What Is Bouclé? Everything to Know About This Trendy Fabric (Including How to Pronounce It!) (2025)

From chic sofas to comfy chairs and decorative accents such as throw pillows, bouclé fabric is everywhere. Featuring a nubby texture made from thick loops of yarn, the material seamlessly blends style and comfort. Although it's been all the rage recently, you may be surprised to hear it's been around for decades, and has even made appearances in iconic fashion and furniture designs.

bouclé's appeal lies in the fact that it's simultaneously cozy and sophisticated, providing comfy seating for lounging while instantly elevating the entire space. It's made from both natural and synthetic fibers, and it's available in a variety of colors, although its staple shade is a luxurious off-white. Read on to learn more about this trending fabric, why it's so popular right now, and how you can incorporate it into your own space.

How To Pronounce "Bouclé"

Bouclé is a French word that is pronounced. "boo-clay." Since there isn't a stress on either the first or second part of the word, either can be stressed and the pronunciation will still be correct.

What Is Bouclé?

What gives bouclé its characteristic nubby texture is the way the yarn is formed into loops. These thick loops create a curled effect, which is fitting since the French origin of the word bouclé means "curled." A staple in both fashion and interior design in the 20th century, one of boucle's most famous uses includes the iconic Womb Chair designed by the legendary Eero Saarinen in 1948.

While bouclé was originally made from wool, today it's also made from materials such as linen or cotton, as well as synthetic fibers like polyester. As for popular colors, although the fabric is produced in a range of hues, you'll typically see it in some version of a neutral.

Why Is Bouclé Popular Right Now?

Even though bouclé has been around since the late 1940's, it's having a big moment right now. The fabric's popularity can be attributed to a few factors. It lends itself well to a variety of interior styles, it offers an excellent way to introduce texture, and it evokes a sense of effortless luxury while being ultra comfortable.

One of the best ways to add visual interest to a room is by layering different textures. Mixing a variety of materials, bringing in natural elements, and juxtaposing smooth surfaces with more rugged textures such as bouclé creates visual balance and makes a space feel more intentional and thoughtfully designed. In addition to its textural appeal, bouclé is also surprisingly versatile and looks just as good on a nursery rocking chair as it does on a curved mid-century modern sofa in the living room. The typically neutral fabric provides a way to lighten up a dark and moody space, but its nubby surface also prevents a neutral tone-on-tone room design from falling flat and looking boring.

bouclé's chic appearance and elegance-infusing ability can be traced back to the fabric's fashion roots. Bouclé became associated with luxury in the 1950's when Coco Chanel used the material to design one of her iconic jackets. Today, you can find bouclé home decor and furniture at various price points, from high-end custom furniture to more budget-friendly finds such as our famous swivel chairthat's so popular it has sold out several times.

What Is Bouclé? Everything to Know About This Trendy Fabric (Including How to Pronounce It!) (1)

Ways to Use Bouclé in Your Home

Bouclé is thick and rugged, yet soft and plush, which makes it a versatile candidate for various types of furniture and home decor. It's commonly used as an upholstery fabric on accent chairs and sofas, specifically ones with a curved design. The soft, nubby texture of the fabric complements the curved furniture's soft edges, maximizing both comfort and style.

If you want to incorporate bouclé in a less permanent and more affordable way, think decorative textiles. Add a couple of bouclé throw pillows to your sectional or place a cozy bouclé throw at the end of the bed. Or, opt for a small piece of furniture such as an ottoman which brings in the textured fabric in a smaller dose and for a lower cost than a large sofa.

Bouclé provides a similar textured effect to sherpa or a sheepskin, but unlike the two natural materials, it's typically easier to maintain. Although care for bouclé pieces varies and cleaning methods may differ depending on whether it's made from natural or synthetic fibers, some bouclé items can be washed, just be sure to check the specific care instructions for best results.

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What Is Bouclé? Everything to Know About This Trendy Fabric (Including How to Pronounce It!) (2025)

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