A Wild Trend Alert: Shagreen

Shagreen is one of those decor elements that’s simultaneously beautiful and mysterious. Made to resemble the skin of rays, sharks or dogfish, the smooth and pebbled texture is a multi-purpose accent. Needless to say, we love to see how designers are experimenting (often brilliantly!) with shagreen elements.

Shagreen Spottings

Adding The Perfect Touch


{Lindsey Davis, West Elm}

We like shagreen to soften a furniture’s contours or to add an intriguing focal point to a a vignette. The faux shagreen box above (currently on sale for $55) is a great example of this texture doing what it does best. Hard to take your eyes off of, isn’t it?

Developing Textural Depth


{Pioneersettler.com, Interludehome.com}

Shagreen comes in a variety of shades and adds a lovely layer of textural depth to most spaces. Using the organic texture on a functional piece of furniture, like a table or dresser, often brings out that highly sought-after feeling of understated elegance.

Developing Textural Depth


{Williams Sonoma}

Shagreen’s granular surface gives off the perfect amount of luxury, while still being extremely durable. Luxurious and durable – Yes, it really can happen! We’ve seen designers incorporate the organic texture into living areas by decorating with everything from coffee and end tables to trays and coasters.

Get Sneaky With Shagreen

{Rhmodern.com, Regina Andrew}

This material was first introduced in the Art-Deco period, but has made its big come back the past few years. We love adding it into designs in the most unsuspecting ways, like with this Regina Andrew lamp.

We certainly don’t intend to stop using shagreen in the near future. It’s versatile, beautiful and best of all – no one ever expects it, so it’s always a nice surprise. Feeling inspired to try out this wild shagreen trend? Let us help give your home a little exotic flair today!