The Most Popular Shape of 2020 Isn’t a Shape at All
Just go with the flow.
Updated Oct 12, 2018 4:48 AM
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From jellybean to fluffy cloud shapes, amorphous objects are everywhere right now. We’ve been seeing them in furniture pieces and accessories and even in cool candles—maybe it’s because we’re all feeling a little undefined and directionless after the year we’ve had.
But the shape (or lack thereof) isn’t exactly new. Visionary architects, artists, and designers such as Javier Senosiain, Savin Couelle, Pierre Cardin, Anish Kapoor, and Valentine Schlegel have all drawn from biomorphic forms. And now we’ve found several ways to work the shape-free trend into any room of your home. Get ready to go with the flow.
Fill Your Walls
This painting’s vivid notes of fuchsia and burgundy will pop paired with an angular furniture piece (like a sleek credenza) to offset the round shapes, while hanging a repurposed vintage mirror in your entryway will be like looking into a fun house (minus the wonky reflection) before you head out the door.
Lighten Up
Whether you go with a roller coaster–esque ceramic table lamp (the bulb is meant to represent the sun’s position) or a made-to-order, midnight-hued piece crafted from stoneware and brass, no one said a clear shape was required to brighten a space.
Liven Your Living Room
Even though it’s curvy throughout, a ceramic side table with a flat top can still hold your books and even a cocktail upright. A curvaceous ottoman (this one is foam and plywood) looks like a pretty paint splatter but can be made in custom sizes to fit your lounging needs.
Blobify Your Bedroom
Admire the sunset with a cozy knit pillow inspired by natural landscapes and hand-knit by a women-run co-op in Uruguay, or use a hand-tufted and -dyed wool throw to cloud-watch from the couch.
Style Your Vanity
Whether it’s via a treasure chest that’s a new take on jewelry’s O.G. blob, Tiffany & Co.’s bean necklace, or a chunky popcorn-hued bangle, blobs belong atop any and all dressers.
Top Your Table
Dinner is about to get a whole lot mushier: From pond-inspired trivets to alien-like candles to vases that can hold bulbous blooms, your entire table can get the blob treatment.
