Floral Chintz
Chintz is a printed cotton fabric with a glazed finish and multicolored patterns. The term originally applied only to textiles, used for upholstery, curtains and clothing. Today, it refers as well to the fabric’s characteristic floral patterns, seen in such decorative elements as wallpaper. The heavily saturated designs are most often composed of natural motifs, such as flowers and leaves.
Chintz fabric originated in India. The word chintz comes from the Hindi chint, which means “spotted.” Between 1600 and 1800, chintz was woodblock printed or painted on calico, a cotton fabric originating in Calicut. The dyes used were made from plant pigments, which produced vibrant colors. Thanks in part to innovations introduced during the Industrial Revolution, by the mid-1800s, European factories were producing their own chintz fabric. Victorians appreciated that the glazed finish made it easy to wipe clean.
While the 1990s saw major pushback against the 1980s chintz craze, it has rebounded of late. No longer considered “chintzy,” the fabric is again embraced by designers for its decorative patterns and bold colors. This is thanks in part to the maximalism that has taken the design world by storm. Reacting against minimalism, the style celebrates exuberance, displayed in the mixing of textures and patterns. Chintz fits right in.
Chintz curtains, furniture upholstery and decorative pillows can all make statements with their vibrant floral prints. A touch of chintz can set the mood of a room, introducing a colorful, soft and traditional nuance to a contemporary space.
Find rugs and carpets, seating, lighting and more in the floral chintz collection on 1stDibs.
Early 20th Century French Floral Chintz
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Floral Chintz
Faience
Mid-20th Century Japanese American Classical Floral Chintz
Ceramic, Porcelain
Early 20th Century North American Art Nouveau Floral Chintz
Ceramic
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Floral Chintz
Porcelain
Early 1700s Chinese Qing Antique Floral Chintz
Enamel
18th Century Chinese Antique Floral Chintz
Ceramic
Late 17th Century Chinese Qing Antique Floral Chintz
Porcelain
Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Floral Chintz
Ceramic, Paint
Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Floral Chintz
Ceramic, Paint
19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Floral Chintz
Ceramic
Late 19th Century French Art Deco Antique Floral Chintz
Ceramic, Porcelain
Mid-19th Century Spanish Antique Floral Chintz
Iron
1770s Chinese Qing Antique Floral Chintz
Porcelain
Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Floral Chintz
Ceramic
Early 18th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Floral Chintz
Porcelain
19th Century Dutch Antique Floral Chintz
Ceramic
1890s French Victorian Antique Floral Chintz
Porcelain