Interior Design

What's The Deal With Chenille?

Chenille has a long history in interiors, but we think it’s time to look at it afresh. Made from 100% cotton, our version has a soft, dry handle and a matt finish, bringing a new perspective to this familiar upholstery fabric.

New from Salvesen Graham

Chenille has a long history in interiors, first developed in France in the 18th century and valued for its distinctive, textured yarn. Yet over time, its reputation became associated with the synthetic chenilles of the 1970s, when the use of nylon lent the fabric a sheen that feels far removed from its original appeal. We think it is time to look at chenille afresh, rediscovering a fabric that is practical, characterful and, when used in the right way, decidedly chic.

Named after the French word for caterpillar, chenille is recognised for its soft, tactile texture. We are interested in returning to its more natural qualities, with a version that feels considered and sits just as comfortably in a traditional interior as a more contemporary one.

We are introducing six chenille colourways to our Decorator’s Toolkit collection: Algae, Blush, Coral, Dark Cactus, Maroon and Wheat. From earthy greens and rich reds to softer neutrals and playful pinks, the colours are designed to work together and sit effortlessly alongside the collection’s printed fabrics, woven textures and wallpapers.

Made from 100% cotton, our chenille has a soft, dry handle and a matt finish, without the sheen often associated with synthetic alternatives. It feels comfortable and tactile, with a natural warmth that makes it particularly well suited to upholstery.

Chenille is a wonderfully versatile upholstery fabric. Its texture brings depth and another layer of interest to a scheme, working particularly well alongside patterned fabrics and antique furniture. It is a useful fabric to have in a decorator’s toolkit: comfortable, practical and full of character, with a quiet confidence that allows other elements in a room to shine.

Sometimes, a familiar fabric simply needs to be seen in a different light. With our new cotton chenille and six carefully considered colourways, we hope to restore this enduring textile to its rightful place in the decorator’s repertoire.