Bouclé fabric – coming from the French for ‘curled’ – is having its moment in the sun in 2021, perhaps as a response to the collective craving for warmth and tactility in our homes. Any which way, right now the textured fabric, which is usually wool, is everywhere and on everything from seating to accessories. Plus it’s perfect for pairing with the other 2021 interiors hot story – Italian Modernism – to complement the curved silhouettes and warm woods of the mid-century aesthetic.

While many associate bouclé fabric with structured jackets from Chanel in the 1950s, it was, in fact, always intended for interiors. Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen originally used it in the 1940s to adorn his ‘womb’ chair, which was designed to fellow architect and interior designer Florence Knoll’s brief to create a ‘chair she could really curl up in’.

If ever there was a year that we all needed somewhere to do just that, this is it. Whether you’re looking for a statement centrepiece or a simple update that nods to the cosy new bouclé trend this season, here are nine pieces to add to your home.

Main image: Made.com

Eldon Stool, £395


Soho Home
Eldon Stool, Boucle

Neat, versatile and oh-so-useful, this compact stool from Soho Home could be used for additional seating when we finally have guests to visit again; as a side table with a tray on top; or just to put your feet up. Add shearling lined slippers for added cosy zeitgeist points.


Shona Chair, £379


Made.com
Shona

This designer dupe from Made looks like a retro design classic – for a fraction of the price. The bold curves will add drama and a ‘fashion feel’ to a room, while the whitewash bouclé gives a luxe look, for less.

Paris Sofa, £2299


Heal’s
Paris 3 Seater Sofa

First designed thirty years ago, the Heal’s Paris sofa is a perennial classic, updated this season in a cosy bouclé fabric in on-trend ‘brick’. With soft, feather filled arms and a chunky frame, it’s the perfect sink in and relax’ sofa for family living.

Bouclé Cushion Cover, £15.99


Zara Home
BOUCLÉ CUSHION COVER

Available in a soft heather and cool pistachio, this teddy bear effect cushion cover is perfect for adding texture to a stack of cushions. Try pairing with a printed linen and picking out one colour that runs through them all to tie the look together.

Bouclé Blanket, £12.99


H&M Home
Bouclé Blanket

If you’re not quite ready to commit to the full bouclé look with a piece of furniture, try adding a throw to the end of your bed or sofa for a low-cost trial run of the new tactile trend. This fringed, sage green blanket from H&M is lightweight yet cosy – perfect as we move into spring.

Teddy Embroidered Hot Water Bottle, £24


Oliver Bonas
Pink Teddy Embroidered Stars Hot Water Bottle

If you’ve outgrown cuddly toys but still crave that sensory comfort, this bouclé hot water bottle from Oliver Bonas provides the perfect bedtime hug. Embroidered with astrological symbols and in an on-trend ‘millennial pink’, it’s a great self-gift this winter for a cosy night in.

Rico Ottoman Bouclé, €1,219


Ferm Living
Rico Ottoman Boucle

The voluptuous curves of this Rico Ottoman from Ferm Living give the perfect silhouette for a textured bouclé to cling to. Position it snugly at the foot of a bed and mix with natural materials such as cane or wood in your frame for a relaxed, cosy sanctuary to escape to.

Bouclé Pair Lined Eyelet Curtains, Pale Grey Storm, from £80


John Lewis
John Lewis & Partners Boucle Pair Lined Pencil Pleat Curtains, Grey - Navy

As a fabric, bouclé has fantastic sound-insulating qualities, making it the perfect choice for curtains. And this black-out pair from John Lewis will block out not only noise, but light too. Great for busy roads or light-sleepers. Ready made with eyelet headers, these make a great instant update that’s practical and stylish, too.

Jute Bouclé Rug, £249 to £699


West Elm
Jute Boucle Rug

The bouclé effect isn’t just reserved for wool; the looped technique can be used on jute too, as evidenced by this handcrafted matting from West Elm. Brilliantly hard-wearing, it can be layered with sheepskins, or patterned rugs to add depth. The perfect ‘forever flooring’ for timeless design that you won’t tire of.

By Lydia Mansi
February 2021

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