Bouclé material: What it is & how to use it within your home
Love the look and feel of bouclé? Discover all there is to know about this unique fabric with our guide.
Sometimes, a trending fabric becomes a mainstay in the interior world. Bouclé is one example, bringing together cosy, comfy style with a luxurious element.
Known for its distinctive texture, bouclé is characterised by its curled fibres. As our homes become spaces to retreat from the outside world, it’s only natural to crave spaces that are designed for relaxation – bouclé is not just easy on the eyes but extremely relaxing to touch.
From the origins of bouclé to styling tips, discover all there is to know about this unique fabric that’s perfect for your living room. Once you’re done reading, browse our boucle sofas to get started.
Derived from the French word ‘boucler’, which means ‘curled’, bouclé is characterised by its curly fibres and nubby textured fabric.
Bouclé became popular in the interior world when designers Florence Knoll and Eero Saarinen collaborated to come up with the ‘Womb’ chair, which was upholstered in ‘Classic Bouclé’ fabric. In the fashion world, bouclé fabric was originally popularised by the luxury brand Chanel to make their iconic jackets.
Bouclé was originally made from wool, but now, with modern technology, it includes other materials as well, like cotton, mohair and other synthetic blends.
Wool: This type of bouclé fabric is perfect for autumn and winter, as it brings warmth and cosiness with its luxe texture.
Cotton: A lighter option for this blend of bouclé fabric, which brings comfort and breathability.
Synthetic fibres: Synthetic fibres such as polyester, can be crafted to replicate the original look and feel of bouclé fabric while also being stain-resistant.
Mixed fibres: Wool and synthetic fibres are sometimes combined to create a bouclé fabric that retains its natural softness while being more durable.
Mohair: Mohair comes from the hair of the Angora goat and can be combined with bouclé fabric to create a texture with a lustrous sheen and luxe.
Section 3: The key qualities of bouclé and why it’s ideal for sofas and armchairs
When it comes to relaxation at home, a lot of it has to do with our surroundings and making sure we are at ease. Interior trends over the past few years have highlighted our desire for soft, cosy fabrics that are tactile and inviting.
Bouclé’s signature nubby texture sets it apart from other soft fabrics. Its unique curls give it a distinctive feel and are a great way to add depth to any room in the home. Choosing it as the upholstery pick for your sofa or armchair will make your living room feel more inviting and cosy. If your room feels one-dimensional, choosing bouclé easily brings its own cosy, nubby texture to liven it up.
Do you want your sofa to be the cosy focal point of the room? Then a bouclé sofa should be your top pick. The style of your sofa should complement bouclé fabric’s soft texture – think curved arms and back or a compact loveseat for a cloud-like feel.
Soft, light neutrals like off-white, cream, beige or taupe are usually the preferred picks for bouclé fabric. However, if you do want to inject colour into your space through your sofa, a good tip is to pick colours that feel light and whimsical. Pastel tones like baby pink, mint green, light blue or pastel orange uplift a space and complement neutrals.
FAQs
Why is bouclé so expensive?
The unique weaving technique used to create bouclé fabric is a very specialised and requires a lot of skill. Materials involved in creating bouclé fabric like wool, mohair or cashmere, are also very expensive and high quality.
What are the disadvantages of bouclé?
Bouclé's curled texture makes it easy for dust, hair and pet hair to become easily trapped in its fabric. If you have young children or pets it may not be a good idea to get a bouclé sofa, as it may be prone to wear and tear, as it easily snags or piles.
Why is bouclé so popular?
Bouclé's unique texture makes it look inviting and sophisticated, which makes it perfect for a cosy living room. Its soft, cloud-like feel is extremely versatile and complements a variety of interior styles like mid-century modern, Scandi style or Parisian chic.
Is bouclé a good fabric?
Yes, bouclé is a sophisticated and durable fabric. It’s a timeless choice for a sofa or armchair in the living room.
Is bouclé high maintenance?
Bouclé requires regular maintenance if you have a busy household. Regular vacuuming is advised to keep dust, fur or hair from settling into the fabric.
We hope you enjoyed reading our guide on bouclé fabric. Looking for more décor ideas? Shop our velvet or cord sofas.
