Defined by its soft and nubby texture, bouclé fabric has moved out from the ateliers of high-end fashion brands and into the workshops of upscale furniture makers, bringing a sense of warmth and luxury to interior spaces.
The fabric, which was notably popular among mid-century designers, has a characteristically looped appearance, and draws its name from the French word that means ‘curled’. Traditionally made from wool – but also other finer fabrics such as silk – bouclé is dense in weight, but its tufty surface texture gives it an extremely weightless presence.
As neutral tones and Wabi-Sabi aesthetics continue to dominate interior trends, it’s no wonder this fabric has made such a comeback. Design Dispatch selects some favourite pieces to bring a touch of bouclé elegance to your home.
Marlina rocking chair by Kave Home
Sofa Svante by Eichholtz
Dutch furniture brand Eichholtz designed the Svante sofa with comfort and cosiness in mind. Its curved sides, black legs and soft Canberra sand upholstery channel a calming mood, accentuated by the tactile bouclé upholstery.
Stature by CB2
Designed by Caleb Zipperer, this dining armchair from CB2 brings a lounge element to the table with its architectural profile, deep seat and rounded back for added comfort. Various colour options are available – this version is upholstered in burnt sienna bouclé.
Alpaca blanket by BR Home
The Alpaca blanket, by the recently-launched homeware arm of retail brand Banana Republic, named BR Home, features an ultra-soft texture created from looped alpaca fibres and long fringed ends, made in Italy using fabric from Manifattura Big Mill.
Epic Occasional Chair by Liang & Eimil
The playful design of the Epic Occasional Chair by Liang & Eimil makes it a striking addition to any room. The chair boasts a rounded organic shape, solid ash wood legs in natural brown and sand-coloured bouclé upholstery, seen here with a ball-shaped cushion that makes it a complete conversation piece.
Pillow by Anthropologie
Among the varied range of bouclé furniture and soft furnishings available at fashion brand Anthropologie is this collection of plush throw pillows, available in ivory and neutral beige, that brings a comforting touch to any seat or surface.
Main photo: Andrey Bezuglov / NOOM
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