Toile Bedding

Toile is a design that was created centuries ago in France.  Originally, the design was painted on canvas or another fabric by hand.  For years the pattern was in great favor but lost its place in the world of design until the turn of the 21st century.  In 2000, toile experienced a revival, especially in bedding.

The toile pattern is usually a repeated design, very intricate in monochromatic color, on a white or cream colored background.  One can expect to see a scene of two or more people beside a lake or in the woods.  Another popular scene is a floral design that is detailed by using shades of one color.  All toile patterns relate to pastoral scenes creating a view of nature.

It must be noted that the patterns are very “busy” in appearance, giving the bedding a heavy look.  Many of us may remember seeing toile bedspreads in our grandmother’s bedrooms when we were children.  Today a toile comforter can be paired with a striped bed skirt in the same colors to add a more uplifting and modern look to the decor.  For example, if the toile pattern is black on a white or cream background, it is often paired with a black and white stripe bed skirt.  It is important to note that the stripes should be of adequate width to be relaxing to the eye.  Otherwise, very narrow stripes will create an appearance that is overwhelming and not pleasing.

Another option for using toile bedding is to combine it with a solid color for the accessories.  To keep the bedroom monochromatic, selecting a bed skirt or accent pillows in the matching color of the print or the background color would be the choice.  Recently, a complementary accent color has been seen in bedrooms that use toile as the central design but strive for a more modern look and feel.  A good example of this combination would be a black and white toile pattern with bright red pillows.

When using the toile pattern in the bedroom it is important to use adequate sized accessories, but to use them sparingly.  Because the pattern is so intricate, using accessories or accents that are small or using too many pieces with the bedding will create a feeling of confusion and restlessness.  When used properly and sparingly, this bedding selection can create a very elegant bedroom.

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