5 Carved Wood Finds That Add Personality to Your Space

Each week, interior designer, artist, and self-proclaimed color obsessive Lu Loveless shares a peek into her design process—whether it’s a smart trick she swears by or a favorite resource from her personal folder. This week, she’s sharing her recent obsession.

Lately, I can’t stop noticing carved wood details. The kind of small, thoughtful design touches that instantly add charm and personality to a space. The swoop of a hand-carved armrest on an antique chair, a wonky spindle on a banister, or a chunky carved bowl that looks like it’s been passed down for generations. These aren’t just decorative extras; they’re the thoughtful details that make a home feel collected, layered, and personal.

I’ll never forget when I received Artists’ Handmade Houses as a gift and came across a photo of the staircase in Sam Maloof’s home. It completely stopped me. It was so carefully crafted and beautifully hand-carved, it felt less like architecture and more like art. Not all of us can have a one-of-a-kind handmade staircase in our home, but we can channel that same spirit by bringing in handmade objects that carry the same sense of care.

Today I’m sharing five carved wood treasures that prove the tiniest details can make the biggest impact:

Ornamental Frames

Frames with some carved details make even the smallest mirror or picture frame feel like a beautiful piece of jewelry.

My pick: “French Tramp Art Mirror (c. 1900)”

This mirror is pure magic: hand-carved wood from rural France, raised diamond motifs and “X” pattern details, with just the right patina that whispers stories. It’s one of those mirrors that doesn’t just reflect the room—it makes the room, adding texture, folk charm, and hardworking craftsmanship. A one-of-a-kind anchor that says more than a plain mirror ever could.

Mirror source: 1st Dibs

A Small Stool with Big Personality

Small-scale finds often pack the most personality, proving that impact doesn’t have to come from a large statement piece.

My pick: French Carved Oak Stool with Cord Seat, c. 1947

This circa-1947 French carved oak stool combines subtle artistry with utilitarian charm. Its hand-carved woodwork and woven cord seat evoke craftsmanship and warmth. It’s a small but powerful statement—perfect for layering into a space that craves character without screaming for attention.

Stool source: Lawless Design Shop

Carved Hardware

Carved hardware is such an underrated way to add personality to a space—even something as simple as switching out plain drawer pulls for ones with interesting carved details can make furniture feel way more custom and intentional.

My pick: Wavy Wall Hooks

These wall hooks are such a perfect example of how thoughtful details can transform something as mundane as a wall hook into a little moment of visual interest. The subtle rippled design makes them feel like sculptural elements rather than just functional hardware, which is exactly the kind of detail that makes a space feel intentionally designed rather than just furnished.

Wall hook source: San Diego Hardware

Wonky Candleholders

Sculptural candleholders blur the line between function and art. Even unlit, they hold their own as objects with presence—shapes that add drama, balance, and personality to a room.

My pick: Artisan Sculpture Candleholder Set

There's something so compelling about handcrafted pieces like these because each one carries the maker's individual touch and creative mark, making them feel truly unique in a world of mass-produced home goods. When you choose sculptural candleholders over basic ones, you're essentially getting double duty from your decor—function and art piece.

Candleholders source: VillaObject on Etsy

The Unexpected Carve

A carved wooden bowl or tray on a coffee table proves that everyday objects can be little works of art too.

My pick: Vintage Wooden Dough Bowl

There's something really special about these chunky wooden dough bowls. They have this artsy yet humble presence that instantly makes them feel more personal and authentic. If you can’t afford a larger handmade item, something like this can go a long way in making your space feel more layered and personal.

Bowl source: ProjectKalaaStudio on Etsy

Carved wood details are like the spice rack of design—just a sprinkle and suddenly everything tastes (and looks) better. They balance out the flat-pack basics in your home and make things feel intentional, storied, and just a little extra.

With love,

Lu