What Is Bone Inlay? Guide to Bone, Shell & More

Bone inlay is a furniture-making process in which bits of bone or shell are pressed into the design. Learn all about it here!

What Is Bone Inlay?

Bone inlay, also known as intarsia, is a home decor trend in which fragments of bone or shell are adhered to the frame of a furniture piece. It is most commonly used on flat surfaces – such as the sides and tops of tables, or the front of a sideboard.

Each furniture piece that comes out of the artisanal process features bone fragments contrasted against a darker background – resulting in a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind pattern that works as statement decor in its own right.

Black Bone Inlay Cabinet

$995 was $1,150

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Gray + Gold Bone Rectangular Box

$65

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6 Inch Stone Shell Bowl

$49

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16" Shell Pentagon Faceted Multi-Color Drum Accent Table

$205

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How Is Bone Inlay Made?

These types of furniture pieces possess meticulous, mesmerizing patterns – which are a direct result of a generations-old tradition called bone inlaying.

Centuries ago, bone-inlaying was an artisan’s craft in India. The process involved – and still does – hours of handcraft work; on average, it takes about a month to produce a bone inlay masterpiece.

The Step-by-Step Process

The process begins by cutting and delicately shaping bone fragments. To fill the space between each fragment, the craftsman will use a malleable material to create contrast and a “background” color. In most cases, this material is resin. After the frame is filled, comes the final step of the process: sanding and waxing for a smooth finish.

14" Round End Table With Freshwater Pearl Shell Honeycomb Inlay

$295

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Set Of 3 Brass Inlay Wood Boxes

$80

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What Materials Are Used Besides Bone?

Inlaying furniture doesn’t always involve bone; some of the most popular materials used in the process include shell and/or ivory. Both of these create the same soft white contrast as would actual bone pieces – however, it is also common to see ‘inlay’ furniture designs featuring colorful dyes over the natural white coloring.

Types of Bone Inlay Furniture

Bone inlay coffee table: Bone inlay coffee tables are the perfect way to display patterns of bone inlay in the center of a living room or den. Since coffee tables are the largest surface item in a room, the decorative touches will stand out all the more.
Bone inlay dresser: These designs are often inlaid with bone on the top surface panels (not the drawers or side paneling). This is because it is easier to inlay materials on flat, horizontal surfaces that are not disrupted by drawer mechanisms, pulls or side paneling/molding.
Bone inlay desk: These designs aren’t what you see every day in a home office, and so are the perfect pick for styles with a little more daring attitude.
Bone inlay side table: Opt for a bone inlay side table to accentuate an entryway or foyer; the bold pop of pattern and texture is often the piece that pulls a space together.
Bone inlay console table: A bone inlay console table is another common furniture piece involved in production processes. Use this to accentuate a living room or behind-sofa area.