Current Design Crush: Decorating with Laurel Wreaths

We use affiliate links in our posts and our site. This means if you make a purchase using these links, we may earn a small commission. You don’t pay a cent more than you would otherwise! Our full disclosure is available under About.

Today I’m talking about decorating with laurel wreaths! The Laurel wreath has been used since the Ancient Greeks and Romans. The motif was repopularized in the late Neoclassical style because of Napoleon I.

Napoleon I encouraged the French furniture/textile/porcelain artists to produce furniture with motifs that represented fame and victory. What better motif than the laurel wreath! Laurel wreaths were rewarded in Ancient Rome to successful commanders in triumph; used in Ancient Greece for decorating the Olympians. The tradition continued on to symbolize victory and achievement. “With laurel crowned as conqueror, there he lived in joy and honour” -Geoffery Chaucer, The Knights Tale, Circa 1385

Antique crown, ca 1900 via Alhambra Antiques

I love the laurel wreath motif and am showing some examples of it used in decor!

Laurel wreath motif on Gustavian side board, Tone and Tone

Laurel wreaths are sometimes hidden on barometers, clocks or mirrors!

Laurel wreath motif on antique French barometer, photo is mine!
antique Empire mirror, via Walter Smith

A modern take on the laurel wreath.

via Randi Garrett Design

Laurel wreaths are the design of this room’s wallpaper.

design by Amelie Handegan, as featured in Architectural Digest
wallpaper by Sandberg Wallpaper

Antique French Andirons

Via One Kings Lane

It is used in porcelain patterns.

antique Limoges plate

Real Laurel wreaths are made from the Bay Laurel plant. Below is a wreath made from real bay laurel, painted gold.

By Sarah Tucker

I like this tutorial from Craftberry Bush for a DIY standing laurel wreath. I am going to do something similar…. with bay laurel from my garden!

The motif is still Very popular today!

lamp sconce
Laurel Wreath Pillow
Laurel Wreath pillow
metal laurel wreath
Follow:

1 Comment

  1. August 29, 2020 / 8:49 am

    Wonderful examples! I’m of course a fan of laurel wreaths! Thanks for sharing. Happy Saturday.

From the Shop

I may earn a small commission if you purchase with these links

Dwight Sleeveless Midi Dress
Varley Tiffany Textured Knit Cardigan Women's Sweater woodrose stitch : SM, Cotton
Large Le Pliage Panier Tote
Extra Small Le Roseau Denim Bucket Bag
Le Pliage Broderie Anglaise Leather Shoulder Bag
Caning Natural Tote Handbag - Universal Thread™
The Hustler High Waist Fray Hem Ankle Bootcut Jeans
The Bennet Buttondown Shirt by Maeve
Mellow Stud Mule
Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 PA+++
Maxine Stripe Cotton Button-Up Shirt
Citizens of Humanity Charlotte High Rise Straight Jeans
Navy Equestrian Traversee M Linen Tote
Charlotte High Rise Straight Jeans
Vintage cotton crewneck T-shirt
Santorini Raffia Basket Bag
Please note that I use ShopSense, LIKETOKNOW.it, Shareasale and Amazon affiliate links on this site. This means using them for purchases won’t cost you extra but may earn me a small commission.  Our full disclosure is available for viewing under About in the disclosure policy.
All rights reserved. Our graphics, images and text are all subject to copyright protection.