Nothing says springtime like floral fabrics that cover sofas, chairs and windows. Chintz is a popular glazed floral fabric that has spanned centuries of use and popularity. The last time people rushed to fill their homes with it was in the 1980s. Laura Ashley and her husband Bernard were instrumental in bringing chintz to a world-wide audience through their stores. And let’s not forget the acclaimed decorator Mario Buatta who became the ‘Prince of Chintz’. Recently an uptick in interest for chintz and other flower-strewn fabrics showed up during the pandemic as people were locked in places filled with dismal gray and other neutral color schemes. So, this spring purchase a yard or two of chintz for pillows or redecorate the entire guest room in a bower of flower prints.
Where to look- Check eBay and 1st Dibs for vintage floral patterns. Companies like Lee Jofa, Brunschwig, Colefaz & Fowler, Scalamandre and Schumacher have wonderful classic prints available.
(Photo- Louis XV sofa c. 1770 from 1st Dibs)