The History (And Future) Of Floral Prints

There was a time when floral prints dipped out of fashion. Perhaps it was because many of us think of faded old flower prints on a tablecloth in our grandparents’ house. Whatever the reason, however, there has been a clear movement back towards florals in recent years as homeowners have become bolder about their choice of colour and pattern once more.

While the clean, muted look of contemporary minimalist homes have had a good run, many of us are now keen to get back to vibrant colours and less uniform designs. Turning to nature and bringing in florals is an obvious way to do this.

When used in the right way, florals have the power to bring colour, fun, interest and whimsy into interior design. Here’s a quick look back at how our love for florals has blossomed over the years.

The 50s: Floral Finesse

As we’ve already mentioned, floral patterns have been used in interior design since the 1950s – and much of the stigma attached to them can be attributed to parents and grandparents who continued to persevere with 50s style long after trends had moved on.

In the 1950s, floral drapery and upholstery really came into fashion in a big way, making use of Early American style. Statement sofas were commonplace, usually sporting a skirted silhouette and a floral print – think intertwining stalks and cabbage roses.

For those who loved this era, you will be glad to know that statement sofas have made a welcome return in recent times, like this one sporting fabrics by Harlequin.

The 60s: Flower Power

The prim and proper florals of the 50s quickly took a backseat once the era of free love and peace started finding its stride in the 1960s. Instead, large scale, more liberated florals could be found across furniture and walls.

image courtesy of Domincspics

The 70s: Bigger and Bolder

By the time the 1970s came around, floral prints had really started finding their groovy groove. Prints became bigger and older, with saturated colours like mustard, orange and avocado being used on furniture alongside browns, greens and shaggy rugs. The stylised flowers of the 70s has long been attributed to the 60s Pop Art movement.

The 80s: Frills and Femininity

After the carefree nature of the 70s, things started to become more traditional once again in the 1980s. Floral bedding, drapery and intricate wallpapers became commonplace in homes around the country. Thanks largely to the recent revival in 80s style, there are many designs available today that are influenced by this particular style, as shown below with this wallpaper example from Colefax.

The 90s: Silk Sophistication

The 1990s were less about floral prints and more about flowers themselves, or at least an imitation of them. Artificial silk bouquets became a go-to décor option for many homes during this period, as they were marketed as a low-maintenance alternative to houseplants.

The 2000s: Mix and Match

As the new millennium began, floral print trends began to look like a mix of all the decades past — a fact which still feels relevant today. Traditional frills were updated without losing their classic charm, while bolder prints began to rise in popularity again.

The 2010s: Two Extremes

In modern times, floral prints still fall into many styles and niches. On one hand you have dark photorealistic florals providing mood and ambience, while on the other you have bright abstract prints bringing freshness and fun. Whichever camp you fall into, there are many great fabrics and designs out there to choose from, which allow you to achieve a high-end look in your home.

Whatever the next trend in floral prints is, one thing is perfectly clear: florals aren’t going anywhere. Whether you’re a fan of florals or prefer something completely different, Vanilla Interiors has a huge selection of fabrics, patterns and soft furnishings to bring personality and glamour into your home. Get in touch today by clicking here, and discover more about our bespoke interiors.