There is something familiar and comforting about toile. Maybe, it is because thoughts of it remind us of earlier times spent with our grandparents; toile fabric filling walls, while the smell of fresh baking pies and breads perfume the entire home…what could be better. Or, could it be that toile beckons our unconscious minds, like sirens, bringing visions of an English Cottage nestled somewhere far off in a secluded countryside. O.k., back to reality, for whatever the reason, this famous French Fabric is still a favorite in many a homes and interior designers who wish to add touches of old world elegance.
Toile or more precisely, Toile du jouy was created in the small town of Jouy-en-Josas, southwest of Paris near Versailles in 1760. Originally, the distinct pattern of toile depicted scenes of the French Countryside, but later Oriental, English as well as moments in history themes were adopted. In fact, this is what gives toile its appeal. Scenes depicted in the fabric are like poetry. One cannot help but wonder what story the images reveal and what the people are thinking. In addition, toile comes in so many colors, they complement any interior. Also, toile is versatile. It is used not only used for fabric but also porcelain. Yet, it is still the fabric that is most used in homes today. The fabric is suited to any room and works very well for upholstering furniture.
To see the Oberkampf originals, visit the Toile de Jouy Museum www.museedelatoiledejouy.fr.
Tip: Use toile to cover walls for a dramatic effect or add small touches throughout for a whimsical feel that complements a color space.
From left to right:
Top- Waverly Toile (www.lewisandwood.co.uk), Toile Fabric examples (www.wovenbywater.com),
Middle- Ming Blue Toile (www.lewisandwood.co.uk), Waverly Toile in red fabric (www.fabrics.com),
Oriental Toile (www.fabricsandpaper.com),
Bottom- Toile Valance (www.prioritywindows.com),
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Talk to the "Dandy."