We Asked 3 Designers Whether This Cozy Fabric Is Still “In” & the Answer Will Surprise You
Certain traditions are customary every season, and fall has quite a few. Carving pumpkins and peeping colorful leaves come to mind, as does trick-or-treating and cooking turkey on Thanksgiving. But if there’s one thing that isn’t quite to the level of a national holiday but still has its fair share of fans, it’s getting cozy. Cooler temperatures mean wrapping yourself in soft fabrics, and for the last few years, bouclé has led the pack with its snuggle-ready texture.
“During the pandemic, we saw the resurgence of the wabi-sabi aesthetic,” says designer Christina Higham, owner of Sun Soul Style Interiors. “We wanted our surroundings to feel calm, comfortable, and decluttered, which was basically the antithesis to the chaos that was happening in our world.”
In the 1940s, designer Florence Knoll reportedly asked architect Eero Saarinen to create a piece of furniture she could curl up in, which led to him upholstering his Womb Chair in this now iconic chunky fabric. “That’s why I think it took off again during the pandemic,” Higham says. “We were craving warmth, and bouclé gives that to pieces that are more minimal.”
But after years of enjoying time in the design spotlight, is it time for bouclé to move aside? Here, three designers — Higham, Jen Levy at Surrounded by Color, and Julia Newman of Julia Adele Design — weigh in on how they’d consider this fabric for the fall. Read on to see if bouclé still has staying power.
Bouclé still works — just don’t go overboard with it.
Levy likes bouclé for its versatility and says it’s a fabric that can complement a variety of design trends. “Bouclé adds a lot of warmth and texture and is also very durable,” she says. The problem surrounding its popularity is that the fabric was on everything, from side chairs and headboards to throw pillows and blankets, making a space feel a little too one-dimensional.
Levy doesn’t think the trend has passed, but she suggests using it strategically so it feels fresh. “It’s such a luxe accent, but one piece or a set of matching pieces, like chairs, is enough for any space,” she says.
Bouclé’s still stylish, but needs a new palette and silhouette.
Higham doesn’t think bouclé has lost its appeal, either, but it probably could benefit from more color variety — instead of just coming in creams. “What we’re starting to get sick of is seeing it in its trendy application: the bubble silhouette,” she says. “I predict we’ll start seeing bouclé in darker, moodier colors and maybe even printed fabric.” It could also be worthwhile to try this fabric against a more clean-cut build, like a classic wingback chair, to create an interesting contrast.
Some designers say it’s time to try something new.
Newman appreciates the warmth and coziness bouclé provides but thinks its alternatives are primed for a resurgence. “Bouclé can still be in the repertoire, but I think we have seen it hit its peak popularity,” she says. “My only issue with bouclé is that depending on its thickness, it can be difficult to keep clean — especially with kids and pets.” She recommends trying mohair or chunky chenilles if you’re looking for a close cousin to this material.
“Colors look so much richer and more saturated in these fabrics,” she says. “They’re perfect for sofas and accent chairs, places where you spend time curled up reading or watching TV.” And that, as you know, is exactly what many of us plan on doing this fall.