Sorry pale wood lovers, it might be time to rethink mahogany – here's why designers say it is back on trend and here to stay

For years, pale, contemporary wood finishes have dominated our homes, bringing a subtle and Scandi-inspired feel to modern interiors.

But if you've been paying attention, interior design trends have been heating up in the past year. 2025 is set to be a big year for warm color schemes, and with that, dark wood has fallen back into favor.

You might have already bought into the trend with pieces made from teak or walnut, but what about mahogany? Beloved for its rich red tones and characterful presence, we asked interior designers if mahogany really is back on trend. Spoiler alert: it never really went away.

Is mahogany back on trend?

Due to its popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries mostly in Georgian and Victorian properties, mahogany is often associated with historic homes and traditional style.

Thanks to its deep, reddish-brown hue and soft grain, this furniture is typically elegant, handcrafted, and intricately carved. However, during the Art Deco period, a more streamlined aesthetic was adopted. Now, in 2025, we're seeing another comeback.

Sometimes simply referred to as 'brown furniture', mahogany can instantly make a contemporary space feel rich and layered, adding warmth and contrast. Decorating with antiques, like mahogany pieces, provides a transitional old-meets-new contrast that feels collected and curated, much like the beloved Nancy Meyers aesthetic.

And as we know, brown in all its guises and hues is already big news in 2025.

'Thanks in part to Pantone's 2025 Color of the Year – the warm brown Mocha Mousse – brown hues of all kinds are really having a moment, and mahogany is a great example of this,' says interior designer Kathy Kuo.

'This luxe and versatile color is equally at home in a dark academia-themed home as it is in an organic modern one,' she continues. 'It's earthy, yet upscale, and works well as an accent color in a number of different motifs.'

Designer Alexandra Kaehler, who designed the entryway above with a vintage mahogany piece and offset it with bold contemporary stripes and a scalloped rug, agrees saying: 'There is certainly a resurgence in interest in 'brown furniture' and lots of our parents and grandparents’ mahogany pieces fit the bill,' she explains. 'We’re integrating lots of family dining tables and side tables into our designs of late.'

'The question of whether brown furniture will ever be popular again never seems to abate, but I think there’s always a way to include a piece of mahogany somehow,' says designer Benji Lewis.

'Given its hefty look, I’d bear that in mind with my fabric and furniture choices and embrace the opulently rich feel of mahogany with cut velvets, silk damask, and leather for a sophisticated old-fashioned Gentleman's Club type vibe,' he advises.

'The fashion for preloved and antique furniture would indicate that mahogany certainly has its place in today’s interiors, as well as the reality that buying a piece of beautifully constructed antique mahogany can cost less than a piece of something contemporary from a high street store.'

For many designers, it never truly went away.

'I don’t think mahogany ever went out of style,' says interior designer Becky Shea. 'Its timeless appeal and durability make it a perennial favorite in design. We often use mahogany in a variety of ways, from doors to ceiling paneling, because of its natural elegance and versatility.'

'What I love most about mahogany is how effortlessly sophisticated it looks, regardless of the setting,' she continues. 'Its fine grain and rich tone allow it to take on stains beautifully, enhancing its depth and character while maintaining a natural warmth. Whether left in its natural state or treated with a darker stain, mahogany has an inherent ability to elevate any space.'

The best way to introduce mahogany into your home in 2025 is, of course, by shopping vintage. As Emma Sims-Hilditch, founder and creative director of Sims Hilditch, explains this is for three reasons: sustainability, cost, and aesthetics.

'The benefits of buying antiques or second-hand furniture are threefold,' says Emma. 'Firstly, from a sustainable perspective, the piece of furniture has been around for years already and the quality and craftsmanship mean it will last at least another 100. The idea that you are reusing an item rather than it going to a landfill is a strong enough reason alone to buy second-hand, to be kinder to the planet. Buying second-hand is by far the most sustainable furniture you can own, in my opinion.'

'Secondly, brown furniture can be picked up relatively inexpensively at auctions or dealers,' adds Emma. 'It’s also a fun day out, you place a bid and often you’re able to pick something up that is worth so much more than the sold price – there is a real thrill to the process.'

'Lastly, and perhaps most importantly for designers, is the aesthetic angle. An antique, timeless piece of furniture in a contemporary setting can add depth, gravitas, and texture to a space,' she explains. 'Incorporating a vintage mirror above a modern fireplace, for example, adds interest – it’s a piece of history with a story that adds an extra dimension to the design.'

If you have previously shied away from dark wood, perhaps it is time to give mahogany a go?

While pale woods certainly have their place, this might be the sign you need to consider the charm of dark wood pieces like mahogany. Whether through shopping vintage or new, mahogany has a unique ability to bring character and warmth to contemporary spaces. We hope to see much more of this antique trend in 2025.