A Little Bit of History
Toile, derived from the French word for "cloth," is a design that first emerged in Ireland before becoming widely popular in France. Typically, the patterns feature a single colour printed on a white background, often depicting idyllic countryside scenes, charming vignettes of French rural life, and elements inspired by European mythology. Toile is making a comeback in both interior design and fashion, sparking fresh trends that blend tradition with modern flair. Today, it’s being reimagined with bold, vibrant colours and urban-themed scenes, breathing new life into this classic design.
First rising to prominence in the 18th Century, Toile de Jouy is a traditional French design that is adored globally for its storytelling of natural, wholesome scenes. The recognisable style depicts single-colour bucolic scenes illustrating scenarios that we would consider simplistic in today’s world, however these were once an elevation of society – a dream. The design, initially called Toile, became known as Toile de Jouy after German-born Christophe-Philipe Oberkampf opened a factory in Jouy-en-Josas, Paris, in 1760 to print the pattern.
As noted by MasterClass, "Oberkampf collaborated with the renowned designer Jean-Baptiste Huet, who created many of the iconic patterns that define the fabric." Traditionally, toile designs are seen in colours like black, dark red, or blue, but we especially love our toile bedding in a soft pink! Toile is commonly found in textiles like curtains and upholstery, as well as wallpaper. Though this design has stood the test of time for centuries, it experienced a powerful revival in the early 2000s, and its enduring charm continues to captivate hearts and transform spaces today.
Our Toile Collection
Toile French Beds
Our French Toile Bed is an exclusive French Bedroom design that depicts a celebration of women in society, as opposed to an elevation. Upon close inspection of the design, you will find illustrations of women dancing and drinking wine, alongside a French bulldog in a classic French blue colour. These are well considered additions, emphasising our freedom to happily exist in a modern society. Alongside this, we have included a camellia flower, inspired by Chanel’s camellia; a nod to Coco Chanel’s contribution to the elevation of women in 20th Century society, in which she used masculine tailoring to create androgynous silhouettes that allowed women to flourish.
Bed Linens
French toile is the perfect choice for creating a timeless, French-inspired bedroom. Our exclusive toile bedding collection features luxurious bed linens in soft blue and pink, each made from 100% cotton for the ultimate comfort and elegance. This hand drawn design depicts an elegantly dressed woman alongside a man playing the flute; a whimsical, wholesome scene. The pattern portrays a countryside landscape adorned with illustrative florals including our favourite flower, the peony. The design serves as a bridge between French tradition and fresh elegant bedrooms so it's kismet that we include a French toile design in our bed linen collection.
Bedspreads
Toile bedspreads offer the perfect way to infuse your space with a sense of nostalgia, thanks to the timeless appeal of classic French toile patterns. Adorned with our exquisite toile illustrations, these quilted bedspreads in soft pink and blue are crafted from luxurious cotton, adding both warmth and style to your boudoir. Toile remains a beloved choice for bedspreads, curtains, wallpaper, and various other interior accents, thanks to its enduring appeal. With its timeless elegance and unmistakable French charm, this classic pattern continues to captivate those who appreciate sophisticated design and a touch of old-world beauty.
For a maximalist aesthetic, embrace the beauty of layering and pattern drenching by combining your toile bed linens, bedspreads, and cushions into a cohesive toile bedding ensemble. Alternatively, achieve understated elegance by draping the bedspread over your sofa or other furnishings, creating a simple yet sophisticated look. Whether used to enrich your bedroom or elevate the living room, these bedspreads add a touch of refined charm and effortless style to any space.
Cushions
Our toile cushions are the quintessential complement to your toile bedding, elevating your space with both charm and character. Adorned with delicate illustrations of women being serenaded by musical instruments, tipsy peasants revelling in fields, idyllic countryside picnics, and lively moments of dance and joy, each design captures the spirit of a simpler, more joyful time. These enchanting motifs, originally created to lift the spirits, continue to evoke a sense of whimsy and nostalgia.
Whether nestled alongside your existing toile bedding or placed atop a simple white sheet or piece of furniture as a bold statement piece, these cushions add a layer of texture, history, and timeless comfort to any room. With their graceful designs and undeniable warmth, they bring a touch of elegance and a story to your home, effortlessly merging beauty and function.
Accessories
Toile accessories offer a stunning way to elevate your everyday style. Take, for instance, our French Toile Tote Bag - crafted from soft toile fabric in a vintage-inspired design, complete with a charming tassel and a practical front pocket. This effortlessly chic shoulder bag makes a playful yet elegant statement, infusing your outfit with a touch of French sophistication and timeless charm.
Toile has always been, and will always be a classic design that continues to captivate across generations. In today’s world, the beloved pattern is reinvented in countless ways - whether through the introduction of contemporary colours, innovative placements such as on walls, or modern reinterpretations like those found in our curated collection of toile pieces.
Because of its versatility, toile effortlessly finds its place in any home. It has the power to breathe new life into even the smallest spaces, adding charm and sophistication. From upholstery and china sets to curtains and, most notably, toile bedding, this iconic pattern lends itself beautifully to a variety of interior features. Explore our toile collection to discover the perfect pieces that will complement your home, and bring a sense of classic, French timeless style to your space.
