According to Lilu – Right Now’s Plaid Trend

The trend cycle can occasionally surprise us - but a few forever classics always find their way back to the trend spotlight. A current comeback is the use of plaid in interior design. We are so excited that plaid is having a moment. So, we thought we'd feature it on this week's blog, doing a deep dive into why we think the plaid trend has outlasted the ages.

History of the Plaid Trend

The plaid trend has its origins in Scotland, where it was first popularized in the 1700s. But, to be technical, plaid wasn't originally called "plaid". The fabrics were referred to as "tartan". The history of these fabrics is more interesting than you might expect, so if you want to read more, check out this article from the Smithsonian: A Brief History of Plaid: From Highlanders to Hipsters. Initially, what we now call plaids were worn as kilts, which symbolized culture and regional affiliations. Over time and cultural adaptation, the pattern evolved beyond clothing, making its way into interior design, and becoming a classic that easily adapts as trends change.

Plaid in Furniture

If you're excited about the resurgence of this ancient pattern, you might be wanting to fully embrace the plaid trend. To do so, we recommend using plaid on an entire piece of furniture. This creates a statement that is anything but basic, but also has a classic feel to it.

If you're feeling a bit more low-key about embracing plaid, a subtle plaid might be more your speed. In this living room, plaid adds a sophisticated, traditional charm to the pattern mix.

And, in this bedroom a window pane plaid gives a youthful but still traditional flair to the room.

Plaid Pillows

Not convinced? Intrigued but not ready to commit fully to plaid? You might consider adding pillows in a fun plaid fabric to your interior. This is an instant style update, adding some charm without overwhelming the place.

 

Plaid Drapery

If you're mad for plaid, consider using it for drapery! Plaid drapery can be a fresh and unexpected way to add plaid to your home. In this example, we used a monochromatic plaid to create a soft green backdrop for a colorfully preppy interiors. See the entire project here.

Modern Plaid

Each time the plaid trend comes back around, there are new takes and fresh perspectives. A brush-stroke plaid rug, for example, is an artful and contemporary addition to this family room. It's a grounding element in the room, but the plaid pattern adds a dynamic layer. Just one more reason why we love that plaid is having a moment!

Overall, the plaid trend is not just a passing fad, but a timeless pattern that gracefully navigates the tides of evolution in design. Timeless trends may seem like an oxymoron, but in reality they can be a great addition to your place, as they fit the moment but will never go out of style.

Want to see our takes on other recent trends? Click here for our recent blog post on slab materials in showers.