Chintz is making a major comeback in interior design, breathing new life into this classic printed fabric. Modern chintz patterns are bolder and more vibrant than ever before. Decorators today are using chintz in fresh, innovative ways to create stunning interiors full of color, texture and visual interest. Read on to discover 14 rooms decoratively abloom with modern-day chintz.
An Introduction to the Return of Chintz
Chintz fabric has been around since the 1600s, originally printed in India for export to Europe. Chintz was often printed with floral designs and other intricate patterns that could be produced in a range of vivid hues. Though extremely popular in earlier centuries, chintz fell out of favor in the 20th century. Recently, interior designers have rediscovered chintz and are reinventing it in contemporary spaces.
Modern chintz patterns tend toward larger, bolder motifs. New printing techniques allow for photorealistic tropical designs and vivid colors. The updated large-scale florals and leaves make a dramatic statement in any room. Interior designers today pair chintz with both modern and traditional aesthetics, playing with contrast and nodding to historical uses of the fabric. Chintz is being utilized in new, creative ways across all interior design styles. Read on for 14 stunning examples of rooms adorned in the revived chintz trend.
1. Sophisticated Chintz Accents in a Light-Filled Living Room
This airy living room designed by Arent & Pyke uses chintz selectively for major impact. The vivid blue and white chintz on the lounge chair and ottoman pops against the neutral linen upholstery. Matching pillows tie the accent pieces together beautifully. The layered Oriental rug also picks up the chinoiserie motifs. This room lets the exquisite floral chintz make a statement while keeping the overall palette calm and soothing.
2. Chintz Curtain Panels for a Modern Dining Room
Interior designer Janie Molster chose vibrant red and white chintz curtains to add energy to this contemporary open concept dining area. The large-scale floral pattern in contrasting red and white brings the eyes upwards. Matching chintz cushions on the banquette tie the vibrant curtain panels into the rest of the space. The bold chintz paired with sleek surfaces and modern art makes for an eclectic and visually engaging dining space.
3. Traditional Chintz in a Fresh Color Palette
This living room by Barry Dixon uses a soft pastel chintz on the sofa and chair to put a modern spin on the traditional fabric. The lavender and aqua color scheme feels soft, airy and serene. Billowing white sheers soften the windows, complementing the fresh chintz and colors beautifully. The pale blues in the chintz pattern also connect with the blue and white porcelains on the wall and mantel. This room updates historical chintz with youthful, modern colors.
4. Contrasting Chintz in a Victorian Revival Interior
This bedroom by Mark D. Sikes features vivid red chintz that pops against the Victorian wallpaper. The red chintz bed curtains, coverlet, pillows and lamp shade make the bed the focal point of the moody space. Using the same chintz pattern on bed curtains, walls, upholstery and more was a hallmark of historical interior design that Sikes embraces here to glorious effect. The deep crimson red feels rich, sumptuous and romantic against the dark walls.
5. Colorful Chintz in an Eclectic Interior
Martyn Lawrence Bullard brings this living room to life by mixing vivid chintz patterns in contrasting colors. The sofa is upholstered in pink and red floral chintz, while the chairs wear green leafy chintz. The clashing colors and patterns create dynamic energy and visual interest. The chintz plays well with exotic Moorish-inspired furniture and deep jewel-tones in the rug and draperies. Bullard uses chintz freely to help unify this delightfully eclectic room.
6. Chinoiserie Chintz in a Traditional Dining Room
This formal dining room by Veere Grenney features brilliant red chintz with Chinoiserie imagery, noddding to historical uses of the fabric. The red chintz draperies framing the windows match the chair upholstery, creating a unified feeling. The hand-painted wallpaper also contains Asian motifs that coordinate nicely. Classic furnishings like the carved wood buffet and chandelier give the space a formal traditional feeling, complemented by the colorful chintz selections.
7. Vintage Chintz Sofa as a Centerpiece
The bright red vintage chintz sofa covered in roses steals the show in this living room by Christopher Maya. Everything else in the space is designed to highlight the fabulously oversized floral chintz on the sofa and chairs. A neutral color palette, simple lines and minimal decor allow the chintz to take center stage. The white molding framing the seating area almost represents a picture frame, further emphasizing the vivid sofas.
8. Chintz Accent Chair to Brighten a Neutral Space
Interior designer Thom Filicia chose a yellow and white chintz chair as an accent piece in this soothing bedroom. The vibrant chintz provides a needed pop of pattern and color against the neutral walls, bedding and rug. The chair functionally provides a spot to sit while getting dressed, but it also enlivens the entire space visually. In many interiors, chintz can provide that perfect lively spark.
9. Modern Chintz Sofa for a Bold Look
This living room by Sawyer Berson contains a modern sectional sofa covered in brilliant blue chintz. The large-scale floral pattern makes a contemporary statement with the oversized motifs. The blue chintz visually pops against the warm wood accents and creates an energizing contrast with the yellow armchairs. The vibrant chintz sofa commands attention in this space, contrasting beautifully with the organic elements.
10. Fresh Take on Chintz with an Ikat Headboard
Jengail Bevans designed this fresh take on chintz using an unexpected ikat headboard. The white and blue chintz chair crafted from vintage fabric contrasts starkly with the woven headboard in shades of blue. The ikat headboard contains some of the geometries often seen in chintz, connecting the two fabrics. Matching blue and white pillows continue the chintz theme, resulting in a light and airy bedroom updated with modern prints.
11. Bohemian Chintz Armchair for an Eclectic Look
Sarah Knight incorporated this vivid tiger chintz armchair into the bohemian style of this bedroom. The chair’s lush, dreamy pattern and sumptuous appearance tie into the room’s romantic feel. Set against rich teals and wood tones, the vintage-inspired chintz armchair provides the perfect traditional contrast in a space with global, nomadic influences. The chair effortlessly fits into this eclectic, curated space.
12. Graphic Chintz for a Glamorous Bedroom
Martyn Lawrence Bullard brought serious drama and glamour to this bold bedroom using graphic chintz. The black and white chintz has a stylized, artistic floral pattern. Paired with reflective surfaces, glossy black walls and mirrored nightstands, the room feels both edgy and sumptuous. The graphic chintz makes an eye-catching statement against the dark walls and provides beautiful contrast with the sleek mirrors.
13. Lively Chintz Drapes for Seaside Glamour
The Palm Beach home of designer Carleton Varney uses vivid botanical chintz drapes to establish a playful seaside feel. The brilliant black botanical pattern stands out against the blue walls. Billowing white sheers soften the look and provide breezy contrast. The exuberant chintz drapes coordinate beautifully with rattan furnishings, exotic wallpaper and decorative seashells. In this interior, chintz helps capture the feeling of an island escape.
14. Traditional Chintz Sofa for Timeless Sophistication
Bunny Williams designed this elegant living room using a classic white, blue and yellow chintz on the ornate sofa. The timeless combination of white molding, fireplace mantle and sconces paired with the traditional chintz sofa creates a room filled with quiet sophistication. The sofa fabric echoes ornamental details seen throughout the room. Combined with antique furnishings and artwork, the chintz sofa ties this space together flawlessly.
Benefits of Using Chintz in Interior Design
Chintz offers unique advantages when used thoughtfully in interior design:
- Injects bold color and pattern – With vibrant colors and graphic florals and foliage, chintz makes a vibrant statement. It introduces rich hues and lively motifs.
- Provides contrast – Chintz contrasts beautifully with neutral backgrounds or sleek modern elements. The juxtaposition creates visual interest.
- Adds energy – The eye-catching prints bring energy and life to a space. Chintz offers an easy way to energize subdued rooms.
- Supplies texture – Chintz adds appealing texture that plays off other tactile elements like draperies, upholstery and rugs.
- Inspires creativity – Designers use chintz in innovative ways limited only by their imagination. Chintz can be incorporated across styles.
- Offers versatility – From accent chairs to headboards to wallpaper, chintz can be utilized across home spaces in endless ways.
- Ties spaces together – Repeating chintz patterns help unify open concept rooms and create a cohesive feeling.
Tips for Incorporating Chintz into Modern Interiors
Here are some top tips for effectively using fresh chintz prints in your home:
- Select colors and patterns that fit your overall interior style. Don’t be afraid to take risks with bold, vivid chintz.
- Use chintz selectively in accent upholstered pieces, window treatments or bedding instead of everywhere. Let it make a statement.
- Pair chintz with sleek furnishings and accessories to achieve an interesting mix of traditional and contemporary.
- Combine multiple chintz patterns creatively but make sure to repeat colors to tie the look together.
- Use chintz to contrast with minimalist elements like neutral walls, flooring and furnishing silhouettes.
- Scale chintz patterns appropriately to room size. Oversized patterns suit large spaces.
- Look for modern adaptations like indigo blue or abstract patterns in addition to traditional florals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is chintz fabric?
Chintz refers to any glazed, printed cotton fabric often featuring florals, leaves, fruits and other motifs originally produced in India. It was later produced in Europe for export.
What are the origins of chintz fabric?
Chintz fabric originated in India in the 1600s or earlier and was exported to Europe on ships of the East India Company. The word “chintz” comes from the Hindi word “chint” meaning spotted or variegated.
How is modern chintz different from historical chintz fabric?
Today’s chintz features larger, bolder patterns and brighter colors than historical versions. Modern chintz patterns also incorporate more contemporary or abstract designs.
How can I incorporate chintz into a modern interior?
Use chintz selectively in modern spaces, like on a single accent chair or lamp. Pair with sleek, contemporary furnishings for contrast. Choose vivid colors and large graphic prints.
What rooms can use chintz fabric best?
Chintz works beautifully in living rooms, bedrooms, dens and studies. Use on upholstered seating, window treatments, accent pillows, headboards and bedding.
Is chintz a casual or formal fabric?
Chintz can work in both formal and casual rooms depending on the patterns and color palette selected. It pairs well with antiques for formal spaces.
Should I use matching chintz fabrics throughout a room?
It’s not necessary. Many designers use contrasting chintz patterns in accent pieces to add interest. However, repeating the same chintz can help unify open concept rooms.
Conclusion
Chintz has made an exciting comeback in interior design, bringing fresh color and visual richness to all styles of decor. Interior designers are exploring innovative ways to use chintz to enliven modern homes and add texture. Vibrant florals and tropical imagery are breathing new life into this historical fabric. Whether used minimally or liberally across rooms, chintz makes a statement. If you’re looking to inject more energy and personality into your home, take inspiration from the myriad ways to tastefully incorporate this vibrant, revitalized print.
