Scallops Are the New Ruffles—Here’s How They’re Taking Over Design

For a while there, we were obsessed with curves. Rounded sofas. Bouclé ottomans. Anything that could be described as “soft” or “squishy.” Then came the ruffle era—ditsy florals, tablecloths with flounce, nap dresses turned window valances. But now? The design world has evolved into something a bit more tailored and intentional. Enter: the scallop. Still curvy, still romantic, but with a sense of structure. It’s like the coquette trend went to finishing school and came home with a design degree.

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The proof is in the Instagram explore page. Scallops are making their way into the work of top-tier designers—reinterpreted through a more architectural, elevated lens. Beata Heuman has long used scalloped piping and rattan to add dimension to otherwise classic silhouettes. Matilda Goad’s signature lampshades, with their rippling edges and playful trims, have become modern heirlooms. Even Studio Ashby has dabbled in scalloped headboards, proving the detail can live comfortably between playful and polished.

Curious where the scallop shape even comes from? Well, historically, scalloped edging was a hallmark of Rococo and Baroque design—eras obsessed with ornamentation, asymmetry and femininity. You’ll see it on antique mirrors, Louis XV chairs, and the hem of 18th-century dresses. It was revived in the 1920s Art Deco era, softened again in the ‘60s, and now it’s back—blending heritage and whimsy in one wavy line.

So below, find five areas where scallops are showing up in design right now.

The ripple effect started on the table. Think: hand-glazed ceramic dinner plates with scalloped rims, ribbed glass dessert bowls with delicate wave detailing and vintage-inspired tea saucers edged in gold. The finishes span from matte stoneware to glossy porcelain—and if you’re looking to splurge, I’m seeing a slew of new marble introductions popping up. They’re soft, romantic and instantly upgrade even the most casual Tuesday night pasta.

It’s not just throw pillows getting the wave treatment—chairs and sofas are going full scallop. Urban Outfitters’ Roma Sofa features a channel-tufted, velvet scalloped back that gives serious art deco energy. Meanwhile, Joon Loloi’s Dorothy chairs layer in textural detail with their scalloped silhouettes and natural linen upholstery. And for something with true Parisian pedigree? Merci Maison’s Ce’cile Stool is a modern reinterpretation of 1940s avant-garde design, featuring scalloped linen upholstery and a white metal frame that reads as whimsical as it does sculptural.

Whether it’s a duvet cover trimmed in a contrast wave or a terry cloth towel set with embroidered scallops, bed and bath is where this trend really shines. Kassatex’s Chairish collaboration features bath towels edged in a delicate scallop stitch, while there’s a slew of sateen duvet sets that offer a more tailored look (complete with matching pillow shams). Even throw pillows—specifically this one from McGee & Co. x Loeffler Randall—are adding ruffle-like structure with piped scallop detailing.

Lighting is going maximalist again, and scalloped lampshades are the pièce de résistance. You’ll spot pleated cotton shades with wavy hems, structured ceramic table lamps with molded scallop forms and small pendants that play with shape and negative space. Currey & Company’s Annabelle pendant reads Paris flea market, while the budget-friendly EO lamp on Amazon brings the look in under $40. Bonus: They’re often available in multiple colorways, so you can match or contrast with your room’s palette.

Yes, even storage is having its moment with this trend. Look to pieces like Joss & Main’s Varenna Writing Desk with its undulating apron and feminine profile, or Urban Outfitters’ Everly Media Cabinet (surprisingly affordable), which adds scalloped trim to otherwise clean-lined cabinetry. Materials range from rattan and mango wood to lacquered MDF, with silhouettes that feel custom without the price tag. It’s proof that even the most utilitarian spaces can have a little fun.