What Is Bouclé & How to Style This Trend-Savvy Fabric
Find cloud-like comfort.
With the current frenzy for cozy textiles, it makes sense that bouclé has quickly risen through the ranks. Its nubby-yet-neutral appeal makes it easy to style and adds a layer of plush dimension. If you're curious about what bouclé is or how to style it, this guide will break down the basics.
What Is Bouclé?
Pronounced "boo-clay," this on-trend material is made from a looped yarn that gives the fabric its notably nubby texture. Its dense, curled construction makes bouclé fabric feel plush and cloud-like.
Bouclé comes from the French word for "to curl," and it is the name for both the looped yarn and the fabric made from the yarn. Bouclé material has been traditionally woven with wool, but can be made with other natural fibers (like cotton or silk) or synthetic materials. It's soft enough to cover throw pillows and durable enough for everyday upholstery.
Though bouclé is often seen in a creamy off-white hue, it can come in a variety of other colors too. Other neutrals – and nearly neutrals like sage green – are popular bouclé choices that allow you to incorporate a bit of color.
But you might wonder, is bouclé durable? Despite its plush texture and looped-yarn construction, bouclé is surprisingly durable. This combination of durability and softness have made bouclé a top pick for upholstery – covering sofas, sectionals and accent chairs alike – as well as accent pieces like throw pillows.
How to Style Bouclé
Its neutral hue and subtle texture provide plenty of versatility when it comes to styling – you can incorporate bouclé into a wabi-sabi space as easily as a cozy farmhouse. Here are some simple tips for adding bouclé pieces into your decorating repertoire.
1. Opt for Pair of Accent Chairs
Bouclé accent chairs add a bit of tactile texture to your space. The nubby material plays up the coziness and pairs well with wood, leaning into its natural appeal. In the photo above, the streamlined shape of the accent chairs feels fresh and modern, while the bouclé fabric balances the clean lines with a certain softness.
Bouclé is an easy way to amp up visual interest, so double-duty essentials (like a storage ottoman) can be the perfect opportunity to try out this trend. Outfit your entryway with a soft bouclé ottoman to make space for putting your shoes on – and a place for storing your shoes later. Plus, the soft peach shade in the photo above adds some extra warmth to the space.
Bouclé doesn't have to be used as upholstery. Throw pillows are a small, affordable way to incorporate bouclé into your space. The added texture complements other materials like smooth leather, soft chenille, or crisp linen.
Combine bouclé upholstery with a curved silhouette for a stylish statement. The organic shape, soft white color, and nubby texture lean into the cloud-like appeal. Best of all, bouclé has a low absorption rate, which means that it's less prone to spills and stains.
Tucking a bouclé bench at the end of your bed can soften your bedroom design. The plush material adds a cozy texture that warms up the space, and the plush silhouette creates a comfortable seating area. If you're short on storage, look for a bouclé bench with hidden compartments to stash any extra bedding or bedroom essentials.
If a bedroom bench doesn't add enough bouclé to your space, why not opt for something larger? A bed upholstered in bouclé fabric adds a luxurious feel and pairs well with other soft textures, such as a lived-in linen bedding or velvet seating (as pictured above).
Tip!
Read our Furniture Fabric Guide: What to Look for When Shopping for Upholstery to find the right upholstery fabric from your space.
