Why bobbin furniture is having a renaissance

Originally a style crafted by itinerant woodturners over 400 years ago, the simple, decorative detailing of bobbin furniture is key to its appeal

Characterised by lathe-turned ornamental details, bobbin furniture – also known as spool furniture – was first made in the 17th century in northern Europe and the US. Machine-turned lathes sparked a revival in the 19th century and today the style is experiencing another renaissance.

Jakub Blackman of Shiny Things London sells lots of antique bobbin furniture sourced in France and has noticed a dramatic increase in its popularity of late.

‘We regularly stock bobbin furniture and it always sells very quickly,’ he says. ‘We believe its appeal stems from its compatibility with a broad range of styles and settings. The designs aren’t overly fussy or ornate, but add an element of detail and intricacy that works well in modern, minimalist interiors as well as more traditional homes.’

Pairs of 19th-century or early 20th-century bobbin corner chairs are Jakub’s best-sellers. ‘Named coin du feu (fireside) chairs in France, these small, low seats were designed so the sitter could get as close to the open fire as possible,’ he reveals. ‘Bobbin shelves, benches and armchairs are also in high demand.’

Strong silhouettes are de rigueur at present, so it’s no surprise these shapely creations – which have just the right amount of decorative detail – are proving to be so enduring.

Designers such as Julian Chichester and Alfred Newall have recently revived spool furniture with their own contemporary takes, while high-street brands are getting in on the look: John Lewis has a bobbin-style bedside table in traditional shades of green, blue and grey, M&S has a sleek bobbin mirror, while Oliver Bonas is stocking bobbin lamp bases, photo frames and furniture in bright, bold colours.

Head to Graham & Green for bobbin armchairs and bar stools with hand-turned ash legs and arms, or pop to Urban Outfitters for a bobbin plant stand inspired by Victorian designs – they’re just as at home in a modern flat as they would be in a grand orangerie.

Modern reproductions can’t compete with antique bobbin pieces, of course, which have an aged patina and a reassuring solidity that newer items lack. Vintage bobbin benches and chairs often have elegant, rush seats, which add to their rustic charm, while bobbin supports on a shelving unit create pleasingly playful silhouettes against a wall.

Turner Pocock and Chelsea Textiles have teamed up to launch a colourful range of beds, consoles and side tables inspired by antique finds. Bunny Turner of Turner Pocock lauds bobbin furniture as ‘fun and characterful… deeply domestic, yet also romantic’. It’s this beguiling combination that means bobbin furniture looks set to add interest to interiors for many generations to come.

WORDS: ELLIE TENNANT