Decorating Guides
7 Stylish Takes on Tartan
Masculine or feminine, bold or subtle, this classic pattern brings a rich look to walls, floors, furniture and accessories
Don't confuse tartan with plaid. "Plaid," a common American term, actually refers to a garment and originates from the Gaelic word for "blanket." "Tartan" refers to the actual pattern and fabric. While some debate continues about tartan's origin and history, and how it was used as part of clan identification, today it has become one of the most important symbols of Scotland. The pattern has its origins with the Celtic people, who have worn it for thousands of years. A symbol of rebellion in Scotland for some time, tartan grew in popularity throughout the 18th century, becoming a strong symbol of Scottish national pride.
Today the tartan pattern can be found on a variety of home decor items that can work with any home style. Take a look at some of these ideas on how to incorporate tartan accents in your home and learn more about this historic pattern.
Today the tartan pattern can be found on a variety of home decor items that can work with any home style. Take a look at some of these ideas on how to incorporate tartan accents in your home and learn more about this historic pattern.
Mixed, matched and layered. Different Scottish districts historically often wore different tartans — partly because each area had its own tartan maker with individual styles and patterns. As these craftspeople relied on local plants for the dyes, the tartans took on the colors of the plants available in their area.
Don't be afraid to try lots of different tartan colors together for a great layered look. These traditional, bold, mostly primary colors work well with one another. The navy walls, the mirror and the red bed frame help pull this space together. For this look, try extending your tartan layers right down to the rug.
Don't be afraid to try lots of different tartan colors together for a great layered look. These traditional, bold, mostly primary colors work well with one another. The navy walls, the mirror and the red bed frame help pull this space together. For this look, try extending your tartan layers right down to the rug.
Light and feminine. A simple two-color woolen check dating back to the third century is the earliest example of tartan found in Scotland. Most tartan products today use a combination of three or four colors — like this pink, green and purple check.
Keep this look feminine by using tartans in soft lilacs, purples, pinks and greens. Mix them with rich, solid purples and warm woodwork for an elegant yet cozy feel.
Keep this look feminine by using tartans in soft lilacs, purples, pinks and greens. Mix them with rich, solid purples and warm woodwork for an elegant yet cozy feel.
Masculine and cozy. The conflict over the origination of different clan tartans still continues today. Due to a government ban on tartan in the 18th century, many original tartan patterns were lost. But after the ban, an attempt to recover these patterns matched tartans to clans. By the mid-19th century, the association between different tartans and Scottish clans had become firmly established.
Today you can layer all the different types of traditional tartans for a more modern take on Scottish style. Add even more warmth by painting the walls a deep red, green or blue. Create a more traditional and masculine look by hanging hunting-inspired accessories, like these wood-mounted animal horns, on the wall.
Today you can layer all the different types of traditional tartans for a more modern take on Scottish style. Add even more warmth by painting the walls a deep red, green or blue. Create a more traditional and masculine look by hanging hunting-inspired accessories, like these wood-mounted animal horns, on the wall.
Grown up and sophisticated. Tartan-upholstered dining chairs have a distinctly grown-up feel. They can add a regal finish to a casual farmhouse dining room, like this one, elevating its overall look and feel. Tartan has carried its trendy reputation for centuries, since 18th-century high-society Scots took the banned fabric and made it fashionable.
Unexpected tartan. Look for tartan in nonfabric applications, too. Tartan wallpaper adds high impact in a small or unexpected place, like a washroom or small bathroom. Because tartan can feel busy, keep everything else pared down and simple, as with the white towels and trimwork here.
Elegant tartan. Simple and neutral gray, white and black tartan can add an elegant touch to any room. These great tartan floor tiles add sophistication to this washroom. It helps to contrast tartan's masculine pattern with softer objects. This tartan works really well against the more feminine crystal lights, glass-framed mirror and traditional vanity.
Tell us: Do you use tartan in your decor? Please show us in the Comments!
Tell us: Do you use tartan in your decor? Please show us in the Comments!
Whether or not you're Scottish, you can display your favorite sett as a stylish tablecloth. Simply throw a richly colored tartan blanket casually over a table and accessorize with masculine pewter tableware.