Corduroy May Be The Trending Fabric That Gives '70s Aesthetic In A Modern And Cozy Way

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One great way to add character and dimension in any room is through textures, be they on upholstery, drapery, rugs, or other decor elements. Soft and touchable textures are always popular in homewares, giving any piece or any room a suppleness that keeps your space feeling layered and interesting to all the senses. Corduroy is one fabric trend that is on the rise for use in modern or vintage-inspired spaces alike. While its mid-century reign as one of the most popular materials for both home design and apparel had waned in use in the intervening decades, this rich and textured fabric is experiencing a renewed occurrence everywhere from fully upholstered pieces to small home accents like throw pillows, lampshades, and ottomans.

Corduroy, depending on the piece's shape, can read retro or modern, formal or casual. It's amenable to a wide number of design styles, including all-neutral spaces that need an abundance of texture as well as more maximalist ones where it's just one of many. Incorporating this texture into your home may be easier than you think, with many options to bring it in using large or small doses to add texture to your home decor.

Why corduroy?

The key to corduroy's popularity lies both in touchability and durability. Recent years have seen a rise in the popularity of nubby textures as a way to add dimension in spaces. Corduroy may be a great alternative to fabrics like the always classic velvet and the more recently popular bouclé, which have a similar touchability but can often be less structured and durable. The use of textured matte fabrics is on the rise as well, of which this beautiful fabric is one of.

The fluted design of corduroy, whatever the width, adds interest and dimension, even though the piece can still read as a solid fabric that can keep spaces from looking too busy with a traditional pattern. While the 1970s saw earthier colors like brown, tan, and beige everywhere, the textured fabric is also cropping up more and more in deep and rich jewel tones like navy, emerald, and burgundy. Dreamy pastels are also on the rise. Many of today's corduroy upholstered pieces lean modern in design, with rounded curves and modular construction that complement both contemporary and boho-style spaces. The fabric can soften the lines of even more austere and modern pieces.

How to bring corduroy into your home

Adding this fabric into your home is easy, with many manufacturers creating gorgeous furniture pieces in corduroy, including higher-end pieces from retailers like Anthropologie, Article, and West Elm. You can also find corduroy upholstered pieces at more budget-friendly price points, including the several modular sofa options from Wayfair or this Vesgantti Loveseat from Amazon. The internet is also aflutter with Costco's newest viral cozy couch. Which sofa is just right for your home depends on your design aesthetic, with more curved and streamlined pieces perfect for modern rooms. For vintage ones, opt for the sleek lines of mid-century modern-inspired sofas or a true vintage piece in corduroy from the 1970s. More casual and relaxed farmhouse or coastal spaces look amazing with corduroy on more traditional skirted sofas with a slip-covered look.

To add corduroy as an accent, bring it in through other elements, like these Topfinal Corduroy Throw Pillows or the HIGOGOGO Round Stuffed Pouf Ottoman. Corduroy also makes an excellent opaque fabric to use as a window treatment, like these Velvet Corduroy Blackout Curtains. Or create a textured look with fabric wallpaper like Amazon's 3D Corduroy Peel and Stick Wallpaper on an accent wall.

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