What is Boucle and How to Style It

What is Boucle

Boucle is back in a big way. From accent pieces to statement furniture, boucle is on-trend and a popular way of introducing more texture into your home.

Boucle (pronounced boo-clay) translates to ‘curl’ or ‘loop’. Boucle usually refers to looped yarn made from wool, but boucle is made using a variety of fibres including cotton, linen, silk and synthetic materials. Characterised by its fleece-like appearance, boucle is a textile that adds a chic touch to homes.

What Style is Boucle

Boucle is often associated with classic, traditional and mid-century aesthetics, because of its texture, but boucle has had a modern makeover. Despite its introduction to the interior world being in the 1940s, boucle is timeless (see: boucle’s current popularity). Boucle brings a touch of cosiness and warmth to mid-century modern interiors.

Most commonly, boucle features on headboards, sofas, chairs and poufs. Often, boucle pieces are in white or neutral tones, but you can find pinks, blues and green for a bolder look.

How to Incorporate Boucle in Your Home 

When it comes to boucle, less is more. You don’t want to douse your whole home with boucle. A little here and there is just right.

Boucle introduces texture to your space in a subtle fashion. You can add cosiness and warmth to your home without making a huge statement, perfect for those who prefer the less is more approach.

Styling boucle furniture can be tricky. Boucle is maybe soft and cosy in its texture, but the nature of boucle furniture is bold. When styling boucle, you need to consider the colour palette of your home, textures and the overall aesthetic of your place. In this article, we explore some tips and tricks for styling on-trend boucle furniture to create a stylish, sophisticated and cohesive space.

Bring Boucle to the Bedroom

Bring a cosy feel and warmth to your bedroom with a boucle headboard. Not only will you feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud but a white boucle headboard will bring a light and airy look to your room that is perfect for sleeping!

Subtle Pieces

Not fully committed to boucle taking centre stage? Make a subtle statement with a boucle pouf, ottoman or stool. Smaller boucle pieces are easier to style with other textures and will bring visual interest to your space.

Cosy Up With Boucle

The couch is for cosying up with a cup of tea, a blanket and your favourite TV series, and what’s cosier than boucle? Not only does a boucle couch make your lounge room comfier than ever but boucle is on-trend and a stylish way to make a statement in your home.

Embrace the Curves

When it comes to styling boucle furniture, it’s all about curves. This will bring a stylish touch of mid-century modern to your home.

Tip: Pair with a thin, geometric coffee table to create a cohesive contrast.

Accent Chairs

Accent chairs are for making a statement. What better way to do that than with a beautiful boucle chair or sofa? Make it stand out by furnishing with neutral accents and soft furnishing.

Choose a Colour Palette

Consider the colour palette of your space when you’re styling your boucle furniture. Boucle furniture comes in various colours, from neutrals like white, cream, beige and grey to bold hues like pink, blue, and green. Choose a colour palette that complements your boucle furniture in order to create a cohesive and stylish space. If in doubt, go neutral. Neutral tones like white, cream and grey complement the cosy, textured look of boucle and will create a calming, relaxing atmosphere. If you choose boucle furniture in bold hues, balance it with neutral elements.

Mix and Match Textures

Boucle is all about texture, but this doesn’t mean you should shy away from layering. Create a visually interesting space by incorporating other textured materials like velvet, leather and natural fibres like jute and rattan.

Add Contrast with Metals

Balance the soft and cosy feel of boucle with metallic elements for an interesting contrast. Metals like brass, gold and copper create that warm, sophisticated and luxurious feel that complements the texture of boucle. Incorporate metallic elements with lamps, coffee tables and decor.

Consider the Overall Design Aesthetic

When styling your boucle furniture, consider the overall aesthetic of your space. Boucle works well in a variety of interior styles, from bohemian to mid-century modern to traditional, but you can create a balanced and cohesive space by pairing pieces together. Think about the elements of your space, including your wall art, lighting and decor when choosing your boucle furniture.

If your space takes inspiration from mid-century modern interiors, pair your boucle sofa with a vintage coffee table and geometric wall art. Boucle armchairs in bohemian spaces pair well with macrame wall hangings and jute rugs.

Go With Sleek and Modern Accents

To make sure your boucle furniture adds a modern touch to your space, it’s important to choose sleek accents. Opt for metal or glass coffee tables, minimalistic lamps, and clean-lined shelves. Avoid anything too ornate as it may end up clashing with the softness and texture of boucle.

Decorate With Calming Neutrals

Boucle is quite visually striking, so it’s best to stick to a neutral colour palette when styling it. Neutral colours like cream, beige and white will complement boucle’s texture without overwhelming your space. You can always add pops of colour by adding home decor like wall art and pots and vases.

How to Maintain Boucle

Boucle fabric is beautiful, but like any textured furniture, it requires proper maintenance to keep it looking its best. Here are some of our tips on how to maintain boucle fabric.

Use a fabric protector: Consider using a fabric protector spray to prevent stains from setting in. Make sure to test the spray first to make sure it doesn’t damage your boucle furniture.

Vacuum: Dirt and dust can easily accumulate on boucle, so it’s important to vacuum it regularly with a soft brush attachment.

Spot clean: Prevent stains from setting in by spot cleaning as soon as you notice a spill. Your best bet is to use a clean and damp cloth and gently blot the spill. Avoid rubbing it in.

Avoid direct sunlight: Prevent fading and discolouration by avoiding direct sunlight. If you can, place your boucle furniture away from the windows.

Professional cleaning: Consider hiring a professional upholstery cleaner to help maintain boucle furniture. With specialized equipment and cleaning solutions, they can safely and effectively remove stains.

Pets: If you have furry friends, keep your boucle furniture off-limits! Anything from cat scratches to accidents to an accumulation of hair and dander can damage boucle.

More Reading

Post navigation

Choosing a Rug For Your Dining Room: A Styling Guide

How to Decorate & Design Your Bathroom Like a Spa

How to Create a Good Study Space at Home

What is French Provincial Style and How to Master It