Scalloped edges are having a serious moment, and it’s easy to see why. Their soft, undulating curves add a touch of whimsy and charm to both modern and traditional spaces. Whether painted onto a wall, added as trim, or designed into the furniture itself, scallop edges bring a handcrafted, bespoke quality to your home décor.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to incorporate scalloped details beautifully throughout your home, from nursery walls to unique side tables—and we’ll answer some of the most searched questions about this playful design trend.
What is a scalloped edge?
A scalloped edge is a decorative border made up of repeating curves, much like the shell of a scallop. In interior design, these gentle arcs are used to soften hard lines, inject visual interest, and evoke a sense of elegance with a hint of nostalgia.
Painted Perfection: Scallop Stencil Walls
Scalloped edges can be added to your space in the simplest way—using paint. The scallop edge wall stencil by Dizzy Duck Stencils (from £5.00) is a reusable tool that makes it easy to add a neat, playful border to any wall. In the example above, the stencil has been used to create a blush pink scalloped detail, perfect for zoning a child’s room or nursery. It’s a cost-effective and stylish way to bring colour and charm to plain walls.
Furniture with Flair: Add Trim to Existing Pieces
Transforming an ordinary piece of furniture is easy with the help of wooden scallop trim by Boboandthemouse (from £4.00). This dusty rose dresser is brought to life by the scalloped detail applied just above each drawer. It’s a lovely DIY option if you want to refresh second-hand furniture or personalise something flat-packed.
Storage That’s Both Practical and Playful
In a child’s bedroom or playroom, scalloped edges add storybook charm to everyday storage. Boboandthemouse also offers a scallop trim set for toy storage units (from £12.00), used here to upgrade a wooden unit filled with plastic tubs. Paired with a dollhouse and soft toys, the result is enchanting but practical.
Charming Nursery Touches
Scalloped edges are a natural fit for nurseries and children’s bedrooms, offering softness and whimsy in equal measure. The Ottilie Decorative Scallop Trim Edging by CraftyMDF (from £5.00) is used here on floating shelves, creating a sweet, handcrafted look above a mint green cot. Combined with pastel raindrop garlands, framed prints, and star wall decals, the overall effect is joyful and creative—perfect for a playful yet beautifully styled space.
HelloNookUK’s wavy decorative MDF trim (from £18.50) is ideal for shelves, mantels, and cupboards. It’s available unprimed or primed, and offers an easy way to introduce subtle scallops to any flat surface. On the pale blue shelf shown above, the trim adds just enough flair to keep the look interesting and playful.
Furniture Designed with Scallops in Mind
Some pieces are made with scalloped details from the start, offering a polished and cohesive look. The Samson chest of drawers by HelloNookUK (£948.00) features a scalloped base, beautifully paired with reeded drawer fronts and gold knobs. The look is bold but grounded in tradition, perfect for grown-up spaces with character.
The Iris side table (£175.00) is another example from HelloNookUK, showcasing a gently scalloped tabletop in a soft beige finish. It’s a versatile piece that works just as well beside a sofa as it does in a hallway or bedroom—but here, it’s styled in a way that feels both playful and polished.
The room captures a cosy yet curated sensibility, with layers of texture and thoughtful colour choices. The scalloped edge of the side table mirrors the wavy trim of the natural jute rug beneath, creating a visual echo that ties the scheme together. That rug, with its delicate scalloped border, softens the lines of the wooden parquet flooring and adds an organic, handmade feel.
To the left, the arched built-in shelving painted in a muted sage provides both storage and a design feature, filled with curated ceramics and books that bring personality without clutter. The exposed brick wall to the right injects a touch of urban charm, balancing the softness of the cream boucle armchair and the gentle curves of the furniture.
Altogether, the space blends rustic warmth with modern freshness. The combination of painted wood, natural textures, scalloped detailing and unfussy styling places it comfortably in the modern cottage or soft country style category. It’s not overly traditional, but it draws from the relaxed, layered look of classic British interiors—where comfort, charm and character are key.
For a classic bedroom scheme, the Hector bedside table (£298.00) offers both function and decorative appeal. Its wavy trim top and ribbed drawer front add texture and interest without overpowering the room. Styled here against a duck egg blue panelled wall, the bedside exudes a soft country charm that feels fresh yet rooted in tradition.
The surrounding décor further enhances the look. A floral wallpaper sits just above the panelling, introducing a delicate pattern that ties in with the pleated lampshade and scalloped ceramic dishware. The blend of gentle blues, creams and sage tones creates a calm, restful atmosphere perfect for a bedroom.
A swing-arm wall light with a floral fabric shade adds character and vintage flair, while the stacked boxes and open book below the table add lived-in warmth. The whole setting feels thoughtful but uncontrived—layered with textures and soft lines that speak to a modern country or cottagecore aesthetic. It’s a lovely example of how scalloped details can be used subtly to add personality to a room, without tipping into anything overly ornate or fussy.
Wall Panels with a Twist
If you’re updating your panelling, consider topping it off with scalloped moulding. The scallop decorative trim moulding by HelloNookUK (from £18.50) is used here to add detail to pink-painted panelling, helping to frame the space beneath a vintage-style sconce and portrait. It’s a charming detail that adds personality to cottage or country-inspired spaces.
Scallops in Unexpected Places
If you’re looking to make a bold, modern statement with a scalloped motif, the RIVA concrete basin by NedevDesign is an inspired choice. This wall-mounted bathroom sink, shown here in a rich berry tone, features dramatic rounded edges that instantly elevate a minimal space. Paired with matte black tapware and natural accessories, it’s a striking example of how scallops can be sculptural and architectural—not just decorative.
From furniture to walls, scalloped edges offer an easy way to introduce personality and softness to your interiors. Whether you DIY with trims and paint or invest in beautifully crafted pieces, scallops are a versatile detail that never goes out of style. Elegant, playful, and effortlessly chic—they’re the perfect finishing touch.
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FAQs
How to make scallop edges?
There are several ways to create scalloped edges, depending on the material you’re working with. In wood, you can either cut your own scallops using a jigsaw or buy pre-cut trims like the ones shown above. For fabric, stitch along a traced scallop line, clip the curves, and turn the fabric right side out before pressing. When painting, use a stencil or compass to ensure consistency and smooth curves.
How to do a scalloped edge in knitting?
Scalloped edges in knitting—often referred to as shell or wave borders—are created by combining increases and decreases, typically in a lace stitch pattern. They are ideal for the edges of blankets, shawls, and scarves. Many free tutorials online can help you master the technique, even as a beginner.
How to do scalloped edge sewing?
In sewing, scallops are stitched along a curved pattern drawn on the fabric. Once stitched, the seam allowance is clipped and the fabric turned inside out, revealing smooth, even curves. This technique is commonly used on hems, pillowcases, table linens, and children’s clothing.