I realized tinned fish was having more than a foodie moment when I passed Anthropologie at Ponce City Market here in Atlanta and spotted a sardine can display in the window. To me, it felt like a declaration—sardines have officially made the leap from pantry staple to design muse.

This summer, the tinned fish aesthetic is bubbling up everywhere. It’s quirky. It’s nostalgic. And somehow, it’s becoming a design flex. As someone who unapologetically loves sardines, I’m not mad about it.

There’s something romantic and even chic about tinned fish packaging—the metallic shine, the vintage typography, the European-market vibe. It evokes long lunches in Lisbon, aperitifs on balconies, and my dream kitchen in the summer, with linen napkins and mismatched plates.

Designers and brands are picking up on the tinned fish aesthetic. Ruggable’s new summer collection includes a tin fish doormat that feels cheeky yet sophisticated. It brings just enough personality to a porch or entryway without trying too hard.

Meanwhile, Anthropologie’s latest collaboration with Atlanta-based artist Dasha Lebedev celebrates the aesthetic with a line of tinned fish-inspired decor, including The Original Tinned Fish Candle. These hand-poured candles come in real sardine tins that open like the real thing—only instead of briny snacks, you’re met with intricately shaped wax sardines.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Anthropologie Home (@anthropologiehome)

What It Says About You

Tinned fish decor is personal. It’s playful. And among a sea of trend cycles that often feel algorithm-driven, this one actually feels rooted in something—a taste for the unusual, a love for vintage, a nod to eclecticism and personal style. It’s not trying to be aspirational in the traditional sense; it’s more like, if you know, you know.

And if you do know—if you’ve ever eaten sardines from the grocery store in Paris for dinner in your Airbnb instead of going out to a restaurant (guilty), or ordered anchovies on your pizza without a second thought—this is your time. The sardines have entered the design chat.

So, whether it’s a candle, a doormat, or a full-blown dinner party theme, don’t be afraid to lean in. Because good design doesn’t always have to be serious. Sometimes it’s a sardine tin that sparks joy.

Our editors love finding you the best products and offers! If you purchase something by clicking on one of the affiliate links on our website, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.