Interiors Trend Watch: Modern Bouclé

There was a time when the fabric’s sculptural texture and neutral tone became an easy shorthand for quiet luxury. And while it still looks chic in the right context – think an ivory armchair in a chalet layered with alpine textures – stark white bouclé is beginning to feel a little overplayed. "The white bouclé trend reached its peak in late 2023, early 2024,” say Julia Ransom and Johanna Dunn of Ransom & Dunn. “We’ve always preferred a warmer tone versus stark white. It feels softer and more versatile."

Many are now leaning toward warmer, deeper iterations that feel softer, less clinical and more adaptable in everyday homes. “At Banda, we don’t see it as fatigue with bouclé so much as a natural evolution in how the material is being used," Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, founder of Banda, explains. "White and cream bouclé have become a design shorthand for comfort and modern luxury, but they also risk being seen as part of a uniform aesthetic. Bouclé itself, however, has a much richer potential than that. Its tactility, durability and sculptural qualities make it one of the most versatile textiles we work with." 

The shift reflects a broader mood in interiors. While texture remains crucial, homeowners are increasingly mindful of practicality and longevity. Bouclé’s delicate looped surface can snag and stain easily, making it a less forgiving choice in busy households. Rather than abandoning the look altogether, designers are exploring richer colourways and alternative fabrics that bring the same sense of tactility without the drawbacks. Coloured bouclés, in shades such as olive or mushroom grey, give the fabric a relevancy in today’s modern interiors world and prove far more versatile than their predecessors.