Mushroom Décor Is Trending: Here’s How to Get the Whimsical Look
Pinterest searches for this funky style are at an all-time high.
1970s design is once again having a moment and this time, we're turning our attention to our fungi friends. Interest in mushroom décor is at an all-time high with the motif sprouting up everywhere from lamp designs to wall art. Pinterest searches for ‘vintage mushroom décor’ have gone up 35% YOY, ‘DIY mushroom décor’ 77%, and ‘fantasy mushroom art’ 170%. And the social media service predicts the trend will continue to grow in the year ahead.
Given how statement-making this trend is, a less-is-more approach is the safest bet when it comes to decorating. Interested in spore-ting the look? Below we explore why mushroom motifs are trending and share some ideas for incorporating funky fungi vibes in your abode.
Why are mushroom motifs trending?
Fungi-inspired décor can either be psychedelic and colourful which ties in with the increased desire in home styling to be more experimental and playful, or it can be organic and earthy which fits in with the biophilic design trend which caters to our desire to bring the outdoors in. Additionally, this cottagecore-adjacent trend exudes a cosy, comforting look which is something a large majority of us have been craving over the past few years.
From the monumental mushroom sculpture that sits within Quincy Jones' home which appeared as the cover home for the January 2023 issue of Architectural Digest to mushroom motifs featured on House of Hackney's designs, these fun little guys are popping up everywhere.
Mushroom lamps are perhaps the chicest way to embrace this trend. Fungi-inspired designs date back to the '50s but really made it big in the '70s before exploding with popularity on social media another few decades later.
There are many designs that embrace the look including the iconic Atollo lamp designed in 1977 by Italian industrial designer Vico Magistretti the whimsical Murano mushrooms offered on Etsy and beyond, and the timeless Panthella conceived by Denmark designer Verner Panton in 1971.
Add a bit of whimsy to your space with a little shroom print, sculpture, or coffee table book. Find the perfect spot for it, whether that's above your sofa, on a table, or in sight from the moment you wake up, and coordinate your other accents around it.
Wallpaper can be totally transformative in any room. Whether it's a feature wall or you're committed to the look, a little fungi wallpaper will add a magical touch and can be easily removed if you grow tired of it.
Soft furnishings such as cushions, window treatments, throws, and rugs are a fantastic way to subtly add a specific trend to your home in a more subtle manner. They will also add some layers, texture, and warmth to your space.
Furniture trends are often more difficult to incorporate into your home due to their size and cost, but adding one or two pieces such as mushroom-inspired chairs is a great option. Pierre Paulin's iconic Mushroom Lounge Chair realised in 1963 is a timeless curved design that is part of the permanent collection of The Museum of Modern Art in New York. There are also countless mushroom-inspired stools on the market that lean into the trend without being too literal.
If you're the crafty type or want a budget-friendly option, this DIY lamp is the go! Not only is it simple to make but it will allow you to embrace the mushroom trend without splashing much cash and be a cute addition to any bedside table. Many pottery studios also have mushroom jars which you can go in and paint yourself.
