Interior design trends keep evolving and changing over time, yet some of them manage to create a timeless niche and can be trendsetters of all the time. Bouclé fabric furniture is one among them that gained wide popularity with no sign of decline. Bouclé became extremely popular with its blend of tangible style and retro charm that ensures comfort. Nowadays Bouclé is considered a unique, luxurious style preferred by upscale homes to trendy cool offices. Let’s explore more about Bouclé fabric and how it became a staple in contemporary spaces.

What Is Bouclé?

Bouclé is pronounced as ‘boo-clay’, derived from the French word "Boucler," meaning ‘curled’ or ‘looped’. The distinct and unique texture makes Bouclé special, characterised by its looped, curly fibres that add a sense of depth.

Bouclé is made of loops of yarn that are interwoven to create a textured, knotted surface and create a three-dimensional exterior feel. This exclusive texture of Bouclé elevates the visual presence of the furniture pieces and offers an elegant sophisticated look to the overall interior.

The soft and textured surface of the fabric is highly comfortable and warm for a relaxed experience. Bouclé fabric is now used for a variety of products, ranging from cushions, chairs, stools, sofas or other home furnishings. It can also be used for various items of clothing too, as well as other textile products.

The history of Bouclé started in the mid-20th century when fashion house Chanel first introduced Bouclé in their apparel, associating the fabric with luxury. Bouclé was then combined into furniture by industrial interior designers such as Eero Saarinen and Florence Knoll.

Types of Bouclé

Bouclé is a highly versatile type of fabric which can be made from a variety of materials with each influencing the way it looks and feels. Even though it is typically made of wool, it can also be made of several other materials, such as cotton, silk, and similar synthetic blends. These material differences impact the character, style and strength of the fabric which contributes to enhancing the design.

These are some popular types of Bouclé:

• Wool: Most of the Bouclé fabric is made of wool, as it is a standard choice that gives a natural look. Wool fibre has a natural warmth with a soft and flexible texture that adds a luxurious touch and a cosy element.
• Cotton: Cotton Bouclé is also a fantastic option for a breathable and lighter material. Similar to cotton clothes, cotton bouclé furniture is also designed to be comfortable and adaptable.
• Silk: Here, instead of actual silk, ‘Mohair’ is used to give a silky texture to the bouclé fabric. Mohair comes from the air of Angora goats, and is well known for its durability and glossy look. This Mohair Bouclé has a distinctive silky smooth texture which gives a luxurious finish.
• Synthetic Fibre: Another type of material that works perfectly with Bouclé is synthetic fibre, such as polyester or acrylic. Synthetic Bouclé fabric imitates natural fibres with its look and feel, and provides an easy-to-maintain material.
• Mixed Fibre: Some Bouclé fabrics are made with a combination of fibre materials to make them even more comfy and resilient. For example, blending wool and synthetic fibres can result in a naturally soft yet durable product.

Bouclè Colours

Many of you may have the idea that Bouclé is available only in light shades such as white, off-white, beige, or some neutral tones. Interestingly, Bouclé comes in a range of other colours including pale blue, forest green, slate blue, pale pink, and grey; bold enough to suit any style.

These colours make Bouclé an easy addition to any sophisticated interior, especially with curved or sculptural pieces of furniture. The neutral colours on the nubby texture of Bouclé help to make them a perfect statement in your home.

Perfect for Chairs

Even though Bouclé can be used in a variety of applications, it looks perfect in upholstery, especially for sofas, chairs, and bar stools. Bouclé fabric chairs can offer a cosy spot to enjoy a cup of coffee, a good book, or simply relax in style. Bouclé chairs generally have a solid colour pattern that complements any room.

Bouclé chairs are known to have a soft touch, great breathability, and durability. The simple yet tiny detailed exquisite contours of the chair have a plush fabric, making it a versatile addition to your room's decor. It can effectively disperse body pressure and provide additional comfort for sitting. Whether you're enjoying a book or simply unwinding, a Bouclé chair can provide a cosy retreat.

Similar Materials

Since Bouclé is highly versatile, it can be mistaken for other similar materials. Bouclé is known for its intricate detail of curly yarns, fashioning a textured 3D surface. This gives bouclé a unique appearance, adding depth and visual attention to the fabric.

Once you recognise what Bouclé fabric looks like, it becomes really easy to spot as it has a very distinct look. This fabric can be made of different materials that can be dyed, which means that it can be confused with similar materials, like Sherpa. Unlike Bouclé, Sherpa has a more rustic appearance, imitating the look of natural sheep’s wool. It tends to have a fuzzy and heaped texture, contributing to a cosy and casual aesthetic.

Protective Measures

Bouclé can be easy to maintain when following the right steps and procedures. Bouclé furniture requires gentle treatment to preserve its texture and appearance for a long period. However, it can be tougher than regular fabric to clean.

To care for bouclé chairs, use a damp cloth and clean it regularly. Brushing with a soft brush helps to remove dirt and maintain the texture or furriness. Try to avoid spillages, but if they do happen, attend to them promptly and avoid using harsh chemicals. To avoid fading, keep them out of direct sunlight.

Having Bouclé furniture at home will enhance your interior style and add a sense of luxury at home. No wonder this has made an all-time favourite of interior design enthusiasts, blending comfort with a classy charm and a tactile style.