Weaving Wonders: 7 Bouclé Design Tips from the Experts

Bouclé, with its distinctive looped texture, has become a hallmark of elegance from fashion to interior design. In this Redfin article, we delve into the insights and expertise of design professionals who share invaluable tips on harnessing the timeless allure of bouclé. Whether you’re renting an apartment in Stamford, CT, or renting a home in Medford, MA, Discover how to tastefully incorporate bouclé into your spaces, infusing them with luxurious comfort and chic aesthetics. These tips will empower you to master the art of bouclé, transforming your surroundings with style.

Please courtesy of photographer Jon Day

What is Bouclé? 

Bouclé, derived from the French word meaning “curled,” is a classic textile that first showed up in design in 1948. This design technique involves creating a looped or curled yarn, creating a textured fabric that adds depth and visual interest.

Interior Design Sally Conran shares, “Bouclé fabrics create a distinctive rich, tactile finish and visually interesting texture. For this reason, they work perfectly for upholstery, creating a warm, relaxed but elegant home interior.”

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Seven tips to consider when incorporating bouclé design into your home

1. Highlight your headboard

Introduce a touch of elegance to your bedroom by incorporating bouclé fabric into your headboard. “Headboards are an unexpected way to use this fabric and add dimension and texture to your bedroom,” notes Alexis Elley of Textured Interior Design. 

By incorporating bouclé into headboards, designers can introduce a unique and unconventional texture to the bedroom, breaking away from the traditional use of wood or leather. 

2. Use bouclé sparingly

Using bouclé sparingly is crucial to maintaining balance, as its distinctive texture and visual richness can be overpowering. It is important that its unique qualities are enhanced without overwhelming the overall design.

Fabric company Modern Fabrics shares, “Because a great quality bouclé is an investment, we recommend using it sparingly. You don’t want a whole room covered in bouclé, so choose only one piece: a love seat, your favorite side chair, or some pillows. We recommend a high-pile bouclé (the thicker, the better) for pillows and throws.” 

3. Try bouclé storage

Bouclé storage boxes provide a stylish solution for organizing your space, seamlessly marrying functionality and elegance.

“Consider creating unique bouclé storage buckets for a stylish and practical organizational solution. Additionally, craft a lovely storage bag to house your jewelry treasures, infusing your space with elegance and functionality,” recommends sewing blog Sewing Chanel Style.

4. Reupholster old furniture 

Reupholstering old furniture with bouclé not only breathes new life into worn pieces but also can transform vintage pieces into modern classics.

“As an experienced interior designer, I often use bouclé to reupholster my clients’ furniture and decor items as it creates a welcoming ambiance that blends seamlessly into various settings,” shares Maureen Tepedino of Design By Maureen. Bouclé’s durability, elegance, and tactile allure integrate effortlessly into any design scheme, enhancing the overall aesthetic.”

5. Bring in comfort through pillows and blankets

Bringing comfort through bouclé pillows and blankets adds a cozy dimension to your living space, creating a warm ambiance.

“Bouclé is the perfect staple texture to layer into your space that adds visual interest and complements both quiet, minimalist textiles and loud, patterned textiles,” remarks Iconic by Kaitlyn Wolfe. “For those who want a neutral and organic vibe, the space can often feel flat if you don’t mix in different textures. We love to incorporate bouclé into pillows and blankets.”

6. Don’t be afraid to try patterned textures 

Don’t hesitate to experiment with patterned bouclé textures, as they can infuse a dynamic and visually intriguing dimension.

“Don’t let the zebra bouclé fabric on this sofa fool you. While it serves style and elegance, the popular fabric also nods to comfort and resilience. The most prominent characteristic of bouclé is its looped texture, contributing to visual interest and mood-setting for any room,” shares ModShop.

Photo courtesy of ModShop

7. Decorate with bouclé throw pillows to add dimension

Decorating with bouclé throw pillows is a simple way to bring a touch of bouclé into your space without overwhelming it.

“For throw cushions, choose a medium-tight weave for durability and a combination that has one thread color, of a multi-colored weave, that matches your wall color,” says Helen Haughey Designs, based in Vero Beach, FL.

“Start by incorporating plush and textured fabrics such as bouclé upholstery for furniture or throw pillows. Opt for a neutral color palette with warm tones to enhance the comforting feel, and pair bouclé elements with natural materials like wood and rattan for a balanced and organic look. Finally, use soft lighting to create a soothing ambiance that complements the tactile qualities of bouclé, turning your space into a stylish haven of comfort and relaxation,” adds  Fabric5anddime.