Shagreen Furniture
It's time for a new design series and I am calling this series Design Expression. This will be fun. Each week I will share a phrase that we use in the design world such as shagreen, and I will share the definition, some photos and design inspiration. Are you ready?Shagreen is the hide of a shark or ray. It has been used over the years as an abrasive to sand wood and metal since it has many bony denticles. It has also been used as leather due to its durability.
The French word chagrin, is where the word shagreen is derived. The rough texture of the hide led to the French meaning of anxiety or vexation.Designers like shagreen for its texture when applied to furniture. Many furniture companies can produce a faux shagreen that closely resembles the shark or ray hide. This is fabulous because we get the same look without harming any animals. Here are some examples.
Images clockwise: Dary hexagonal faux shagreen stools, Shagreen side table, Betsy ivory shagreen dressing table, Walnut cabinet with shagreen doorsIf you like a neutral design palette, shagreen adds a wonderful texture to keep the design interesting. A little shagreen works with any aesthetic including traditional, transitional, and contemporary. One piece of furniture with shagreen is all you need.Here are a few items I put together to inspire you.
- Pembroke wall sconce-Curry and Company
- Fiddle leaf fig
- Piazza San Marco-Soicher Marin
- Gold City Nights-Z Gallerie
- Terrarium-Z Gallerie
- Shagreen side table
- Gables chair-Lexington
- Modello pillow-Z Gallerie
Give shagreen a try! I think you'll like it!Holly