Vibrant colours, diverse patterns, and relaxed ambience – Indian fabrics have an inherent charm that can add a dash of colour to your home.
Their simplicity and versatility have not only made these fabrics popular locally but also in international markets.
So, if you are looking to upgrade the look of your home, consider infusing a dash of ethnicity.
Here are some simple ways of using Indian fabrics to brighten up your home:
Upholstery
Selecting the design and colour are the two most important aspects when it comes to upholstery. Go for prints like Paisleys or Warli for a traditional look.
“Use natural earthy colours like indigo, madder, and mustard to create a perfect Indian look,” Tina Roy, Design Lead – Decor and Upholstery, Urban Ladder
Rugs and cushions
Use silk cushion covers with embroidery to add glamour to your sofa. Using rugs and dhurries with Indian patterns is also a great way to accentuate the look of any room.
Curtains
From silk to cotton to georgette – there are several options when it comes to curtains. These days, one can also find blinds with Indian patterns.
Dining space
Ditch the regular cotton sheets and go for Chanderi or Mangalgiri table linens.
Want something unique for your dining room? A painting would just do the magic. From Patachitra to Madhubani to Warli to Thanjavur – there are options galore when it comes to traditional Indian paintings.
Lamps
Illuminate your living room by adding a royal touch with the traditional lantern. Go for lamp shades with Indian designs and motifs. Ikat and Kalamkari are two popular prints that are widely used these days.
Thus, from upholstery fabric to cushions to lamps to rugs, you can add a touch of ethnicity in several ways.
Now, let us introduce you to some great Indian designs that will help you add a unique touch to your home.
Bandhini from Gujarat: Popularly known as tie-dye, this fabric is usually available in multiple colour combinations. From bedsheets to cushion covers to table runners, it can be used for several purposes.
Leheriya from Rajasthan: Like Bandhani, Leheriya (zigzag pattern of irregular colour stripes) is also a traditional style of tie and dye. Originally from Rajasthan, this fabric uses bright colours with distinctive patterns.
Ikats: This gorgeous fabric can be used for bed sheets, pillow covers, curtains, and just about anything else you would like.
Neetha Jagadish, a homemaker, says, “Whenever I invite guests for lunch or dinner, I never forget to take out my colourful ikat table cover and mats to add that extra zing.”
Madhubani from Bihar: Another fabric that can add glamour to any space is Madhubani. These prints are based on the Vedas and Puranas. Additionally, the designs also depict scenes from rural Indian life. From lamp shades to bedsheets to cushion covers, one can find Madhubani art in several forms and styles.
A large piece of Madhubani tapestry can also be framed and hung on a wall.
When it comes to embroidery, you can look for Kantha, Kasuthi, Kutchi, Phulkari, and Zardos.
Since Indian fabrics usually have vibrant colours, it works well in the contemporary setup as well. Wondering where to shop these from? You can head to places like Fabindia, Good Earth, Craftsvilla, Indiacircus.com, etc.