If you’ve been keeping up with design trends lately, chances are you’ve seen boucles popping up everywhere. This fabric, with its cozy texture and timeless charm, is having a moment—but it's far from just a passing trend.
Eastern Accents, based in Chicago, has been using this classic fabric across their collections. The luxury textile experts, known for their American-made quality, have been soft home decor leaders for over 30 years. When it comes to using the finest fabrics, their designers have been leading the way–and this includes with the fabulous boucle.
Whether you're already a fan or just starting to notice it, it’s clear that this special fabric isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. We met with Eastern Accents trend-leading designers to learn more about boucle and how to style it.
Pronounced boo-clay, it is a textured fabric made from looped yarns, giving it a nubby, curly appearance. The word comes from the French term for "curled" or "ringed," which perfectly describes the fabric's timeless design. It can be made from a variety of fibers, including wool, cotton, and even synthetic blends, making it versatile for both clothing and home decor.
Its rich texture adds visual interest and a cozy, tactile quality to furniture upholstery, accent pillows, and throws, offering a stylish yet comfortable addition to any space.
Boucle has a rich history that dates back to mid-20th century design, but its popularity soared in the 1940s when famous architect and designer Eero Saarinen used it for his iconic Womb Chair. This fabric, with its soft, textured surface, became a symbol of modernism and comfort. It was the ideal way to achieve a glamorous look, without sacrificing a cozy, homey feel. Often associated with luxury and high design, it has since been featured in other notable pieces like the Pierre Paulin Groovy Chair and the Eames Lounge Chair.
Boucle’s signature looped texture is not just for looks—it’s also incredibly durable and resistant to wrinkling, making it ideal for both upholstery and fashion. From its high-fashion roots in Chanel’s classic suits to its timeless presence in home decor, boucle remains a favorite for adding cozy sophistication to any space.
Boucle is perfect for more than just furniture—it’s often seen in accessories like cushions, blankets, and even wall hangings. Its texture adds a layer of softness and dimension to any space. What makes it especially appealing is its ability to balance comfort with high design, giving pieces a chic yet welcoming feel. For these reasons, boucle has become a go-to for designers, including Eastern Accents’. Whether in small accents or larger upholstery, its unique texture elevates a room without overpowering it.
While boucle has seen a resurgence in recent years, it's far from a fleeting trend. Its timeless appeal lies in its versatility and ability to blend seamlessly into a variety of design styles, from mid-century modern to Scandinavian and beyond. This fabric offers both texture and comfort, making it a staple in furniture and accessories that designers continue to rely on. Its durability and cozy aesthetic ensure that this fabric will remain a design favorite for years to come, offering a long-lasting style that’s as practical as it is beautiful.
For those just starting to explore the boucle, Eastern Accents designers highlight their Oliver bedding collection as a friendly guide. Calming yet modern, this collection’s striking geometric pattern and soft, muted tones create a perfect canvas for layering with fun fabrics.
Here, they use boucle Euro shams to add a touch of cozy texture and timeless design, balancing the clean lines and bold shapes of the duvet. This contrast not only elevates the look but also makes the space feel inviting. The team highlights that Boucle’s softness works wonderfully in accessorizing, bringing a tactile element that invites relaxation.
Even more interesting, the team has created sphere-shaped boucle pillows, for a uniquely soft touch. Fully three-dimensional and softly curved, these geometric pillows are a chic way to bring this elegant texture to a decorative pillow. No matter what pillow shape is your favorite, the design team suggests that pairing this cozy fabric with neutral decor and soft accents creates a serene, balanced atmosphere that feels both luxurious and down-to-earth.
Boucle is more than just a fabric—it’s a timeless design staple with staying power. From its mid-century modern roots to today’s chic interiors, it has proven itself as the perfect blend of style and comfort. Plus, it adds a bit of warmth and coziness, making sure your favorite spaces stay homey.
Whether you’re thinking about a few accent pieces or going all in with upholstered furniture, Eastern Accents design team has demonstrated that this fabric has a way of elevating a room without losing its inviting feel. One thing’s for sure: this isn’t just a trend—it’s here to stay, and it’s bringing warmth and texture into homes for years to come.
Eastern Accents is a luxury home textiles brand, proudly based in Chicago. Learn more at www.easternaccents.com
