13 ways to decorate with tartan
As great advocates of vintage style and heritage design, the resurgence of a trend is always validating proof to us that, when decorating, timelessness should always be at the forefront of one's mind. As a general rule, if it's been on trend before, it will be on trend again. Enter: tartan.
One of Britain's most historic designs, the earliest known tartan fabric dates back to the third century AD. Since then, tartan and plaid (tartan's less symmetrical cousin) have oscillated between association with royalty and status, and with radical and rebellious design.
Used as a family emblem for Highland clans in 16th-century Scotland (its myriad colourways made it a useful identification system), tartans and plaids soon became a symbol of resistance amidst Jacobite uprisings. Following the Battle of Culloden in 1745, the patterns were banned to dishearten the Scottish rebels, while the Dress Act of 1764 actually made it illegal for men and boys in Scotland to wear a kilt – even though it was the official Highland Dress at the time.
It was in the Victorian period that tartans and plaids really experienced their revival: notably, Queen Victoria escalated these newfound fashionable credentials when she bedecked Balmoral in checked curtains and upholstery.
As such, this decorative choice holds a pleasing contradiction: riotous rebellion hides in plain sight, within an iconic pattern now indicative of acclaimed social standing. In fact, it was designer Vivienne Westwood (a fellow fan of a plaid) that said: "Every fabric that you look at in England has a charge of content", and there is nothing so inviting as a home imbued with history.
Now it seems tartan is set to have a big resurgence in our homes as we head into 2025. Mark Hogarth, Global Brand Ambassador for Harris Tweed Hebrides, explains: "There has been a big lean into tartan for interiors over the past season. It has been a perennial on the catwalk for decades, but its transition into the interiors market has been complex and nuanced.
"Bold seems to be back, and tartan has an inherent heritage and style – making it the statement fabric of choice for numerous major developments, including The Fife Arms in Braemar, Ralph Lauren’s Madison Avenue Mansions along with a number of A-list designers.
"It might be a subtle chair and cushion or a full-on curtain and wallpaper combination, but tartan brings an aesthetic that has wider cultural and historical anchors. If Dior, Westwood and McQueen are doing it on the catwalk, then why not do it in a hotel, or at home?"
On that note, check (pun intended) out our round-up and bedeck your home in tartans, plaids and checks...
Use as a cosy bedspread
If bedspreads and quilts are a bit too kitsch to be cool in your books, a tartan or plaid blanket is a classic alternative. The rich tones in this one add depth and interest to an otherwise simple bedlinen scheme. The same rules apply in the living room – use a tartan throw to liven up a neutral sofa or armchair.
Layer with tapestry styles
Tartans and plaids are very much able to hold their own as patterns, and can really sing when generously layered with other heritage designs.
Melin Tregwynt, a Welsh woollen mill that weave striking textiles by hand, create tartan goods as well as unusual tapestry designs. Their blankets look beautiful here when stacked up with tartans and tickings.
Create a vignette
To create a 'vignette' in the home, chose an area (like a side table or windowsill) to thoughtfully curate beloved items, conjuring emotion and memory with a few evocative pieces. Laying down a favourite fabric is an ideal choice for your vignette's 'backdrop': choose a tartan blanket in a palette you love, then display a mix of ceramics, photos and seasonal florals on top.
Try a tartan tablescape
The design also works outside of its typical fabric forms, such as on the table.
Co-Founder and Brand Director of Addison Ross, Sarah Ross comments: “It's very exciting to see the resurgence of tartan in tableware. The design combines a rich heritage with a contemporary twist, making it a versatile choice for modern dining.
"We've embraced this trend by reimagining tartan in a way that feels both timeless and fresh. The pattern's bold colours and intricate design bring warmth, sophistication, and a sense of tradition to any table setting. As people seek comfort and connection through their home decor, tartan offers the perfect blend of style, nostalgia, and celebration—ideal for both casual meals and special occasions."
Hang sink skirts
Part of the growing and quirky 'kitschen' trend – which sees vintage styles returning to kitchen design trends – sink skirts are back and better than ever. To keep it rustic, go with a tartan in an earthy palette, like this fisherman hut-style look.
Window treatment
Hanging a curtain is a fabulous way to add a big wash of tartan, and being close to a window will enhance and brighten up this often moody pattern. In this vintage style shot, found deep in the Country Living archives, the butter yellow walls coordinate beautifully with the tartan of choice.
Play with an unconventional palette
A tartan blanket or throw can be used to incorporate shades you love, but don't necessarily feature on a large scale in your home. Here, violet takes centre stage in this pretty check, which feels inspired by blankets of Scottish heather. While it might typically clash with this mustard yellow shelf, when in tartan form, it feels warm and tasteful.
Stylish tiles
Whether forming a splashback, or working as a coaster, statement tiles have been trending for some time. Artist and designer Petra Palumbo has launched a gorgeous line of tartan tiles in striking shades, which aim to put a contemporary spin on a classic.
Plaid underfoot
A nod to Balmoral Castle – and Elizabeth II's vibrant dressing room carpets – plaid on the floor in carpet or rug form is an excellent way to introduce tartan on a larger scale. We would advise a neutral palette with a small lick of colour, to ensure longevity.
Multi-purpose picnicking
There's something very country house about using things in the home for something besides their primary purpose (AGA range cookers as an alternative to central heating springs to mind). This rolled up picnic blanket is very cleverly used as a draught excluder when it's not serving its usual purpose in the winter months. TBCo's recycled wool picnic blankets are at the top of our list for the job.
Paint it tartan
This one is probably a bit 'out there' for most of us, but we're enchanted by the bold palette and ambitious design of these walls painted in a tartan pattern, from the Country Living archives. Not so confident with a paintbrush? Mulberry Home make a beautiful tartan wallpaper.
In the boot room
As tartan was James I's choice of attire when hunting in the Highlands, including the design in a country boot room feels like a nice nod to history. A bench cushion is an attractive and robust choice, or display an array of tartan picnic blankets while they're not in use for impact.
Tartan upholstery
Choosing a statement piece of furniture in tartan is a brilliant way for anyone wanting to honour the design. Vintage styles, such as a wingback armchair, work best – then play around with the palette for a modern edge.
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