I have never been more into tennis in my life. First, like anyone with a pulse, I watched tennis. The Challengers (2024), starring the popular trio Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Feist. Set to the rhythm of the quiet game, the film got us all excited with its high-stakes drama. With Wimbledon in full swing and seemingly every girl in New York City in pleated skirts, headbands, and polo shirts (whether they actually play or not), it’s clear that tenniscore is on fire. So how do you bring it into your home?
“Tennis scores, a fusion of tennis-inspired fashion and interior design trends, has quickly emerged as this season’s breakout trend,” says interior designer Jodi Peterman, founder of Elizabeth Erin Designs. And that’s no exaggeration: In the past 30 days, Google searches for “tennis scores” have increased 286% worldwide.
“This trend brings the elegance and athleticism of sports to home décor,” continues Jodi Peterman. “It’s a celebration of ‘laid-back’ (emphasis on the quotation marks), ‘clean lines, sporty accents, and a harmonious palette of white and bold colors.'”
Tennis, being a sport, calls for a slightly more abstract approach. “Start with a base of stark white walls and furniture, reminiscent of the all-white outfits worn by players at Wimbledon,” says Jodie. “Then incorporate elements like plush cushions in vibrant hues reminiscent of tennis balls, and the traditional green and navy hues of tennis wear.”
And don’t forget the accessories, which Jodie says “play a pivotal role in capturing the essence of tenniscore.” Things like oval mirrors, vintage tennis posters, and tennis-ball-inspired lighting all add a touch of class to the play.
Tennis-inspired décor is flashy, yet accessible. Sure, most of us can pick up a racket and hit the court to play, but tennis inspires a sense of aspiration. And if there’s one thing TikTok loves, it’s all things elite. Hello, quiet luxury.
Professional or not, get ready to serve up some flair with this ace-worthy décor edit.
Tennis score decoration
Prince x Vacation Ball Boy Candle
price: $42
Tennis vibes start with the scent. But what does a tennis match smell like? Here’s the answer: Vacation brand sunscreen, Prince cotton sweatbands, freshly opened tennis balls, and cucumber sandwiches. The sweet scent of tennis wear and the scent of a sophisticated athlete. It may seem like a gimmick, but it’s not. Its uncanny ability to capture the sport and evoke nostalgia has made it a TikTok hit. Plus, wouldn’t it be cute to have it on your coffee table? It’s a conversation starter.
Tara Wilson Designs Tennis Racket Cocktail Napkin Holder
price: $90
Add some fun and competition to your cocktail hour with these sporty napkin holders from Tara Wilson Designs. Made from acrylic, any napkin you choose will act as a backdrop for the racquet-and-ball motif on its surface. White is a classic, but a geometric print adds a touch of class. It also makes a great gift for any tennis lover.
price: $135
This black and white Jonathan Adler glass set is bustling yet focused, just like the game itself. Each of the four glasses features a different, captivating pattern, adding a slightly eclectic yet undeniably festive and traditional feel to any bar cart, table, or bookshelf. The set has earned an impressive 4.6/5 rating, with one reviewer raving, “I loved them so much I bought another set!” Stack these cups with other prints and pair them with similarly gilded accents for an extra luxurious feel.
price: $2,195
With cream piping and a deep green colour, this rug is the perfect evocation of a court, but even better, as it has lovely loop detailing and is made from soft New Zealand wool. Not only is it a little luxurious, yes, but it’s also from Nordic Knots, a very high quality rug brand, and it’s the perfect base for a tennis look – it’s tennis-y without being fluorescent, and a backdrop you can actually feel comfortable in.
Steveson Dimmable LED Wagon Wheel Chandelier
price: $329.99
was: $980
Wagon wheels? We don’t think so. Tennis bracelet? Exactly. This chandelier is like a coveted country club diamond bracelet that would surely rival the luckiest housewife’s bracelet. It’s made of crystal, which keeps the cost of this 4.9/5 star rated masterpiece down while still giving it a jewel-like feel. Just imagine how many carats this would be! It comes in a variety of sizes and is currently 71% off. It was so cheap I thought it was a typo. Warning Sotheby’s: there’s sparkle!
Eternally Ritz Coffee Table Book
price: $105
What does the Ritz have to do with tennis? Everything. Let me explain. Tennis is an elite (and sometimes pretentious) sport. Think of a luxury hotel where the pros stay. The ChallengersThese Ritz books exude class and well-traveled character, perfectly capturing the atmosphere without being too flashy. It’s also worth noting that these books are currently going for close to $500 on the second-hand market. They’ve literally just been restocked, so I recommend picking up a copy now. Consider it an investment.
price: $185
Reach for the serve and play for glory! This sculpture may be open to interpretation, but its effortlessness really does feel like a pro immersed in the game (I’m thinking Patrick Zweig). It’s obscure enough to go unnoticed, but those in the know will know. It makes a great accent display for your office or bookshelf. Pair it with other shiny gold pieces. After all, you’re a winner.
Ralph Lauren Home Ashby Throw Pillow
price: $255
No other brand represents traditional sports quite like Ralph Lauren. This pillow is sporty and elegant with its simple racquet motif. We love the unexpected combination of navy and orange. It’s timeless, striking and perfect for summer. Pair it with white bedding for extra impact. For a design-first look, we recommend stripes for a traditional feel.
“Grass Court” Tennis Platter
price: $225
Do you expect your victories to be handed to you on a silver platter? No, do you expect them to be handed to you on a green platter? Yes, especially in Kelly’s colors. I came across this Italian ceramic beauty and fell in love with its charming handcrafted feel. It evokes images of grass courts and lazy, sun-drenched afternoons spent outdoors. At 9 x 14 inches, this tray is perfect for holding small items like sunglasses and everyday jewelry. Place it in a drawer, on your desk, or near the front door for easy access.
Pair of polished brass and chrome tennis racquet bookends
price: $295
Obsessed is an understatement. This set of brass and chrome racquet bookends is exactly what I had in mind, only better. I searched long and hard for tennis related bookends and couldn’t find anything comparable. And the best part is, although they may seem literal, you don’t have to be a tennis fanatic to enjoy them. Equal parts posh and quirky, these bookends would look great on any bookshelf.
Tennis Court by Tom Filicia
price: $1,228
“Let’s go to the tennis court” is one of those moments when you can’t help but sing Lorde’s lyrics when you see this eye-catching photographic print by Tom Filicia. The clay-colored court in this photographic print is a departure from the usual greens and occasional navy tones commonly found in this compilation, and in the sport more generally. It’s timeless, classic, and bold. At 30″ x 45.5″, this medium-sized piece would look great in a living room, hallway, or even a bedroom.
Cherise Metal Accent Stool
price: $241
was: $537
Stripes may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to tennis, but they’re always there, whether it’s a canopy cover or a spectator blanket. This little stool has a splash of the classic pattern, and I love how it blends seamlessly with the other pieces on this list, especially with patterns you already own (stripes are a neutral for me). With an amazing 4.9/5 rating from 246 reviews and currently on sale for 56% off, I think it’s an absolute must-buy. Place it in your bedroom or living room, or stack two together for a unique dining room seating arrangement.
