Geology 101: A Craving for Coral-Inspired Design

The beauty of natural coral is seen in its variety of colors and intricate shapes. An environmentally friendly way to pay homage to its appeal is through coral-inspired designs. Coral’s unique formations provide a stylish inspiration for wallpaper, fabric coverings, lighting and many more designs. Coral is actually a translucent animal, but it takes on a variety of hues due to the billions of colorful algae it hosts. Today 22 coral species are listed as threatened per the Endangered Species Act.

Coral reefs begin when a coral larva attaches to a rock on the sea floor, divides and grows into thousands of coral polyps. Polyps connect to one another to create colonies that expand over time and join other colonies to become reefs. Today’s coral reefs began growing up to 50 million years ago.

At a Glance
Name: Coral
Phylum: Cnidaria
Class: Anthozoa
Formula: Mostly calcium carbonate
Colors: White, red, orange, pink, gray, brown and black

Precious coral, or red coral, was once a popular gemstone commonly used to make jewelry. According to the New York Times, it was customary for many young English gentlemen in the 19th century to take a grand tour of Europe, collecting trinkets along the way. One popular collectible was the precious red coral found in the deep waters of the Mediterranean off the Italian coast. Today the harvesting of coral is highly frowned upon, and in many areas is illegal due to the damage it causes to the environment.

However, the bold hue of red coral can still be achieved in an environmentally friendly way. Sherwin-Williams’ named Coral Reef its 2015 Color of the Year. Here are four more great ways to blend coral-inspired designs into your home.


1. Light It Up

The intricate formations of coral and the way light plays with its shapes have made coral-inspired designs a popular choice for lighting designers.

The Diallo chandelier from Arteriors Home hanging in this Jacksonville, Florida, home takes inspiration from coral’s natural beauty. Each sprig is coated in a smooth lacquered resin.

Discover more great white chandeliers



This contemporary living room features a pair of Kiki coral sconces above the fireplace. The red sconces add a colorful focal point in the otherwise neutral-toned room.


The sculptural Coral Branch lamp from Anthropologie is made of resin and blends well with the modern furnishings in this Santa Monica, California, home.

Desk: Parsons, West Elm


2. Perfect for Prints

The wild hues and shapes of coral have inspired many artists to draw its likeness. A collection of nine coral-inspired prints creates a wall of art for this transitional living room in Dallas.

Paint: Rainwashed, Sherwin-Williams

Explore 10 design strategies for art lovers


This print, called “Capistrano Saudi Blue 1,” is from Natural Curiosities and looks elegant hung above the desk.

Desk: Baker


The coral-inspired original artwork makes a big statement in this Santa Monica, California, bedroom designed by Lori Smyth Design.


3. Bathing Beauty

With coral’s sea origins, coral-inspired designs and bathrooms are a natural fit when combined. The coral-patterned tile creates a stunning shower wall in this bathroom in France.

See our top 10 tips for choosing shower tile


This nautical-inspired bathroom in Palm Beach, Florida, includes a colored conch shell and coral-patterned wallpaper.

Wallpaper: Coral Gables, Thibaut


The design of this coral-inspired mirror made of resin adds texture and dimension to this mostly white powder room in the Hamptons, New York.

Mirror: Coral Coco, Made Goods

Houzz Flip: 102 Eye-Popping Powder Rooms


4. Feature It in Fabrics

Coral-inspired patterns on pillows, furniture fabric and rugs are a great way to bring the beach into your home without dragging in any sand. This coral-patterned bolster pillow sits atop a custom rift-cut white oak bench designed by Fiorella Design for a Woodside, California, residence.

How to create a simple entry bench


This beachfront dining room along the Oregon coast features dining chairs covered in a blue and white coral-inspired fabric.

Chandelier: Currey & Company


A coral-inspired design imagined by artist Simon Periton was used to create this custom rug runner for a London home designed by Precious McBane.

More:
Geology 101: Malachite Madness
Shop Houzz: Decorating Your Home With Coral Reef

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