There’s a new “It” fabric in town! You might have noticed that cozy, comfy materials are taking over upholstered furniture as of late. Sherpa, shearling, and chenille are some of the popular heavy textiles, but the fabric to know right now is none other than bouclé.
If you haven’t heard about bouclé before, you’ve probably seen it! It’s a nubby, curly textile that looks like the fur of a poodle (or cooked quinoa, depending on who you ask), and it’s taking over furniture collections. So what’s all the fuss about? Read on for the full scoop on bouclé—what it is, why it’s popular, and a few of our favorite ways to bring it home!
What is bouclé?
Bouclé is heavy fabric used to upholster furniture everything from dining chairs to ottomans to sofas. It is a soft, nubby fabric that brings physical and visual texture to a room—a feast for all senses—and it’s having a moment as a popular 2023 decor trend!
How do you pronounce bouclé?
If you’ve seen this word and stumbled over it, you’re not alone! Luckily, the pronunciation of bouclé is simple.
Bouclé comes from the French word boucler, which means “to curl,” and it is pronounced “boo-clay”—as in the sound a ghost makes plus that earthen material used to make ceramics!
When did bouclé furniture first become popular?
The fabric’s debut into the world of interior design is usually traced back to Eero Saarenin (a famous designer of the mid-century modern era) who used bouclé to upholster his iconic womb chair in 1946. After this, bouclé became a staple fabric in mid-century modern design!
At the same time, bouclé was making a name for itself in other industries, namely fashion. Famous designer, Coco Chanel, used bouclé as the fabric of choice for her famous two-piece suits in the 1950s.
Why is bouclé so popular now?
After its initial spike in popularity, the fabric trended again in the 70s but fell out of favor in the 90s. So why is it so popular again today? The answer has a lot to do with the trend cycle and our cultural appetite for all things comfortable!
The Interior Design Trend Cycle: Interior design trends usually work in roughly 20-year cycles. That gives enough time for something—say a chair silhouette or cozy fabric—to gain popularity, saturate the market, begin to lose its luster, and then go into hibernation long enough until it feels like a rediscovery when it enters the mainstream once again! The same is true for fashion (think bell bottom jeans or oversized blazers), although it works at a much quicker pace.
Right now in the 2020s, the interior design world is focused on the idea of comfort and connection to nature. We’ve spent the first years of this decade in a global pandemic, which demanded isolation and lots of sterile/sanitized materials, so it’s no wonder we’re seeking comfort in cozy textures, plush furniture, and design that references the natural world (an idea known as biophilic design). This is the perfect context for bouclé, a fabric that’s all about cozy, curl-up comfort, to re-enter the scene and once again become popular!
5 Designer-Approved Ways to Use Bouclé in Your Home
1. Make a Sculptural Statement
Go bold with bouclé and add a large piece of furniture, upholstered in this fabric, to your home. A sofa, armchair, or even a bench are great options. In contemporary collections, you’ll find many of these pieces sport curvy, organic silhouettes, which lend a sculptural element to your home. This is a great way to dabble in another of our favorite current decor trends, the curved furniture trend!
2. Dine in Comfort and Style
Who says bouclé is only for the living room? The fabric is also making its way into dining spaces, where we’re seeing it take over dining chairs. This is a great way to add delicious texture to your dining space. It instantly transforms your dining room from purely functional, into a space that’s been Designed with a capital “d.”
But, while the fabric is durable and easy to clean (see below!), it’s best-suited for homes without young kiddos who might be prone to wiping messy hands on the furniture.
Shop Upholstered Dining Chairs
3. Create a Snooze Sanctuary
Upholstered beds create an extra comfy, cozy bedroom feel. Take this vibe up a notch by choosing a headboard or bed frame upholstered in bouclé (note: materials like chenille, sherpa, and even nubby linen are also great options!).
This is great for anyone who wants an excuse to stay snuggled in bed even longer in the mornings, and get into bed earlier at night!
4. Play With Pops of Bouclé
If a big commitment to a trend isn’t in your comfort zone, consider incorporating bouclé in smaller ways. Throw pillows, ottomans, and even side stools are small but mighty ways to add a pop of this luscious texture to your space!
The best news is these smaller items have a smaller price tag and you can easily relocate them to a guest room or home office if you get tired of seeing them in your main living space.
5. Opt for Color
While bouclé furniture is most often found in shades of white or cream, there are colorful options as well! This is great news for anyone who loves drinking red wine and/or is prone to spills. You don’t have to miss out on the cozy comforts of bouclé furniture. Look for options in navy blue, forest green, or even warm camel tones.
Caring for Bouclé Furniture
Ok, so you’re convinced a bouclé sofa is for you! Now the question is, how practical is this material? First things first, bouclé fabric tends to run a bit more expensive than your average linen or cotton, so pieces upholstered in it can be a bit more of an investment. Luckily bouclé as a material is durable and long-lasting, so it’s an investment worth making if you’re committed to it! Here are a few FAQs about bouclé furniture that can help you decide if it’s the right choice for you!
Is bouclé furniture durable?
Yes! Bouclé is most frequently made from wool, which is a natural fiber and highly durable. Unlike sherpa or sheepskin, bouclé won’t get matted and it’s also not prone to shedding! On the whole, bouclé can stand up to regular use without showing signs of wear, which makes it a good pick for high-traffic areas like living rooms.
However, its nubby texture can trap pet fur and be a draw for kitties who love to scratch. If you’re a pet parent, consider your pet’s tendencies before taking the plunge into bouclé furniture.
How do you clean bouclé furniture?
The best-practices for caring for your bouclé furniture will of course vary from piece to piece (some fabrics are made purely from wool while others blend silk or cotton), but on the whole bouclé is not an overly finicky fabric.
Most manufacturers recommend spot-cleaning bouclé with a mild detergent. You can also often use a steamer to help lift out any stains. If any serious spills occur (we’re talking marinara sauce-level), professional cleaning might be necessary.
Ready to bring bouclé furniture to your home? Explore our Heavy Textures Collection to find comfy, cozy furniture upholstered in bouclé, sherpa, shearling, chenille, and more luxurious textured textiles!
What is bouclé anyway? Get the scoop on why this fabric is trending, how to decorate with it, and learn if boucle furniture is right for you!
