Off the reef and red-hot

Of all things the sea provides to brighten our homes -- polished beach glass, pink nautilus shells, glistening mother of pearl, even iridescent tropical fish -- coral is the most elegant and classic. Rough and porous, it has the structure of delicately wrought sculpture. It is blue, black, every shade of white and, of course, the jewel-toned orange-red that is synonymous with coral.

The Victorians loved it, as did over-the-top Hollywood interior decorator Tony Duquette, who affixed it to gilt frames in the 1950s. “In an age of technology,� says Patrick Dragonette, who sells vintage pieces fashioned into lamps and candelabra, “nothing can compare with God’s designs.�

Happily, coral, which is part of a delicate ecosystem, has resurfaced as a largely decorative motif. Its intricate patterns have found their way onto everything from fine china to luxury fabrics, offering a graphic punch to plates and throws.

Raynaud, a division of Limoges, uses red coral and gold trim in its new Cristobal pattern, which exudes glamour and complements most decor schemes, from sleek minimalism to Chinese moderne. Neiman Marcus’ red linen throw is intricately finished with shell beading to replicate white tree coral, producing a coverlet of extraordinary beauty.

For a three-dimensional representation, porcelain and glass make an excellent alternative to real coral. At Arp in Los Angeles, the porcelain designs of Ted Muehling incorporate the cellular structure of coral in a shapely caviar spoon and a lamp lighted by a candle.

And at Zipper, glass pieces are handblown into decorative coral branches that are less expensive -- and more compassionate -- than the real thing.