When it comes to decorating your interiors, it's the many little details that transform a house into a home. Although I've always been a fan of coil details, it seems that this small round decorative accent is reaching its peak in interior design. From coil decor to coil decorated rooms, there is no idea that is too unconventional when it comes to subtly enhancing your home.
When I started rounding up all the decorating options with this spherical detail, I was surprised at how many fun ways there are to incorporate this decorating trend into your home. Interior designer Hannah Prescott of Diamond Interiors says: “Coil details are a wonderful way to bring craftsmanship and tradition into our homes. They date back to the 17th century when artisans used factory leftovers to create elegant yet practical furniture.”
Today's comeback reflects the desire for pieces that make a statement while combining nostalgic touches with a contemporary touch. Coil designs add so much character and warmth to a room, making any room feel full of charm. So read on and discover the different ways to create decorative details.
1. Coil Ceiling Panel
(Image credit: Studio Spiteri, Mary Wadsworth)
Let's start at the top. When I first mentioned the coil details to the team here housing etcour global brand director, Sarah Spiteri, immediately thought of a hand-painted trim that she incorporated into her very own design. That's right, in the bedroom shown above, Sarah brought the coil strip directly to the ceiling.
“We designed a custom coil cornice that we have now used in two different residential projects,” she told me. “It adds a really fun touch – a playful finishing touch that enhances the look of the room. We used it both in white to match the ceiling and in an accent color.”
Although this look was custom, there are many coil forming options on Etsy that can help you achieve a similar look in your own space for less money.
2. Coil wall molding
(Image credit: Brit Arnesen)
Brit Arnesen, interior designer and content creator, is perhaps the queen when it comes to incorporating coil details. Known for her whimsical interior design projects, she recently shared a video on Instagram of a simple DIY coil molding hack that she did in her living room, and the results were subtle yet stunning.
“I wanted to add some detail to the walls with crown molding, but didn't want to go the traditional route,” she explains. “The idea of using coil molding somewhere in the house has been in my head for a while, but it's not something you normally do in the U.S., so it's not like I could just buy some locally.”
Brit knew if she wanted to do it, she had to do it herself. “I was initially inspired by the coil molding you see on picture frames and eventually realized it was commonly used as a wall molding in the UK. With a spirit level and half wooden balls.” [from Amazon]“I got to work,” she explained. While the effort was time-consuming, it's safe to say it was worth it.
3. Coil furniture
(Image credit: Williams Sonoma)
Bobbin detail furniture is one of the most original (and chic) ways to incorporate this playful trend into your home. The look is particularly noticeable on wooden furniture or smaller pieces like side tables, accent chairs and stools. Or, if you have a handy thumb, spool trimmed furniture is a relatively easy DIY. (I recently featured a particularly chic IKEA nightstand spool DIY.)
Brit says she has added coil detailing to many pieces of furniture in the past. She recommends: “If possible, definitely try to paint it before installing it – ideally with a sprayer. After my furniture was finished I had to use a paint brush and that took forever!”
Choose a color from your palette and paint or stain your coil furniture to match for a coordinated look. Brit says details like this “would also look great in a contrasting color to create an unexpected moment of color in the room.”
Spindle accent chair made from linen fabric
Price: $275.99
Color: Black and cream
Price: $252.15
Color: Green
4. Doors with coil frames
This idea is very similar in both technique and style to coil molding and ceiling paneling. We've seen brightly painted door frames and clever door panel ideas over the past year, but covering your entryway with coil paneling is a stylish way to show off your interior design side. However, there are a few tips to ensure your coil entrance stays chic.
Amy Granger of Scandinavian Designs says: “To make it work in any style, combine it with other design elements such as clean lines or natural materials so it doesn’t look out of place. A good tip is to keep it minimal and use it on smaller pieces or as accent details to keep things fresh, neutral tones or wood finishes help it blend seamlessly into different looks. You want your coil details to shine in their own spotlight rather than overpowering a room.
However, if we're talking specifically about doors, there's no need to limit coil details to mere trimming ideas. “Coil-style carvings on cabinet doors or trim can add depth and dimension to kitchens or living rooms,” says Hannah Prescott. “Try painted finishes to modernize these elements while maintaining their historic charm.”
5. Coil lamps
(Image credit: Anthropology)
There are many creative ways to incorporate spools into your decor – spool trimmed picture frames, mirrors, headboards… the list goes on. “Smaller accessories like mirrors or coil-frame lamps are an easy way to incorporate this trend into a room,” says Hannah. “They add charm and sophistication without overwhelming the overall design.”
However, one particular detail that designers (and I) love is an accent lamp. The best table lamps provide a moment of atmospheric lighting while providing undeniable style. Although lamps may not reflect coil detail in the traditional sense, an accent lamp with a base of stacked round balls is the perfect way to add personality to any room.
Price: $350
Material: Solid oak
Safavieh Lighting Collection table lamp with stacked spheres
Price: $115/set of 2
Size: 31″H
Loki alabaster table lamp
“I feel like you can’t go wrong with this! It makes anything you attach it to – be it walls, furniture or frames – special and interesting to look at. “I think it fits well into most home styles too,” says Brit.
Coil details are the design trend that completes a playfully chic home.