Pine Cones: Not Just for Christmas

These natural treasures from the trees testify to Mother Nature's eye for great design

Lisa Frederick January 22, 2012

Houzz Contributor. After journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately discovered a new passion. An Atlanta native, I spent several years as an editor for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine before making the leap to national publications and websites such as Houzz, Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Accents. I live in Birmingham, Alabama, with my husband and son, who’ve gotten used to coming home and finding the furniture rearranged. When I'm not dragging case goods across the floor, I enjoy good food and wine, college football, music of all kinds, and traveling.

Houzz Contributor. After journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately... More

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Odds are that the last time you saw a pine cone in someone's home, it was on a mantel bedecked for the holidays. Although these beauties tend to get tossed back outdoors or tucked away after the New Year, that's a missed opportunity — their sculptural silhouette and intricate detail can add appealing notes of texture and form all year long. And because they're found in so many different sizes and shapes, it's easy to tailor them to the arrangement that best suits your space.

Another bonus: Pine cones are about as budget-friendly as it gets. However, we don't advocate removing them from parks or other public grounds (in some places, that's even illegal). Instead, collect fallen ones from your yard or friends' yards, or source both real and artificial specimens through garden, nature and crafts retailers.

Scandinavian Nursery by Jeanette Karlsen

Jeanette Karlsen

A sweetly simple wreath on a nursery door is an unexpected touch. Wouldn't this make a fun baby gift? The natural look blends well with this setting, but you could paint the cones pink, blue or any other color you like.

Rustic Bathroom Rustic Bathroom

Tying pine cones to a pair of traditional sconces is a great way to pull the rough-hewn feel of the vanity upward into the room.

Contemporary Entry by Rachel Reider Interiors

Rachel Reider Interiors

This space emphasizes strong shapes and tactile appeal, and pine cones (real or otherwise) make perfect sense. The console table needs an element to ground it and give it weight, and the scale of these cones establishes a visual tie with the mirror.

Traditional Dining Room by Jennifer Grey Color Specialist & Interior Design

Jennifer Grey Color Specialist & Interior Design

The silver-painted pine cone makes this arrangement; it's the bridge between the mercury glass and the wood tones. Spin this idea in any direction. For example, a coat of bright lacquer would make pine cones pop in a contemporary setting.

Scandinavian Living Room by Jeanette Karlsen

Jeanette Karlsen

In a vignette where every element is about line and form, peekabo cones add a pitch-perfect note. The wooden box brings out their rugged side; in a sleeker vessel, they would read as much more streamlined.

Traditional Dining Room by Jennifer Grey Color Specialist & Interior Design

Jennifer Grey Color Specialist & Interior Design

Pine cones are plentiful in this dining room, where a ladder stands in for shelving. This is one instance where they're best left in their natural state. A coat of paint, flocking or another treatment would look jarring in this rustic space.

Shabby-chic Style Living Room Traditional Living Room

How often do you see pine cones in a beach house? Yet it's an inspired idea — their shape and texture are like the flip side of an interesting shell.

Eclectic Patio by Cozy Little House

Cozy Little House

Spring planting is just around the corner, so file this idea away for warm weather. Baby pinecones nestle in mini terra-cotta pots in this container garden. It's a fun change of pace from flowers and foliage.

Next:
Branches Bring Organic Forms Indoors
Winter Woodsy Gets an Update
Bringing Nature Inside With Leaf Decorations

3-3/4" Center Stainless Steel/Zinc Cabinet Round Cross Bar Pull

3-3/4" Center Stainless Steel/Zinc Cabinet Round Cross Bar Pull

$13

Quinn Black Glass Chandelier

Quinn Black Glass Chandelier

$307

Penny Round Mosaic Tile, 12x12", Pink

Penny Round Mosaic Tile, 12x12", Pink

$17

Grey Herringbone Stone Mosaic Tile

Grey Herringbone Stone Mosaic Tile

$15

White Mid-Back Executive Chair

White Mid-Back Executive Chair

$181

2-Light Semi-Flush Mount, Natural Brass

2-Light Semi-Flush Mount, Natural Brass

$84

Comments (8)

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Susan Näther

There are a lot of pine trees on the Gold Coast in Australia, so I have often seen pine cones used amongst the beachy interiors there and it works very well.

Like January 29, 2012 at 9:53PM

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Lynda Walker

I live on the coast of North Carolina. I started using pinecones as a child for decorating at Christmas. So many uses. Great to fill large plant containers before adding dirt. Beautiful with rosemary in flower boxes for the holidays. Small pinecones make great napkin rings or holders for place cards. Look for pinecones when you travel. Each area of the country has unique types, bring a couple home, add to your collection. I've always tried to think of ways to use this wonderful gift from the pinetree. Great for the beach; cover pinecones with small white shells and hang with silver or gold ribbon. Put a large wooden bowl full of pinecone and shells, what a wonderful combination for a grand welcome in the entrance of your home. Our large pinecones lighted with small LED lights along a walk way. Thank you mother nature for such a wonderful gift.

1 Like January 30, 2012 at 4:48AM

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Lisa Frederick

Great ideas, Lynda - thank you for sharing! And thanks to all for your feedback. I'm even more inspired to find ways to use these now.

Like January 30, 2012 at 5:26AM

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