This centuries - old textile adds pattern and grain while also represent as a impersonal .

Dustin Peck

Damask is a patterned fabric with a century - quondam tradition . Dating back thousands of years and named after the Syrian metropolis of Damascus , this fabric remains popular thanks to its durability , versatility , and elegance . It typically have a symmetrical , nature - inspired pattern which is woven directly into the cloth as fight to being printed or embroidered onto it . A raw material in home interior decoration , damask is often used to make table linen , bedding , andwindow treatments .

bedding with damask fabric pattern

Credit:Dustin Peck

To learn more about the unique characteristics of damask , why it ’s so popular decently now , and how you could use it in your own home , we baby-sit down with Stephanie Housley , the designer and beginner ofCoral & Tusk . She explains that one of damask ’s greatest qualities lies in its insidious shape which introduces visual interest while being impersonal enough to mingle well with other design features in a room . " It ’s an exceptionally well make out cloth because of its ability to propose the blank space it ’s used in just the right amount of decorative elements without dominating the room , " she say . take on to learn why damask is everywhere right now , and how you may integrate it into your space .

What Is Damask Fabric

" Technically , damask is a character of wovenjacquard fabric , woven with a single woof , reversible , and very undestroyable because of its sozzled weave social structure , " Housley says . Although silk has traditionally been regard the best cloth for damask , you ’ll find versions construct from cotton plant , twill , linen , woollen , and even synthetic fiber such as rayon . Although " damask " refers to the fabric itself , Housley says , " over time damask has also become a term used to refer to the type of designs that are commonly boast in damask woven fabrics . " These have come to define what ’s so unique about damask . " These innovation are typically symmetrical , inspired by nature , and often have a central motif with a decorative frame in more or less of an oval shape around the primal motive , " Housley explain .

James Nathan Schroder

You may have noticed damask has been used more in home decor in recent years , whether throughtable decorsuch as seasonal tablecloth and napkins , or duvet covers and decorative pillow . ( The traditional patterns are also very pop in non - fabric interior elements , like wallpaper and rugs . ) Although the fabric possesses an elegant , even regal calibre , it ’s actually highly practical and an fantabulous option for daily use . Thanks to its tight weave , damask is very secure and durable , and able to withstand the daily wear and tear of a busy household . While silk damask does necessitate professional dry cleaning , the bulk of damask ware are made from some kind of cotton plant , linen , and celluloid fiber portmanteau word today , which is usuallymachine - washable for easy care .

In accession to its practical welfare , damask ’s monochrome pattern intention makes it a popular selection for home decor . " Because the forms are deduct from nature they supply beautiful visual interest , but since the forms are highly stylized and not directly narrative or vivid , they become more of a neutral and are leisurely to twin as a coordinate — whether the damask becomes the chief event , or the supporting accent , " Housley say . Although extremely flowery and typically modest in scale , the traffic pattern is loose to incorporateinto a elbow room thanks to its downplay nature , and is a sure way to upgrade any elbow room and stylus of home , from traditional to modern . " These day , thousands of days after damask was first infix , whether we ’re referring to the weave type or a mark or fancywork apply a damask eccentric blueprint , it uphold to prove itself worthy , " Housley say .

Jean Allsopp

blue damask fabric and wallpaper

Credit:James Nathan Schroder

How to Use Damask Fabric in Your Home

" One can unfeignedly use a damask anywhere , which is one of the many reasonableness it ’s so ubiquitous in interior decoration , " Housley say . While damask in its most traditional bod istypically monochromous , and the only subtle colour variation comes from the woven pattern , you will sometimes see multi - colored damask , peculiarly in table linen . Some of the most popular ways to use damask fabric is through tablecloths , tabular array runners , placemats , and table napkin . Another easy and comparatively inexpensive way to implement the patterned material is through bedding , whether that ’s a sheets , duvet and pillow cover song , or decorative throw pillow .

More permanent and expensive damask product include wallpaper , which can supply a beautiful room to dress up aformal blank such as a dining room , or window treatments such as floor - length mantle panels that give a room the perfect finish touch , tot privacy , and insert a subtle shape . As for the best room to use the fabric in , Housley says you really can use it anywhere . " I ’ve interpret damask used in an inspiring way in all locations in the home , it really just count on the case of backdrop you need to create with this wonderful cloth , " she say .

damask fabric chairs in living room

Credit:Jean Allsopp