How to Display Your Surfboard: The Story Behind NOIR.DESIGN's Steam-Bent Surfboard Mounts
Where Surf Culture Meets Artisan Craftsmanship
Your surfboard isn't just sports equipment—it's a piece of art that tells the story of waves conquered, sunrises witnessed, and the freedom of the ocean. Yet for years, surfers faced a frustrating dilemma: how to display their boards at home without compromising their interior design.
Traditional surfboard racks were purely functional—metal brackets, plastic hooks, or industrial-looking mounts that screamed "garage storage" rather than "home decor." We saw an opportunity to change that, creating surfboard mounts that honour both the board and the space it inhabits.
Table of Contents
The Problem: A Gap in the Market
The journey began with a simple observation: surfers love their boards, but hate how they look mounted on walls. The options were limited:
- Metal racks: Industrial and cold, clashing with home aesthetics
- Plastic hooks: Cheap-looking and flimsy, doing no justice to beautiful boards
- DIY solutions: Inconsistent quality and often damaging to boards
- Hidden storage: Defeating the purpose of displaying prized possessions
Surfers wanted their boards visible—as art, as inspiration, as reminders of the ocean—but existing solutions made spaces feel cluttered, tacky, or like equipment storage rather than living areas.
The Solution: Steam-Bent Wood Meets Surf Culture
Our answer came from our signature technique: steam-bending premium hardwoods into elegant, flowing curves that cradle surfboards like waves cradle surfers.
Why Steam-Bent Wood?
The decision to use bent wood wasn't just aesthetic—it was the perfect marriage of form, function, and sustainability:
Strength: Steam-bending creates continuous grain flow, making mounts stronger than conventionally joined pieces. Your board is secure, even in high-traffic areas.
Flexibility: Bent wood naturally conforms to board contours, distributing weight evenly and preventing pressure points that could damage boards.
Aesthetics: Flowing curves echo the organic shapes of waves and boards themselves, creating visual harmony rather than industrial contrast.
Sustainability: Premium hardwoods from responsibly managed forests, finished with eco-friendly hardwax oils, align with surf culture's deep connection to nature.
Our Surfboard Mount Collection
Horizontal Mounts: For Shortboards and Fish
Our horizontal mounts are perfect for displaying shortboards, fish, and mid-length boards. The steam-bent curves cradle your board securely while showcasing its shape and graphics.
Available in:
- Walnut: Rich, dark tones that add warmth and luxury
- Oak: Classic golden-brown that complements any interior
- Black Oak: Contemporary dark finish for modern spaces
- White Oak: Light, Nordic aesthetic perfect for minimalist homes
Features:
- Holds boards 5'0" to 7'6" securely
- Felt-lined contact points protect board finish
- Wall-mounted with hidden fixings for clean look
- Handcrafted in England from premium hardwoods
Waves 2.0: Vertical Mounts for Longboards
For longboards and SUPs, our Waves 2.0 vertical mounts provide secure, space-efficient storage that turns your board into a stunning vertical art piece.
Available in:
- Oak: Natural warmth for traditional longboard aesthetics
- Black Oak: Bold, contemporary look for modern boards
- White Oak: Clean, minimalist display for classic logs
Features:
- Accommodates boards 8'0" to 10'0"
- Dual-point support distributes weight evenly
- Signature wave-inspired curves
- Minimal wall footprint maximizes space
Handcrafted with Precision
Each NOIR.DESIGN surfboard mount is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship. Every piece undergoes a detailed process from start to finish:
The Making Process
1. Wood Selection: We hand-select premium hardwoods, examining grain patterns and quality to ensure each piece meets our standards.
2. Steam-Bending: Skilled artisans carefully steam and bend the wood into flowing curves, a process requiring years of experience to master.
3. Shaping and Refinement: Each mount is shaped, sanded, and refined by hand to achieve smooth curves and perfect proportions.
4. Finishing: We apply eco-friendly hardwax oil finishes that enhance natural grain while providing protection. Multiple coats are hand-rubbed and buffed to a lustrous sheen.
5. Felt Application: Protective felt is precisely applied to all contact points, ensuring your board's finish remains pristine.
6. Quality Inspection: Every mount is inspected to ensure it meets our exacting standards before packaging.
Designed to Fit Every Home
One of our primary objectives was creating surfboard mounts that seamlessly fit into any home without appearing tacky or out of place. The minimalist design allows our mounts to complement various interior styles:
Modern and Contemporary
Clean lines and organic curves work beautifully in modern spaces. Black Oak and Walnut finishes add sophistication without overwhelming minimalist aesthetics.
Coastal and Beach House
Natural Oak and White Oak finishes echo driftwood and sand, creating authentic coastal vibes. The organic shapes reference waves and ocean forms.
Scandinavian and Nordic
White Oak mounts embody Nordic design principles: natural materials, clean lines, and functional beauty. Perfect for light, airy spaces.
Industrial and Loft
Walnut and Black Oak provide warmth that softens industrial spaces while maintaining contemporary edge.
Traditional and Transitional
Natural Oak finishes work seamlessly in traditional homes, adding organic elements without clashing with classic furnishings.
Sustainability Meets Surf Culture
Surfers understand the ocean's fragility better than most. Our commitment to sustainability aligns with surf culture's deep environmental consciousness:
Responsible Sourcing: All hardwoods come from sustainably managed forests
Eco-Friendly Finishes: Hardwax oils contain no harmful VOCs
Longevity Over Disposability: Heirloom-quality construction
Local Craftsmanship: Handcrafted in England
Minimal Packaging: Recyclable materials only
Installation and Care
Easy Installation
Each mount includes all necessary mounting hardware, clear instructions, template for precise placement, and recommendations for different wall types. Most installations take 15-30 minutes.
Caring for Your Mount
- Dust monthly with soft, dry cloth
- Reapply hardwax oil every 2-3 years
- Keep away from direct sunlight
- Wipe spills immediately
More Than Storage: Surfboards as Art
Our mounts don't just store surfboards—they elevate them to art. Your board becomes a conversation starter, daily inspiration, interior focal point, and personal expression of your passion and lifestyle.
From Our Workshop to Your Home
NOIR.DESIGN's journey into crafting steam-bent surfboard mounts is a story of innovation, sustainability, and dedication to creating products that stand the test of time—both in quality and style.
By addressing the lack of elegant and sustainable options in the market, we've set a new standard for surfboard mounts that marry aesthetics with eco-consciousness and surf culture with artisan craftsmanship.
Explore our complete collection of handcrafted surfboard mounts, available in Walnut, Oak, Black Oak, and White Oak. Each mount is handcrafted in England using premium hardwoods and traditional steam-bending techniques.
