Why I’m Mad About Waves and Wiggles
There’s something about a wiggly line that just makes me smile. Waves, scallops, ripples… they’re like stripes that have had a couple of cocktails. Still rhythmic, still structured, but with a softer edge and a whole lot more personality.
They were absolutely central when I designed my Dunelm collection, cropping up on everything from bedding and trays to mirrors and rugs. There’s a playful elegance to them that brings so much personality into a space, and they are the ultimate design shape for softening hard edges. They take the starch out of a formal scheme while still bringing order and direction, but in a way that feels more… fun.
The mini wave valance and frill on my Sunshine Flowers bedlinen is a lovely fresh twist on a classic blue and white stripe.
How I Use Wiggles
They’re especially brilliant on textiles. The way a mini wave valance and frill on my Sunshine Flowers bedding gently bobs along the bottom like a sweet little ruffle… it just makes the bed feel more inviting and joyful. Think of it like a classic stripe, but without the shoulder pads.
Make a bold statement with a wave stripe on a curtain which adds structure to a maximalist scheme. You can see the wave motif repeated on the tray, and jute rug border.
I go big on waves in rooms that need lifting or loosening up a bit. In this living room, the wave-stripe curtain adds a lovely vertical punctuation. But what really brings it together is repeating that same motif around the space: you’ll spot it again on the jute rug border, and again on the set of wavy-edged trays. It’s that visual echo that keeps everything feeling cohesive even when there is a lot going on in terms of colour.
I love how the wiggle stripe works so well against big blousey florals
In the bathroom, I’m obsessed with how the Juicy Bloom shower curtain that makes such an arresting statement with those big blousey florals. But the graphic wiggle stripe adds another dimension of pattern friction that takes this floral from bountiful to directional. Suddenly you’ve got a little jewel box of a room that makes you smile every time you walk in.
Mixing Wiggles with Other Patterns
This is where it gets really fun. Waves are fabulous team players. They love to hang out with florals, balance out a bold block colour, or soften the sharpness of a check. I often pick one hero motif and scatter it through a scheme in different scales and formats… that’s how you make maximalism feel curated rather than chaotic.
It’s the same logic I use with stripes (you can read more here), only a bit more flirty. Waves just feel friendlier. They let you go full colour, full pattern, full joy… and still keep the space feeling grounded.
I love how a wigle can soften an otherwise graphic pattern palette. Ric Rac wallpaper by harlequin x Sophie Robinson
TOP TIP
Choose a design shape, like the wave, and repeat it across furniture, rugs, accessories and trims. That repetition gives the room a lovely rhythm and helps all those wild colours and patterns feel connected. It’s a great trick when you’re styling a maximalist room and need something to hold it all together.
Shop the Wiggle Edit
Here are some of my favourite products that I designed with Dunelm to give your home some wiggle room:
- The wavy mirrored tray that doubles up as a wall mirror
- The turquoise twisted candlestick that makes any mantel look party-ready
- The ric rac folder for stashing your design swatches
- The wavy edge trays that are perfect for styling moments
- The stripey ric rac cushion that pulls every colour together
- The rectangle wiggle mirror that makes the everyday feel fabulous
- And the wavy two-tier lampshade that looks so designer
Waves are warm, sociable and unapologetically decorative. Add one or scatter them everywhere… they’ll bring rhythm, joy and just the right amount of eccentricity to your space.
