Why Scalloped Edges Are More than a Timeless Trend

The curved contour style is having an absolute moment right now.

Some interior trends are short lived, and if we’re being honest, deservedly so. Looking at you, waterbeds. Haven’t forgotten you either, seashell toilet seats. But others possess a versatility and timelessness that transcends trend, bolstered by centuries worth of popularity attesting to the longevity of its allure.

Case in point: scalloped edges. An ode to the wavy and whimsical outline of a scallop shell, the curved contour style is having an absolute moment right now, elevating interiors with a soft playfulness that feels classic yet contemporary. But despite its current popularity, our favourite shell-shaped style is so much more than just a passing fad – and there’s at least 500 years of history to prove it.

Where and when did the scallop get its start?

From interiors to architecture to fashion, some form of the scallop motif can be traced back centuries. Some of the earliest evidence of scalloped edges exists in paintings from the early 1600s, where both men and women donned deep, scallop-edged lace collars covering the shoulders.

In interior design, scalloping became popular in the late Renaissance (the period in European history, not the second half of Beyoncé’s seminal album of the same name). Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Queen Anne were all known to be fond of the fluted fashion in both their outfits and their furniture.

Flirty fringes continued to make waves in fashion, with scalloped-edge hems on dresses and skirts reaching peak-chic in the late 1860s and early 1870s. In vogue again throughout the 1920s, scalloped-edge collars and necklines have become synonymous with haute couture.

Design-wise, during the Art Deco movement of the 1920s, you simply couldn’t escape the scallop, adorning everything from lighting and mirrors to tableware.

Why is the curved contour making a comeback?

Over the past few years of interior trends, we’ve witnessed an evolution of the curved line. It began with arches, then progressed to waves, before arriving here to take on its most fun form yet: the scalloped edge.

Credit for the latest squiggled skirting revival in part belongs to Matilda Goad, who walked so that we could run. The London-based interior designer launched a line of signature scalloped styles that paved the way for the playful edge to make its grand return.

Bordering everything from rugs to cushions to lampshades, this fun finish exudes a soft playfulness that complements almost any aesthetic—from coastal to classic, Art Deco to Art Nouveau. And though scalloped edges have been around for centuries, we’re seeing them reimagined in a new and contemporary way, from scalloped edge rattan side tables, wall shelves, placemats, and, of course, pillowcases.

How can you incorporate the scalloped edge into your space?

Versatile and complementary, there’s really no wrong way to incorporate the scalloped edge style into your home. The addition of a shell-shaped hem or two can drastically elevate a space and introduce character into a room without requiring a complete aesthetic overhaul. Effective and effortless, it’s the ultimate fun finish.

In the bedroom, what better way to conjure charm than by adding some scalloped linen pillowcases to your bedding? Soft and subtle, a curved cushion provokes playfulness without compromising elegance or aesthetic. The same can be said of a scalloped edge linen placemat to set a classic yet contemporary dinner table scene—instantly updating your tableware to today.

In the bathroom, a scalloped bath-mat, a wavy tray to hold soap or trinkets, and some fresh hand towels with a bouncy border can transform a traditionally uninspired space into a place of on-trend tranquillity. Add an element of whimsy to your walls with a scalloped-edge frame, or find the perfect scalloped rug to introduce this timeless shell shape to your living room look.

Really, there’s no end to how you can incorporate this fun forever trend into your space, with centuries-worth of inspiration to draw from.