Loosen up with pattern
Most ethnic textiles contain such a riot of colors that matching them with other items in your home isn’t that important (or even possible). Instead, pay attention to overall tone and saturation levels—light the brightness of these vintage batik pillows—and don’t be afraid to mix patterns within those levels.
Warming tactic
Designer Jessica Helgerson chose to bypass a headboard for this loft bedroom in favor of a large embroidered tapestry. Mounted on the wall behind the bed, the graphic black and white pattern warms up the otherwise industrial space.
Make a big statement
By upholstering the cushions of a banco in roughed-up vintage striped blankets, stylist Susan M. Stella gave her small living room big personality. Even though the textile has lots of character, its black and white colors and classic stripes make it easy to pair with a mix of Southwestern and mid-century modern pieces.
No-fuss blues
Vintage Japanese boro, or indigo (often denim) patchwork stuns as an upholstered headboard. The blue tones are easy to love and easy to work with, so this is a good type of textile to play with if you’re pattern-shy.
Take a rug outside
A rug picked up in Mexico brings color and comfort to this outdoor dining area. When choosing textiles for outdoors, keep your climate (and potential critters) in mind. Also think about the color: this chile pepper red rug contrasts beautifully with the lush wisteria vine.
Go-anywhere blanket
Moroccan wedding blankets, with their lines of fringe and metallic thread, are one of the most popular and versatile textiles you can own. Spread it on a bed as a coverlet, toss it on the sofa as a throw, lay it on the floor as a rug, or hang it tapestry-style.
Make over the sofa
Tuck a blanket over your seat cushions and suddenly your plain-Jane sofa looks adventurous and totally new. The best part is you can swap it out or go back to the original look in seconds.
The super throw
While not ethnic, faux fur throws are a textile with super powers: Put one over a chair, a bed, or on the sofa, and you’ve instantly added texture and warmth (not to mention comfort!) to a potentially cold and sterile room.
The power of one
A single indigo pillow (on the right) freshens up a pack of solid, delicately patterned, and striped pillows and gives this corner a curated, well-traveled look.
Suzanis forever
Suzanis were one of the first global textiles to get a lot of play here in the United States. The Uzbeki embroidered pieces are still one of the most popular, partly because they elevate a neutral palette with their muted, livable colors and ordered pattern.
Weaving a story
Woven wall hangings are enormously popular right now and for good reason: The variation in color, thread type, and size results in a piece that reveals something new each time you look at it. This one proves neutral tones can still command attention.
Drape over white furniture
A Chinese indigo blanket transforms a white ottoman when draped over the top of it. The blanket over the sofa does the same thing. This is a great use for those pieces that might be a little tattered or worn. Simply fold them to mask the defects.
Imitation is flattery
When vintage pieces are hard to find, turn to fabrics that mimic the motifs of original textiles. The headboard is covered by a pattern that is similar to one the homeowner saw in Morocco.
New place to hang
Another benefit of woven wall hangings is they’re lightweight, so they can hang on walls—like the panel of this built-in—that can’t support heavy framed art. This fiber piece’s graphic quality mimics the rug.
Original upholstery
A Mexican serape blanket covers the window seat cushion in this girl’s room. It provides just the right amount of hot, bright colors to keep this otherwise low-key room young.
Ad hoc cushion
Set a folded blanket or long length of fabric on a bench and it becomes comfortable enough for lingering. If you want a slightly more permanent setup, lash vintage belts around the bench seat at both ends to secure the blanket.
Perfect punctuation
All-white bedding packs some punch when you throw on a single embroidered pillow. This is a great way to display a souvenir or one-of-a-kind find.
