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Every year, there are at least one or two materials that seem to be at the top of everyone's DIY list. Both pole wrap and leaded glass have come to the forefront in recent years, and while these materials are still very popular, there's another material that looks set to be ubiquitous by 2024. That's the bobbin trim.
You may not have heard the name directly, but you've probably seen this material at least once. This is the name of a cute bubbly wood trim made up of semicircles. The material itself is not new; it was first used in the 17th century to carve foam round patterns into bed and chair legs out of wood scraps. The name “bobbin” stuck because the spindle resembled a sewing spool.
Since those days, bobbin styles have come to include not only furniture legs, but also rows of semi-circular wooden trim (like the ones we used for mirrors!). It's a cottagecore favorite, but with the right finish, trim can look surprisingly modern. My prediction? In 2024, we expect to see a proliferation of bobbin trims and bobbin style details. Here's what you need to know if you want to hop on the bobbin train this year.
The bobbin style details have a distinctive bubbly shape. The legs of the furniture look like spheres stacked on top of each other. When used to decorate mirrors, picture frames, etc., it looks like hemispheres lined up.
“Bobbins are reminiscent of classic British style, which is closely associated with grunge millennials,” says DIYer Alyssa Bovino. The cottage-y, vintage look is natural for this material, but it's surprisingly versatile. The soft colors make it look delicate and retro. With its high-gloss finish and bright colors, it's perfect for maximalist “dopamine decor” spaces. It's kept in natural light wood tones, giving it a very Scandinavian modern feel.
Where can I purchase bobbin details for DIY?
If you're looking for bobbin feet, you'll need to shop at places like wood specialty stores and Etsy. Search for “swivel bobbin legs” and you'll find lots of options you can use to upgrade your boring desk, coffee table, or nightstand.
For bobbin trimming, a building supply store is your best bet. In addition to “bobbin trim,” also look for terms like “pearl beads,” “half-round wood beads,” and “wood bead moldings.”
You can also create your own bobbin trim using individual wood semicircles. These are available at major retailers such as Amazon. Search for words like “half-round wood beads” or “split wood beads” to find them.
Do the bobbin details come in different colors?
Bobbin trim or wooden half-rounds are most likely to be found in their natural state, unstained or unpainted. You may need to add your own paint or stain to get the look you want.
Where can I find bobbin details?
wherever! That's the beauty of this material. Bobbins are easy to paint and can be easily applied to furniture, mirrors and accessories, instantly giving even the most plain IKEA items a professional and detailed look. Follow these four tips from a DIY expert to get the most out of your upcoming projects.
Use primer and paint before gluing.
Primer gives a very smooth finish. This is essential if you are aiming for a sleek and contemporary look. “I recommend using a primer that protects from knots,” says DIYer Gem, content creator @gems.cottage.style. Additionally, paint the item and bobbin separately to ensure full coverage and a more seamless look. If you try to paint the bobbin after it's already glued to a surface, you'll find yourself looking for a small brush to get into all the crevices.
Use spray paint if possible.
When Bovino worked on the green frame DIY, he painted the frame and bobbin with a brush. Although she is happy with how her frame turned out, if she were to do it again she would use spray paint to make her job even easier.
Use less glue than you think is needed.
When attempting DIY gluing trim to a surface, it's easy to fall into the trap of adhesive loading. If a little glue is good, a lot of glue will last forever, right? It's not that fast. Resist the temptation to overdo it and instead go light on the glue. It prevents glue from building up around the edges of the bobbin, and the bobbin won't slide around as much after you put it in place.
Think beyond bobbin accents.
Smor Home's Jaharn Quinn believes bobbins are here to stay, and has several DIY bobbin creations on his website (including the sleek, minimalist mirror shown above). But the standout was the bobbin-inspired lamp, where the bobbin wasn't just an accent, it was the structure itself. This is an updated version of the 100-year-old bobbin style, with an all-white glossy look that feels completely fresh and totally his 2024.