The Return of Chintz

There is something unashamedly old fashioned about a good chintz. Indian chintz fabrics first hit our shores in the 17^th century and their increasingly florid successors were highly favoured by the Victorians for their practical attributes - chintz is a glazed fabric, easily wiped down and dusted. These days the Oxford Dictionary gives two markedly different definitions of 'chintzy' - on one hand it can mean "of, like or decorated with chintz" but it is also used as a term to describe something "brightly colourful but gaudy and tasteless." Why has chintz been so maligned? Perhaps it was over-exposure in the 1980s - every single issue of House & Garden within the decade is replete with glorious swags of the stuff draping windows and covering unashamedly frilly sofas. There are some rooms in which chintz looks instantly at home - traditional and otherwise stern sitting rooms can be softened by a touch of floral fabric, country bedrooms instantly prettified. We think it's time to fly the flag for chintz again! 

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Classic Woodblock Chintz in English Country House

Grey paint, antiques & chintz curtains

Vintage Colefax and Fowler Chintz

Country Bedroom with Chintz Curtains

'Le Grand Genois' Four Poster Bed

Grand four-poster bed with chintz dressing

Traditional Country Living Room with 'Maryport' Chintz

Country bedroom with Lutyens bed

Traditional Pink & White Bedroom

'Geranium' Bathroom Curtains

Traditional Pink Bedroom

Olive Green Living Room

Traditional Chintz Bedroom

'Roses & Pansies' Table Skirting

Traditional red scheme with chintz curtains

Small Chintz Bedroom

Curtained Bath Alcove

Traditional Pale Blue Bedroom