Boucle
Boucle is a gorgeous chunky and somewhat bobbly fabric that gives a real diversity in textures. This is particularly welcome in homes with neutral colour palettes or for those loving the look a ‘busier’ interior gives.
Boucle’s thick and chunky appearance makes it a perfect choice for upholstery, particularly pieces that are designed to be cosy and inviting. Depending on the weight, it would also lend itself to curtaining and would make for a perfect light blocker.
Boucle
According to Vogue magazine, Boucle is currently having ‘it’s moment’ when it comes to ultra-stylish interiors. Boucle is a highly textured fabric adding a layer of depth and interest to a room that could otherwise be neutral. Thought to originally trace back to the 1940’s, boucle is both a stylish and supremely cosy addition to any environment.
What is a Boucle?
Boucle is a gorgeous chunky and somewhat bobbly fabric that gives a real diversity in textures. This is particularly welcome in homes with neutral colour palettes or for those loving the look a ‘busier’ interior gives.
Boucle’s thick and chunky appearance makes it a perfect choice for upholstery, particularly pieces that are designed to be cosy and inviting. Depending on the weight, it would also lend itself to curtaining and would make for a perfect light blocker.
Boucle can be made from a variety of yarns, both natural and synthetic. The name refers to the process and texture, rather than the composition of the fabric.
How is it produced?
Boucle derives from the French word for ringed or curled. It’s essentially a process of looping fibres to achieve the ‘boucle’ look, using at least two strands of fibres. Tension on one strand must be looser during this process resulting in the looser strand forming the loops, whilst the other strands act as anchor, this achieves the wonderful looped boucle look.
How to care for your Boucle
As the name Boucle points to the process, as opposed to the composition, you need to understand the fibres your boucle has been woven from to know how to care for your boucle. The better care you take of your boucle, the longer you’ll have it.
There are a number of polyester boucles available that are both wipeable and washable and could withstand heavy usage – see our beautiful Brevet range that scores a whopping 100,000 on the martindale test, or our Plush boucle, designed to imitate a wool but enjoying the softest of finishes.
For more delicate boucles, extra care and attention is required. Always do a test before any cleaning commences on a hidden piece of fabric and do consult a cleaning expert if you are unsure.
Beware pets on or near your boucle, particularly those who have a propensity to scratch. The looped nature of the weave makes it an ideal target for caught claws causing unspeakable damage to your beautiful, chic fabric.
Most boucle’s should be vacuumable as hidden dirt can build up in the pile and can be aggressive on the cloth itself whilst harbouring smells, although always do an initial test on a hidden area.
Boucle
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Boucle Upholstery Fabric
Boucles are sophisticated, chic and stylish fabrics, achieved by looping several fibres together. The looping gives an uneven finish to the surface of the fabric adding texture and depth to an otherwise plain fabric. Boucles can soften the harshest of corners and can add a touch of complexity in a neutral, plain setting.
Boucles were popular in the 1940’s and 1950’s and were regularly used by iconic architects and designers such as Coco Chanel, Florence Knoll, Eero Saarinen and Arne Jacobsen. Regularly used in mid-century design, boucles are a perfect choice for occasional chairs and smaller pieces. Ideal for giving depth, particularly in a minimalist space. Boucle’s are particularly suited to mid-century modern and contemporary styles of furniture, whilst also ending itself well to other non-conventionally upholstered items such as headboards.
Boucle refers to the way it is produced, rather than what the fibres are made from, and can come in a variety of different fabrics. Boucles are essentially fabrics with several layers and are sometimes described as knitted or woven. They can be produced from a variety of yarns, both natural and synthetic. The name refers to the process and texture, rather than the composition of the fabric and so whilst traditionally made from wools, polyester, cottons and other synthetic fibres are now regularly used.