“Swancore” Is the Latest Decor Trend That’s Taking Over (and It’s Absolutely Gorgeous!)
From mosaic sink motifs to cocktail glasses to vintage-inspired planters, swans suddenly aren’t just for luxe pool inflatables anymore. Swan figures, with their long, arched necks and white feathers, lend an aura of elegance and grace to decor. That’s probably why “swancore” seems like it’ll be interior design’s next bird movement, with swans following in the footsteps of the sparrows, owls, and peacocks that came before them.
Designer Melanie Turner says swans’ graceful silhouettes add both sophistication and whimsy to a room. “Swans have symbolic meanings associated with beauty, grace, and tranquility, making them a popular choice for decor elements,” she adds. Think, for example, of vintage brass swan sculptures placed on open shelving or a mantel, ceramic swan-shaped vessels as planters — is there a bird with a more dignified presence?
“Swans are a really elegant and instantly recognizable shape — as in, you could just draw the silhouette of a swan and it would clearly be a swan, unlike a lot of other birds,” says Amy Exton, an interior designer specializing in mosaics and the artist behind the Instagram-famous pink swan backsplash that debuted in the summer of 2023. They also bear similarities to flamingos and cranes, other birds referenced in 20th-century design. “I personally love a bit of symmetry and appreciate that two swans facing each other make a heart shape,” Exton adds.
Swans have a rich history in design, Exton says. Although swans are primarily associated with 20th-century design and movements like Art Nouveau and Art Deco, Exton notes that swans were a popular motif in the Arts & Crafts movement, which spanned from 1860 to 1920. This is, after all, the era that birthed Tchaikovsky’s iconic ballet, Swan Lake.
Because they make such a bold statement but still retain a bit of visual softness, thanks to their curves, it’s easy to incorporate swans into your own space’s design. Turner suggests adding swan-shaped faucets to bathrooms for a blend of functionality and elegance. “There’s also a variety of wall coverings and art that incorporate swans,” she says.
For a quicker and more affordable fix, scope out a thrift store or Facebook Marketplace for vintage swan treasures. Ceramic, brass, and metal planters, sculptures, and ornaments like towel holders abound in secondhand markets.
Want to add some swan decor to your home? Check out these picks below.
