12 Types Of Burl Wood & The Best Ways To Style Them

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Burl wood has always been a popular pick in home decor. Whether it's because of its quality, scarcity, or unique appearance, burl is getting a major boost inside modern homes. Unlike regular wood, burl develops when a tree is stressed, which makes the wood fibers grow in swirling, random patterns. They feel like a work of art: Rich with movement, depth, and natural beauty. Every piece is unique, and that's why designers and collectors are drawn to it. Burl looks like a weird protruding growth on the outside of a tree, but it's the inside that hides all its spectacular beauty. So, it isn't surprising that burl wood is trending for home decor.

Different types of burl wood produce their own special and unique look, but they all have a '70s-style aesthetic that makes it timeless for working well in any home decor look. Some variations are light and cloud-like, while others have dark swirls that are super fancy. For example, walnut burl features dark, moody shades that add depth and elegance, while maple and birch burls are lighter and can fit in flawlessly with Scandinavian-inspired looks. Buckeye or myrtle burls are much livelier and feature tons of contrast, which makes them perfect for standalone statement pieces, like tables and small decorative objects. 

Knowing more about the different burl wood varieties and the best ways to incorporate them can help you add this unusual wood material in a way that looks classic, balanced, and totally modern. 

Mappa burl, with its light honey to cream hues and eye-catching, cloud-like patterns, feels both organic and refined. Usually from European poplar, it has a softer, warmer appearance than darker burls, which makes it versatile in modern designs. Mappa burl looks best as a high-end finish on tabletops, bed frames, and cabinet doors. It's also popular for cigar humidors and jewelry boxes, where its detailed designs can be truly admired.

Maple burl has a light, creamy color and a detailed, tight grain that gives it texture, without being too heavy. Its light color makes it perfect for modern, bright rooms where darker woods don't quite fit the vibe. Maple burl looks amazing on coffee tables, cabinets, and other types of home decor, giving them oodles of character. The darker patterns found throughout maple burl pieces add just enough contrast to make it pop.

Walnut burl is known for its dark, rich brown colors and layered graining that adds movement and depth. The swirling patterns are luxe yet perfectly natural, making it popular for a variety of pieces. Walnut burl can be found in musical instruments, as well as high-end furniture, decorative objects, and luxury trim inside some vehicles. It tends to be more expensive since it's rarer than regular walnut wood.  

The patterns and detailed, irregular graining found in myrtle burl make them appear to almost glow, giving pieces a natural, artistic feel. Colors vary from light honey to deep amber and work best as noticeable accent pieces, like lamp bases, trays, small tables, or wall decor, where the wood's organic beauty is on full display. It has a fine, smooth texture that instantly catches the eye when paired with calm and neutral palettes.   

Buckeye burl is a standout for its creamy base color with dark veins and smoky grays running through it. This combo gives it a bold, sculptural, and modern aesthetic. This burl wood is quite expensive because it's normally derived from the base or root wad of the California buckeye tree. Thanks to its striking features, buckeye burl is used to make knives, pens, decorative boxes, and vases, as well as electric and bass guitars. It looks dynamic inside modern rooms, where simple designs let the wood's patterns shine. 

While a stunning birch tree can add natural shade to your backyard, if you're looking for a good home decor fit for modern, Scandinavian, and simple-designed spaces, birch burl is ideal. It's highly coveted because of its light, silvery tone and the small, eye-shaped patterns that give it unique textures. Birch burl looks great on virtually anything — cabinets, small tables, and other home decor pieces. 

Oak burl has a warm, earthy color with dramatic graining that gives off a vibe that feels classic yet distinct. Unlike showier burls, oak burl is way more down to earth, with swirls and knots that give it so much character. The look works in both traditional and modern rooms for decor accents like cabinets, flooring, furniture, or sideboards, giving your home a timeless, classy, and unique aesthetic.

Perhaps the most sought-after type of wood, amboyna burl is like the Louis Vuitton of burl. Hailing from a number of Pterocarpus species, naturally found in Indonesia, its tight swirls and deep red-orange hue make it the most expensive type of burl. You'll often see this tropical hardwood as a fancy, high-end finish on furniture, cabinets, inlays, and specialty decor that can highlight its intricately crossed and irregular patterns. 

Elm burl has a wild, natural feel, thanks to its deep, interlocking patterns and showy character. It's like each piece has its own story to tell. Rather than coming across as too polished, elm burl is earthy and grounded, making it perfect for spaces that focus on texture and contrast. It looks best as a focal point in pieces such as cabinets and furniture where its grain can really stand out. 

When you're looking for furniture or decorative objects that have a lively, unpredictable grain, poplar burl is a good choice. With hints of green, brown, or gold swirls and flecks, poplar burl brings a fun, artistic edge that other burls can't. Because of this, it's best for smaller accent pieces rather than big furniture pieces, like side tables, trays, or other home decor, for instance. If you're opting for a poplar burl end table, follow the general rule of thumb for choosing the right size.

Cherry burl is prized for its warm, reddish-brown hue and smooth, flowing grain. The natural patterns give it depth, but without making it overly flashy, which is great for incorporating into any style home. Its soft patterns will easily lift the whole aura of the room, whether the wood features in a desk, dining room set, or just a stunning piece of wall decor. As time passes, cherry burl can develop a rich patina if left in its natural state. This can increase the warmth and personality of your interiors.

Cocobolo burl features a striking color range, from deep reds to rich browns, mixed with dark streaks that work together to create a bold, marbled look. The wood's dense and intricate grain gives pieces a heavy, luxe feel. Home decor made from cocobolo burl is designed to make a statement on accent furniture, the front of cabinets, and small decorative items to embrace its full intensity.