing Bobbin edit below
John Lewis Bobbin Bed Frame, King Size, Grey
Bobbins in the bedroom; why not? With a four-poster feel, this beautiful king size bed features turned legs on all corners, making hitting the hay feel like a much grander experience every night. Comes with a one-year guarantee.
Buy now £699.00, John Lewis
Dunelm Bobbin Round Wall Mirror
Give visitors something to look at by installing this statement mirror in your entryway. Framed with bobbins, the piece comes in black, green and orange but we like the satin finish gold effect best. It'll bring a smile with every glance.
Buy now £60.00, Dunelm
The Little Haus Bobin Lamp Base
From bedside tables to entry tables and a WFH desk, cheer up any corner of the home with this bobbin-themed lamp base. The vivid green hue promises to add a shot of colour to revive tired interiors and you can keep the look simple with a plain lampshade or go for max statement with a printed version.
Buy now £168.00, Anthropologie
Oliver Bonas Parker Bobbin Purple Acacia Wood Side Table
Crafted in acacia wood and finished in lovely lavender, we're surprised to find this darling side table hasn't sold out - yet. There are three levels to curate your favourite things, plus a slim drawer to hide away more stuff. Also available in pink and green.
Buy now £175.00, Oliver Bonas
Furniture 123 Oak Sideboard with Bobbin Detail - Artisan - Caspian House
Slightly elongated bobbins, ovals rather than perfect spheres, decorate the legs of this sideboard which has been crafted from high-quality oak. The functional piece offers plenty of storage to squirrel away goods like glassware and crockery and can be painted if you want an upgrade from the raw wood look. Secure with brackets to the wall to ensure extra stability - especially if you've got young kids and excitable pets running around.
Buy now £799.97, Furniture 123
Urban Outfitters Willow King Bed
Nail two trends in one with this bobbin detailed bed that features a cane headboard. Made for a king-size mattress, dress the vintage boho look with crisp bedding or pretty floral linens.
Buy now £527.00, Urban Outfitters
Soho House Emilia Mirror, Floor
A high-impact piece you don't need any DIY skills to enjoy (although an aluminium cleat is included), Soho House's floor mirror is punctuated with bobbles, mimicking the bobbin trend. The carved wood is made from dark oak, adding richness and depth to your home. Equal parts fun and fabulous.
Buy now £1995.00, Soho Home
John Lewis Bobbin Armchair
Using a bobbin theme across the arms and spindles of this chair spotlights the oak's beautiful colour and grain in a way a basic panel wouldn't. Teamed with cream cushions, it's playful while remaining elegant.
Buy now £599.00, John Lewis
John Lewis Bobbin 3 Drawer Chest
This perfectly standard chest is elevated with bobbin legs that taper elegantly at the floor. Three drawers offers plenty of space to fold away clothes and bed linen, although this could also be used as a TV stand for living rooms that need extra storage. Also available in green and white.
Buy now £449.00, John Lewis
Caspian House Artisan Round Oak Extendable Dining Table with Bobbin Detail
Considering a new statement table for your dining space? Choosing one with bobbin legs guarantees a visual feast. This round version is extendable too, meaning you can get up to six friends and family over to admire its well-turned natural oak pins.
Buy now £949.97, Furniture 123
Addison Ross mini bobbin mills
They say good things come in small packages, and that's proven right with Addison Ross's latest launch.
The chic home brand has introduced mini versions of its lacquered salt and pepper grinders to the collection. Available in tube shapes and the bestselling bobbin look, each line comes in fun, vibrant shades to liven up your tablescape game.
Get them in matching colours or mix and match - each one comes with extra screw toppers to denote salt and pepper respectively so there are no mix-ups come dinnertime.
Buy now £38.00, Addison Ross
Habitat Bobble Picture Frame - Blue - 17x13cm
A low-cost, low-commitment way to get into the trend? With a photo frame. Habitat has this 17 x 13cm size waiting to be filled with your best snaps.
Buy now £6.00, Argos
Urban Outfitters Brown Willow Side Table
Whether you're nurturing a new fern or you're looking for a new pedestal for your monstera, this side table will give your plant baby the grand stand it deserves. There's a handy shelf underneath for stowing accessories or magazines too. It's also a nice option for the tub to display your nicest shower essentials.
Buy now £120.00, Urban Outfitters
Crown Black Bobbin Wooden Picture Frame 7x5 Inch
Framing wall art is an easy way to elevate posters and prints. If you want to give it an extra edge, a bobbin trim can take it to the next level. Featuring modest bobbin detail, this frame comes in myriad colours making it easy to match - or pop - against your interiors scheme.
Buy now £16.79, Amazon
Graham & Green Bobbin Natural Linen and Ash Bench
Whether you're hoping to create a reading nook or need somewhere to sit to put on shoes, this beautiful bench is a quirky option. It's crafted from fraxinus ash wood and finished with a loose seat foam-filled cushion, wrapped in 100 per cent linen for the final flourish. The beaded legs offer a heritage look that is bound to appeal to warm, country-inspired homes.
Buy now £695.00, Graham & Green
Pooky charming mirror
Available in navy and white alternatives, this pretty mirror will add a pop of colour and style to your walls in one. The bobbin-style beading frames the glass, with the carved wood finished in bright blue resin for extra sturdiness. A joy.
Buy now £240.00, Pooky
Plank Hardware BOBBIN D-Bar Handle
If you don't have the deep pockets to stretch to new furniture, you can transform existing pieces with a clever hardware swap. Plank makes designer handles and cupboard knobs with unusual designs including this bobbin D-bar that can be used on kitchen cupboards and wardrobe doors. Available in a brushed gold look or black.
Buy now £24.95, Plank Hardware
