Fabric-Covered Furniture Returns to Elegant Living Rooms
Fashions come and go, but some pieces always find their way back. That’s the case with fabric-covered furniture, long associated with the living rooms of our grandmothers. In its 2026 study on home decor trends, 1stDibs reveals that 24 % of the 468 designers surveyed list them among the new trends to watch. But what exactly is this, and how can you adopt this style without giving your living room a dated look?
These fabric-covered furniture are coming back into our interiors
You know those antique chairs whose fabric runs all the way to the floor and fully hides the legs? Those are skirted chairs, which can be translated as “chairs or armchairs with a skirt”. The fabric covers the entire lower part of the seat, with finishes that can be straight, slightly gathered, pleated, or even adorned with tiny ruffles. In an article shared by Homes & Gardens, Lulu Lytle, cofounder of Soane Britain, reminds us that these covers were already used in the Middle Ages in grand European houses.
They served to protect furniture from dust, sun, and insects. In the 18th century they evolved and became more fitted to dress everyday chairs and armchairs. If they’re appealing again today, it’s not solely out of nostalgia. This resurgence is also explained by a growing interest in vintage furniture and objects with history. According to the study by 1stDibs, 36 % of the furniture and objects chosen by designers for their projects in 2025 were vintage, the highest share since 2021.
Des plis, du tissu et des meubles qui apportent une touche de douceur
What makes these pieces so charming is above all their silhouette. By concealing the legs, the fabric gives the chair a more enveloping look and softens its lines. The pleats also bring movement, where a classic seat seems more strict. In Homes & Gardens, designer Victoria Ceraudo explains that this finish helps give more character to a room while adding depth to the decor.
She particularly appreciates the lightly gathered skirts made from thick linen, which deliver a natural and warm result. Lulu Lytle, of Soane Britain, also highlights their practicality. When the covers are removable, you simply change the fabric to give the seat a new style. A perfect solution for those who enjoy refreshing their decor regularly.
How to adopt these skirted seats without going full retro?
To bring this trend into your home, there’s no need to overhaul your entire living room. A skirted chair placed near a bookcase or in a reading nook can already add a touch of elegance to your living room. You can also opt for two matching seats to frame a coffee table or create a convivially arranged space. Charlotte Rey, cofounder of the Campbell-Rey studio, specifically recommends pairing them with side tables that have modern, clean lines. This contrast helps highlight the fabric without giving the room a too traditional vibe.
When it comes to fabric, choose a finish that matches the rest of your decor. A natural linen with a slight gathering will bring a country-house vibe, while a striped fabric will yield a more classic look. You can also dare a bold color or a floral print if your living room stays fairly understated. The key is to find the right balance among textures, patterns, and shapes. And if you already own an old chair whose legs you don’t like, why not consider a custom slipcover? It would let you give it a fresh look without parting with a piece you treasure!
