These Stunning Fabrics Are Finally Pushing Boucle Out Of The Spotlight

Plush, warm bouclé had its moment, but interior trends are shifting to encourage a new venture in the world of textiles. Bouclé, a heavy, textured fabric made of yarn with a curly or looped ply, has been in the spotlight when it comes to furniture fabrics. The fabric gained popularity on upholstery due to its unique texture, which exuded an essence of luxury and comfort, reminiscent of the Coco Chanel bouclé jacket. However, as upholstery, bouclé has been notable for its high-maintenance and upkeep requirements, causing many to wonder if bouclé furniture is going out of style.

It's safe to say bouclé is still thriving in minimalism and small pockets on TikTok, with trends like the "vanilla girl aesthetic." However, as interiors move away from minimal and beige looks in favor of bold, opulent, jewel-rich designs, fabrics like bouclé are taking a step back in the style landscape. Trends have shifted towards furniture that is tactile and invites a sensory element to the space. While bouclé certainly adheres to the desire for more cozy textures, homeowners are finding more luxurious sensations like velvet or mohair irresistible and more preferable.

Velvet is no longer a high-maintenance and delicate fabric in the design world. Advances in technology and manufacturing have allowed producers to create velvet furniture fabrics that are easy to clean, soft, and durable. Along with its gorgeous sheen, this has made velvet furniture a go-to for many homeowners. Additionally, interior designs' transition away from beige color palettes towards more jewel tones and experimental hues has encouraged the presence of velvet textiles in our homes, leading to the jewel-toned fabric trend that's replacing bouclé furniture. 

You might have seen trendy emerald green velvet sofas enter living rooms as home design moves away from minimalism and towards maximalism or vintage aesthetics. Velvet has also long been known for its association with opulence and luxury, making it a natural replacement for the fading trend of bouclé. Whether you're going for an old-money-styled look or a modern luxe aesthetic, velvet furniture is a great addition to these spaces.

If you're craving a soft, lustrous fabric to replace bouclé, but velvet is a bit too heavy, then you might find mohair to be a better alternative. Mohair fabrics entered our interiors with luxurious vigor, and they have proven to be a statement and a potential staple for many designers. Mohair fabric is made from the silky fleece of the Angora goat. Once spun and woven, it appears like a finer version of velvet, with a gorgeous sheen, soft fibers, and enough durability to uphold even high-traffic areas. 

Mohair and velvet appear similar, but the former is more resistant to crushing and is well known for its smooth texture. Furthermore, like velvet, mohair accepts dye really well, making it a versatile fabric for homeowners craving rich, vibrant colors. Since bouclé often comes in mostly neutrals, like beige, it's being pushed to the side by fabrics like mohair, which allow folks to choose a color that better suits their designs. Moreover, mohair furniture pieces often come in rounded, sculptural shapes, which is a perfect way to add style to your space.

Not everyone wants to go bold with velvet or mohair. If you prefer a soft, comfortable feel on your furniture that looks elegant and sophisticated, brushed linen or cotton could be the way to go. Brushed textiles are made by weaving a fabric like linen or cotton and then using a metal brush to nap the fibers. This creates a soft, plush, and delicate texture on the fabric. Linen fabric is known for being breathable and durable, making it a suitable option for upholstery. 

While there are some drawbacks to linen, like being prone to wrinkling, it can be an elegant and high-end material for your space. Due to its durability, stain resistance, and timeless appearance, linen might be a more practical solution than bouclé. Additionally, linen upholstery is suitable for many environments, whereas velvet, mohair, and bouclé are warmer textiles that may not be as comfortable in a hot climate.

Opting for unique textures is essential in today's interiors and has been a growing trend since textiles like bouclé have entered our spaces. However, many homeowners crave more natural fibers and fabrics with a gentle, rustic charm. While somewhat controversial, hair-on-hide and shearling fabrics are gaining more traction in upholstery. Hair-on-hide defines hides that still have the natural animal fur on them, providing a unique tactile experience. Shearling is one such example, made of sheep's leather with the wool intact. Most notably, cowhides have garnered more popularity, and their leathers are utilized on upholstery as well. Using hair-on-hide for accent pieces, like chairs or ottomans, allows homeowners to add a pop of color and pattern to their spaces without making the design feel overly rustic.

Many designers have noted a shift towards shaggy, deeper pile furniture, like sheep's wool or fluffy fleece. High-pile fabric and deep bouclé textures are maintaining a prominent position in home design, adhering to the desire for a more cozy, relaxed look to our spaces. If you want to participate in the natural fiber trend but aren't a fan of hair-on-hide or shearling fabrics, there are a few alternatives. When it comes to sustainability, recycled wool tends to be the go-to and provides eco-conscious homeowners more peace of mind. While bouclé is still trendy for some spaces, the move towards natural materials and organic fibers with a soft, vibrant, or patterned look has gained more appeal amongst designers and homeowners alike.