“Swancore” Is the Latest Decor Trend That’s Taking Over (and It’s Absolutely Gorgeous!)

published Jun 20, 2024

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Living room with pink sectional sofa, abstract wall art, colorful rug, green armchair, and bookshelves by a large window. — Credit: Margaret Wright

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?

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“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.

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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.

The Wolf and the Swan - Print

$25

This print from Etsy is a simple way to add some swancore to your walls or shelves. Pop it into a brass frame to up the elegance.

$25 at Etsy

Swan Towel Ring

$58

Replacing a faucet can be tricky and expensive, but your bathroom can still get in on the swan trend. Try this swan towel holder from Anthropologie instead.

$58 at Anthropologie

Swan Table Lamp

$159

Urban Outfitters’ swan table lamp looks straight out of the Art Deco era. Try one on a console or side table.

$159 at Urban Outfitters

Vintage Brass Swan

$243

A larger brass swan, like this one, is a surefire way to make a statement. You could place it on a shelf or on a mantel.

$243 at Etsy

Olivia Wendel Swan Blanket

$195

This Olivia Wendel blanket is a quirkier, more colorful way to lean into swancore. Drape it over your sofa or on the back of an armchair.

$195 at Urban Outfitters

Lambs & Ivy Signature Swan Princess Plush White Stuffed Animal Toy

$25

This plush swan from Target would add a dainty touch to a child’s – or adult’s – bedroom. Style it like a bed pillow or on an accent chair.

$25 at Target

Deco 79 Ceramic Swan Decorative Sculpture

$35$28

If you’re not looking to splurge on a swan sculpture, this Amazon find is a nice alternative. It’s the perfect decorative accent beside a stack of books or on an empty shelf.

$28 at Amazon

Feather Flock Wallpaper

$48

This wallpaper is a subtle way to showcase your love of swans (or other water birds, like cranes or herons). It’s peel-and-stick and comes in four colorways, including blue, blush, gold, and gray.

$48 at West Elm