Shagreen, stingray and shark skin, known in French as Galuchat (everything sounds better in French, don't you agree?) after a French master craftsman who worked with the material, is recognizable by its tell-tale circular pattern of calcified scales on the surface and slight sheen. You can find beautiful antique shagreen pieces, often Art Deco period, in a pale green coloration. But more recently, shagreen, both faux and real have made a comeback as a surface material. The appeal lies in the textural interest and subtle luxurious look of the varied skin. It can be found in a wide variety of colors, on large and small pieces, making it a wonderful accent to both modern and traditional interiors.
Photo courtesy of Garrison Rousseau
A plethora of pastel-hued shagreen telephone tables made by Garrison Rousseau crafted in the Philippines make me swoon. His assortment of beautiful furniture covered in shagreen is endless.
Photo courtesy of Century
A classic Gueridon table gets the glam treatment with an inlaid shagreen top at Century Furniture. Note the charming hoof feet.
Photo courtesy of Hickory Chair
Mixing a rich Mahogany and Rosewood alongside a faux shagreen, Thomas O'Brien for Hickory Chair channels Art Deco simplicity of form in the Margaux Table.
Photo courtesy of Walker Zabriskie
Clean lines and plinth simple design provide a minimalist style in Walker Zabriskie's shagreen coffee table
Photo courtesy of Kemble Interiors
Based on a vintage design, this curvilinear custom coffee table by Kemble Interiors through Dering Hall is covered in pale pink shagreen with a lacquer overlay. it is a great option for larger spaces.
Photo courtesy of Gabby
Soft curves covered in charcoal faux-shagreen on Gabby's Sutton Coffee Table through Candelabra.
Photo courtesy of DwellStudio
A sexy round low cocktail table, The Milo from DwellStudio from Zinc Door, is topped with grey faux shagreen and sits on a triangle-shaped black iron base.
Photo courtesy of Made Goods
Streamlined and covered in ecru faux shagreen, the versatile Sorin Nightstand from Made Goods can work double-duty as a nightstand or small dresser.
Photo courtesy of Regina Andrews
The Prism Mirror by Regina Andrews through Zinc Door covers all the right angles with a Deco feel. I am crazy about this piece.
Photo courtesy of Two's Company
I cannot get enough of these trinket trays from Two's Company. Each season they come up with new designs, and I especially like the faux shagreen pale hues they do. These come in handy on every table.
Photo courtesy of Monc 13
Beautifully quilted pieces of purple shagreen are like a puzzle on De Nacre et D'Orient's stunning inlaid jewelry box from Monc 13. The purple is jazzy.
Photo courtesy of AERIN
Providing a luxe spot to store baubles, AERIN'S sky blue embossed shagreen jewelry box trimmed with gold has a pretty closure detail. It would make a special gift anyone serious about pretty storage.
