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.
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Floral Chintz
Foam
1990s Moroccan Art Deco Floral Chintz
Fabric, Damask, Satin, Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Floral Chintz
Foam
21st Century and Contemporary American Floral Chintz
Upholstery, Wood, Reclaimed Wood
1970s Modern Vintage Floral Chintz
Fabric, Hardwood
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Floral Chintz
Stone
21st Century and Contemporary Floral Chintz
Hemp
Early 20th Century European Floral Chintz
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Floral Chintz
Brass, Steel
2010s Spanish Modern Floral Chintz
Velvet
2010s Italian Floral Chintz
Other
2010s Spanish Modern Floral Chintz
Velvet
2010s Italian Floral Chintz
Leather, Wood
1820s American Neoclassical Antique Floral Chintz
Upholstery, Mahogany