The Lunar New Year is around the corner, ushering in a chance to adopt a new spirit animal — a fresh style for the year ahead. Monkeys, oxen, pigs — each in the lineup comes with its own charm, but 2025 belongs to the Snake — dare I say the most seductive of the bunch. Chic, enigmatic, a touch edgy — this isn’t just an animal (to be fair, it’s actually a reptile); it’s an attitude shift. A style reset. A vibe.
Snakes symbolize transformation, rebirth, and renewal — a theme that feels almost too on-the-nose after the whirlwind of the past few days (months, year). Shedding old skin sounds just about right. And stylistically, snakes have much to offer: their sinuous curves, hypnotic scales, those sharp flicking tongues — sleek, slinky, and effortlessly cool, this is the home décor I'm after, forever and always.
So long, Dragons. Farewell, 2024. Snakes are officially in. For the record, I’m a Horse (a certified horse girl to the nth degree), but right now, even I’m willing to swap saddles for scales. Vipers on my coffee table? Sounds dangerous (and super chic) — I’m in.
Price: $190/set of 4
These serpent napkin rings by L’Objet are less table setting, more statement. With their intricate etching and sinuous form, they push a tablescape's energy toward elegance and edge. Pair them with crisp white napkins for an ethereal look, or go bold with jewel tones or black for amped up drama.
Price: $178
Anthropologie’s curtain panels take a quieter approach. The embroidered snakes — soft green and pink against a light-filtering backdrop — feel more playful than menacing. Coquette cobra, anyone?
Price: $465
The Lunar New Year may be rooted in Chinese tradition, but snakes have slithered their way into cultures far and wide. Enter this ‘Pantheon Hydra’ earthenware candle, whose coiled snake lid and classic form channel ancient Greek sculptures. The scent is smoky Vetivert with a lift of freshness — not that it matters when the vessel looks this good.
From: $169
Designed in collaboration with the ever-eclectic Martyn Lawrence Bullard, this Ruggable rug features mirrored snakes weaving through intricate florals on a moody charcoal backdrop. Striking enough to double as a tapestry, it’s almost too gorgeous to step on — but go ahead, it’s washable.
Price: $179/set of 2
These black serpentine andirons by CB2 aren't the least bit kitschy. Stripped of scales, eyes, or tongues, they reduce the snake motif to its essential form — fluid, elegant, and modern. It’s a refreshing take on a design often associated with maximalism.
Price: $50
When I think of snakes in design, Jonathan Adler's “Eden” collection immediately comes to mind. Particularly this high-fired porcelain trinket tray, which glitters in vibrant poppy orange and real gold accents. Packaged in a beautiful box, it’s a great gift for the Snakes in your life — though let’s keep it to the zodiac variety, shall we?
2026 will celebrate the Year of the Horse, so why not get a head start on the "old money" aesthetic with Livingetc's equestrian décor edit.
