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.
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Floral Chintz
Upholstery, Walnut
2010s Italian Floral Chintz
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Floral Chintz
Plastic, Wood
Mid-20th Century French Baroque Floral Chintz
19th Century Regency Antique Floral Chintz
Upholstery, Walnut
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Floral Chintz
Tapestry
Late 18th Century Italian Louis XV Antique Floral Chintz
Wood
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Floral Chintz
Giltwood, Gesso, Silk, Upholstery
18th Century and Earlier French Louis XV Antique Floral Chintz
Fruitwood
1780s English Chippendale Antique Floral Chintz
Upholstery, Mahogany
1970s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Floral Chintz
Upholstery
1990s Moroccan Art Deco Floral Chintz
Fabric, Damask, Satin, Velvet
19th Century English Antique Floral Chintz
Brocade, Mahogany
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Floral Chintz
Upholstery, Walnut
1950s French Louis XV Vintage Floral Chintz
2010s Egyptian Floral Chintz
Upholstery, Oak
2010s Italian Floral Chintz
Metal, Brass
2010s Italian Floral Chintz
Metal, Brass
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Floral Chintz
Brass
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Floral Chintz
Tapestry, Giltwood
Early 20th Century Floral Chintz
Wood
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Floral Chintz
Upholstery, Mahogany
Late 19th Century Late Victorian Antique Floral Chintz
Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Floral Chintz
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Floral Chintz
Plastic
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Floral Chintz
Cane, Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Floral Chintz
Plastic
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