Ahead of the Curve
Rounded Contours are Dominating Design
In our industry, it’s crucial to stay ahead of the latest designs. Furniture with gentle curves and rounded forms are majorly trending, but this eye-catching style is also delivering on another influential level: the desire for longevity and craftsmanship. This silhouette is less about reacting to a micro-trend – it has real staying power.
The reason? Design can often come down to simple psychology: the shape of things affects how we feel. It reflects broader outlooks and even cultural changes, formed by many insights forged across global influences. As one of 2025’s leading design trends, it is easy to see why curved contours are on the upswing: in addition to being visually appealing, they offer a perfect solution to convey an air of quiet luxury and high quality.
A sleek drink ledge constructed from white oak stained in a rich dark finish encasing super white dolomite features a horizontal grain on its curved veneered front edge and base. Design by Bandura Design
Curve Appeal
For a better understanding, it’s worth noting that there is real science behind why humans find curves so beautiful. Circles are, of course, omnipresent in nature, but it is not just this fact alone. It’s rooted in our biology.
Like the inner rings of a tree, rounded corners, soft edges and arched shapes have a universal allure: our brains are even wired to be drawn to curved lines and circular forms because they are subliminally associated with calmness and safety.
A preference for circular shapes is deeply ingrained in all of us from birth.
Rounded shapes are also a major component of the ongoing movement towards “organic modern” environments, which continue to be on the rise, bringing together natural materials, colors, and forms in a contemporary way.
A variety of soft edges, earthy tones and natural textures define organic modern style at the Valle Oceanside.
Gather Round
When building furniture, there is always more than meets the eye! Since these curvatures can pose unique fabrication challenges, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite projects to explore the critical design and engineering elements when executing this silhouette. It all starts with the profile.
Design Spotlight: Distinctive Turnings
Wood is the ultimate go-to material to craft unique profiles with heirloom quality, and while the type of wood species is usually not a major factor, it’s important to consider the thickness of any curved component. For example, certain angled edges are challenging to achieve at a decent thickness, which often comes down to the available material.
Solid ash table with cerused finish and turned ash legs, three individual tables join to one 180" table. Designed by Studio Collective.
The private chef’s table at the Valle Oceanside project above pushed the bounds of creativity, making these robust curved table legs one the room’s focal points. Turnings like these are one of most impactful ways to achieve curves.
A close-up of the craftsmanship is evident in these raw maple turnings.
For the Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans, which originally opened in 1893, Paradigm Design envisioned a classic rounded profile for the base of these elegant telephone tables to incorporate a historical element. The look of the tables was further elevated by Rustbelt’s gold metallic finish resulting in a completely modern transformation.
In another example, the turned side tables below add dimension and a pop of color to the organic modern Denizen Apartments Lobby.
Solid red oak turnings in a custom vintage orange finish. Design by RVD Associates Studio
Photo: Denizen
When considering the effect of turnings, our in-house expert and vice president of Rustbelt, Grayson Glass, says they can be a huge asset to a design, noting “We can get more exotic in rounded designs with turnings, and it elevates the artisanal, handcrafted feel of a piece which creates an impressive visual impact.”
Rustbelt Recommendation: When designing with curves, prioritize the profile and always consider the thickness of the curved component.
Design Spotlight: Curved Bases
Oval ash base with a custom stain with a champagne brass finished riser and glass top. Jack Dusty Restaurant - Ritz Carlton Sarasota, Designed by Premier Design Studio, Dallas.
From the grand lobbies in New York City to a modern refreshment stand, the similarity of incorporating curved bases stands as a testament to their adaptability across designs and functions.
Turned hourglass ash table with brass finished steel banding.
Showcasing artistry and precision in craftsmanship, curved bases can elevate the aesthetic appeal. An exploration into the exquisite world of curved bases reveals a fusion of creativity and functionality, where the organic curves seamlessly blend with the overall design to create a sense of sophistication and uniqueness.
Equinox Hudson Yards Club & Spa Lobby Design by Joyce Wang Studio. Photo: The Ness Group
There’s nothing ordinary about the 60,000 square foot flagship Equinox Fitness Club and Spa overlooking the Hudson River in New York City. The lobby demanded one-of-a-kind luxury, including the collection of Rustbelt side tables, seen in the foreground.
The robust profile of the onion-shaped bases, in an assortment of sizes, were fabricated out of European chamber fumed oak stained in a deep black finish for added drama. These hand-crafted curved bases are a perfect example of the art of woodworking, blending precision with creativity so the variety of proportions complement each other.
Custom credenza with a live edge European white oak slab in a maple stain sits atop a custom-engineered, hand-shaped oval “boulder.” Design by Degen & Degen
Thanks to the calming quality and softness of curves, this trend also lends itself perfectly to creating chic, warm and inviting spaces that soothe and restore, like this modern refreshment center. Using solid wood was the best way to accomplish the impressive profile of this credenza’s base because it can be easily milled and formed via stacked lamination or a compound miter. Lamination is the most durable solution here because it yielded the strongest foundation.
Rustbelt Recommendation: Lamination is the strongest and most durable approach to fabricating a curved base
Design Spotlight: Big & Bold Contours
Elegant white oak reception desk with rounded corners. Design and photo by Sunrise Senior Living.
Subtle curves can also be integrated in more substantial, more structured forms. The smoothly rounded edges of this sophisticated concierge desk, handcrafted for an assisted living facility, reimagines a vital component of the modern lobby while blending heirloom quality and a timeless silhouette.
Solid walnut concierge desk with privacy panel and rounded corners is wrapped in a convex walnut façade on front and sides.
The winning combination of tambour and rounded profiles is soaring and we’re seeing this more consistently as an important design element of dining tables and reception desks, even exterior seating!
This approach to luxury design was taken to create both an outdoor living banquette and the lobby’s custom center table for The Mather At Tyson’s, which is redefining senior living wellness and lifestyle standards for a new generation of residents.
Marine grade ply internal ribbed structure with curved back, slatted Douglas Fir curved profile tambour. The curved silhouette was carried through to the top and back cushions. Design by Studio 121
Rustbelt Recommendation: Tambour is a popular way to highlight a centerpiece and make it stand out, don’t forget to consider concave versus convex and the diameter of the arc as these can dynamically change the aesthetic.
Design Spotlight: Fluid Forms
20-1178 Benjamin West - Capitol One
The allure of fluid organic forms is undeniably captivating, drawing inspiration from the natural world to infuse spaces with dynamic elegance. The trend towards curved contours not only captivates the eye but also resonates on a deeper level, embodying the desire for longevity and craftsmanship in every curve and bend. Rooted in psychology and nature's influence, these sinuous lines and soft edges offer more than just aesthetic appeal; they create an atmosphere of quiet luxury and high quality, reflecting a harmonious blend of form and function.
Teak stumps hand shaped into benches. Designed by Peggy Dye and Associates.
Fluid forms transcend mere aesthetics, tapping into the science behind our innate attraction to curves. As part of the ever-evolving movement towards "organic modern" spaces, furniture pieces with fluid forms not only bring together natural materials and colors in a contemporary manner but also redefine traditional design boundaries, offering a harmonious blend of innovation and timeless beauty.
Rustbelt Recommendation: Rely on our team’s expertise to determine the best materials and finishes for crafting fluid curves.
Design Spotlight: Arches
The timeless and sophisticated arches form adds a touch of elegance to any space. Drawing inspiration from architectural wonders and historical significance, arched forms bring a classic charm that transcends trends, embodying a sense of grandeur and grace.
With roots deeply embedded in tradition, the allure of arched profiles lies not only in their visual appeal but also in the narrative they carry, evoking notions of heritage and refined craftsmanship that stand the test of time.
Rustbelt Recommendation: Steam bending is a traditional building technique to arches, thought bent lamination and kerf cutting is a strong and more affordable option.
Rounded shapes evoke a sense of calmness and safety, appealing to our biological predispositions and shaping the environments we inhabit. As we continue to explore the allure and timeless craftsmanship of bespoke furniture, we are reminded that the beauty of curves, fluid forms, and arches goes beyond mere aesthetics; it embodies a narrative of heritage, sophistication, and enduring quality, shaping the environments we inhabit in a truly exceptional manner.
