Home Decor Inspired by Textiles of India

Did you know our country India has more than 30 fabric crafts? Incredible! Isn’t it? The Textiles of India are diverse, rich in history, culture and religion. At the root, what better time than the current situation to gaze upon the beauty and support our artists, our weavers. Right? The weavers across the country have been experimenting with the craft through the various Indian eras. Today, let us learn to incorporate them in your space as home decor.

The top notch designers not just within the country but also internationally have fallen in love with the phenomenal range of textiles of India- it’s versatility and visual appeal. Moreover the simplicity, colours and inherit charm. So unquestionably, if you are planning to embrace the Indian fabrics in your home, I would say ” Good decision!”. Cause this trend is rapidly rising and not going anywhere for coming years.

Thereupon, let’s take a fresh look at the ways you can incorporate my top 5 favourite gorgeous materials in your space!

1. Paithani from Maharashtra

• 

• 

• 

Starting with the Paithani, being a Maharashtrian I have grown up seeing my mom wear Paithani saree on multiple festivals. The 2000 year old weaving art of Paithani is made of silk with an ornamented zari pallu and border, along side floral and bird motifs weaved in rainbow colours. As royal as it feels to wear; similarly looks rich and classy to have it as home decor. Correspondingly, frame the pallu fabric as it is, to hang it on the wall or use the beautiful gold borders for cushion covers, curtains or lamp shades. Trust me, it would be a statement piece and only exclusive to you.

Additionally, the exuberant silk Kanjeevaram saree from Tamil Nadu can be similarly used too.

2. Bandhani from Gujarat and even Rajasthan

• 

• 

Moving on, the most easily recognised amongst the textiles of India- Bandhani. Also known as tie-dye is a fabric craft created by tying off areas of the fabric before dyeing them to create unique and beautiful designs on the surface. The variety of colours and patterns that you can find with this beautiful textile is practically unbeatable. Therefore, this makes it ideal for pretty curtains, cushions, bed canopy, table mats or even table cloth.

3. Ikat from Telangana

• 

• 

• 

I was introduced to Ikat fabric in the year 2016 Hyderabad, my design college trip. And I have fallen love with the fabric craft for home decor ever since. The characteristic of Ikat textiles is an apparent “blurriness” to the design, since the thread needs to be coloured and woven perfectly to ensure the final design emerges. As a result, it is an extremely precise art. Subsequently, this gorgeous colourful textile can be used for bed sheets, pillow covers, carpet, table cover, sofa upholstery, curtains and just about anything else you would like. Must try indeed!

5. Banarasi from Uttar Pradesh

• 

• 

• 

Next, the fabric which can instantly bring in luxury to your space- Banarasi brocade. Undoubtedly, one of India’s most valuable material artistic expression. Reason being the extraordinary fragile brocades with fine gold and silver metallic strings, craftsman weave themselves. The Banarasi fabric design inspired by Mughal, floral and foliate motifs, mango leaves motifs and minakari work- can be used in interior space, your home to reflect royalty. Wherefore, use it as bedspread, quilt, cushion cover, table mat, headboard… Any space you would like to be the focal point of the room.

5. Kalamkari from Andhra Pradesh

• 

• 

• 

Lastly, from the Indus Vally Civilisation to further development during the Mughal period in India, Kalamkari craftsmanship holds its elegance to the date. Kalamkari is a hand-painted or block-painted material fabric craft which can be used to accentuate a space. Commonly, Kalamkari is used for photo frames in interiors as it is story telling art. However, sofa upholstery, bed back panels, bed spreads, partitions, lamp shades, table runners are namely a few ways in which Kalamkari can be used in the home as well.

---

Summing up, unequivocally the variety of textiles of India is truly marvellous and can be a solid base of countless design inspiration. It is time we look at the art from our motherland with fresh eyes to bring in the best before looking at the west for design inspiration. I guarantee, you will truly surprise yourself. Here are many more textiles of India not covered in this blog such as Kantha, Bomkai, Ilkal, Ajrak, Lepcha, Pashmina, Jamdhani, Patola, Phulkari and the list goes on which can be used in similar ways.

Comment below if you liked the blog, your views and if you plan to use it in your home. Also share it with your friends and family <3 🙂

Made in India. Love from India.

Prajakta Shinde

Founder and Principal designer.