Erin Napier is synonymous with vintage style, best exhibited through the traditional Southern homes she designs around Laurel, Mississippi, via HGTV's Home Town. However, perhaps unsurprisingly, there is no better canvas than her family abode.
The countryside home is a trove of design quirks rooted in nostalgia – from the Downtown Abbey-inspired kitchen to a tiled powder room that pays homage to a vintage ice cream bar. It was in Erin and Ben's bedroom, however, where we spotted our favorite antique to date: a spindle bed.
Characterized by its construction, spindle furniture emerged in the 17th century when furniture makers used their offcuts to design beds, chairs, and tables, among other pieces. Also known as 'bobbin' and 'spool,' the name reflects the turned detail effect that resembles a row of spools. And the aesthetic is both nostalgic and beautiful, and naturally, it's made for Erin's space.
Spindle furniture enjoyed various resurgences in the 300 years that followed, but as designers explain, this movement is only set to become more popular in 2024.
'Over the years, we see many trends vanish, but they can always reappear. One trend that has made its way back into many homes this year is the use of spindle furniture. This style originated in the 17th century and was mainly used on furniture legs,' comments Sophie Clemson, Director and Co-Founder of The Living House.
Sophie explains spindle furniture's ever-growing popularity is a response to the growing desire for decorative finishes – a larger design trend that shaped how we decorated in 2023.
'Decorative finishes have been huge with accessories and lighting, and the spindle trend on mirrors and lamps has been very popular,' she says. 'We don’t think this trend is going anywhere anytime soon.'
Plus, Sophie Clemson is not alone in her observations. The Citizenry's 2024 Home Decor Trend Predictions similarly list Rounded Shapes and a Focus on Nostalgia among their top movements for 2024, and of course, spindle furniture taps into both these aesthetics.
'As we move toward a revival of more traditional motifs, silhouettes with rounded edges and curved forms that create an inviting atmosphere will gain in popularity,' the team discusses on the subject of Rounded Shapes.
'Meanwhile, the Focus on Nostalgia trend will manifest in 2024 with consumers looking at new sources of inspiration in the past for fresh perspectives on the present. Whether it's spindle back chairs, heirloom patterned rugs, or simple striped elements, these pieces add a bit of the past to the present day.'
Inspired? We can pick up these Erin Napier-inspired buys below.
This classic armchair features exposed wood with bobbin carving for the entire outside back, the arms, and the front legs. It is made to order, so we can choose our favorite color for the wood and seat cushion.
This piece was designed to remind us of an earlier life when the 'rolling pin' would be used to make a lumpy bed into a smooth bed. The turned legs and stretchers add a classic and elegant touch to any bedroom.
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