Did you know that no two repeats in block printed fabric are ever completely identical? Traditional block printing is done by hand, with tiny variations in pressure, placement, and colour occurring naturally throughout the process. It’s these subtle irregularities that give block printed fabrics their distinctive character and charm – bringing warmth, texture, and a sense of craftsmanship to any room in a way that mass-produced prints simply can’t match.
Below, we explore the history of this enduring textile tradition, and share our top styling tips to help you use block printed fabrics throughout your home.
You could hang made to measure curtains in a hand-printed fabric, like Japonica in Indigo, to frame your window and the views beyond. You could then introduce smaller prints, like Simple Ticking Detail in Cornflower, through cushions across your sofa or armchair. Cushions are actually one of the best places to start if you’re new to pattern, providing the perfect opportunity to experiment with mixing fabrics.
Top tip: Don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns in your living room. The secret is to choose colours that complement one another, rather than matching everything perfectly.
You could choose a made to measure Roman blind in Little Fern to bring a delicate, nature-inspired touch to your window, then add a pair of handcrafted lampshades in Life and Eternity Detail for a more decorative note. You could consider block printed upholstery fabrics, too – a pattern like Up in the Air works beautifully for headboards or as a small upholstered chair beside your bed.
Top tip: Keep the largest surfaces in your bedroom calm and use decorative block printed fabrics to add detail in carefully chosen areas, such as the window or a headboard.
You could use a pattern like Little Fern for your hallway blind or a boot room cushion to create a gentle link to the countryside outside. Or, if you want to add a little vibrancy to your study, consider hanging some curtains in our Sunflower Detail lino print fabric – this design is perfect for bringing personality to your space without overwhelming it. Pair it with a fun upholstered desk chair with a plainer cushion to tie the whole scheme together.
Top tip: If you’ve found a block printed fabric you love but don’t feel ready to commit to it in a larger room, introduce it in your hallway or landing first.
A short history of block printing on textiles
Block printing on textiles is one of the oldest ways of decorating cloth. Over 2,000 years ago, craftspeople in India, China, and many parts of Asia began using carved wooden blocks to press repeated patterns onto cotton, linen, and silk. Over time, these textiles found their way to Europe, where they became loved for their rich colours and detailed designs. Traditional hand-block printing is a slow and skilled process. A design is carved into a wooden block, before being dipped in dye and pressed onto fabric by hand. More detailed patterns may need several blocks, with each colour applied separately. The maker will line up every repeat by eye and gradually build the design across the cloth. This handmade approach is what gives block printed textiles their enduring appeal. Small variations in colour, placement, and pressure are all part of the charm, making each length of fabric unique.How to style block printed fabrics in every room
Living room
You can afford to be much more generous with pattern in your living room, as this is where the majority of your soft furnishings naturally gather. Block printed patterns are perfect here, helping to create a layered and welcoming space that feels collected over time rather than coordinated.
You could hang made to measure curtains in a hand-printed fabric, like Japonica in Indigo, to frame your window and the views beyond. You could then introduce smaller prints, like Simple Ticking Detail in Cornflower, through cushions across your sofa or armchair. Cushions are actually one of the best places to start if you’re new to pattern, providing the perfect opportunity to experiment with mixing fabrics.
Top tip: Don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns in your living room. The secret is to choose colours that complement one another, rather than matching everything perfectly.
Bedroom
Block printed fabrics are especially lovely in bedrooms as they help to bring softness and detail without making the room feel too busy. This is a space where you want the patterns to feel gentle and restful, so opt for smaller-scale designs that add texture and warmth.
You could choose a made to measure Roman blind in Little Fern to bring a delicate, nature-inspired touch to your window, then add a pair of handcrafted lampshades in Life and Eternity Detail for a more decorative note. You could consider block printed upholstery fabrics, too – a pattern like Up in the Air works beautifully for headboards or as a small upholstered chair beside your bed.
Top tip: Keep the largest surfaces in your bedroom calm and use decorative block printed fabrics to add detail in carefully chosen areas, such as the window or a headboard.
Kitchen and dining room
Our kitchens and dining rooms are more practical spaces, with harder surfaces such as timber, stones, tiles, and painted cabinetry. Block printed fabrics help to soften the overall feeling of the room, adding visual interest without competing with your open shelving, crockery, or tableware. One of the easiest places to start is with seat pads or bench cushions. A block printed pattern like Simple Ticking Detail in Terracotta works beautifully for cushions, especially in a warm country kitchen with natural wood or cream-painted cupboards. And if you want to bring in a softer leafy pattern, our Wild Fern design in Peach makes for the perfect roller blind or lampshade pairing. Top tip: Repeat your chosen block print in two or three places around the room to create a sense of cohesion without making it look too matchy-matchy.Hallways, studies, and smaller corners
Hallways, studies, boot rooms, and landings are the perfect places to introduce block printed fabrics without needing to design a full room scheme around them. These spaces are often overlooked, so a couple of patterns here and there can make them feel much more considered.
You could use a pattern like Little Fern for your hallway blind or a boot room cushion to create a gentle link to the countryside outside. Or, if you want to add a little vibrancy to your study, consider hanging some curtains in our Sunflower Detail lino print fabric – this design is perfect for bringing personality to your space without overwhelming it. Pair it with a fun upholstered desk chair with a plainer cushion to tie the whole scheme together.
Top tip: If you’ve found a block printed fabric you love but don’t feel ready to commit to it in a larger room, introduce it in your hallway or landing first.