Toile: Explained and Explored

Lately I've become fascinated with toile, that old fashioned fabric that many of us assocation with the stuffy interiors of blue bloods. Where did it come from? And do they make any modern versions of it?

Toile, which is short for Toile de Jouy, originated in France in the 1700's. Its origins can be traced to Jouy-en-Josas, France, where the first commercial plant to mass produce it was located. Traditionally the pattern depicted a French pastoral scene but modern toile can depict just about anything. Pictured above are four of my favorites - two traditional and two modern.

Clockwise from top left:

  • Blue Romantic toile wallpaper from Home Depot is an example of the classic toile scene.
  • Another typical toile is the Central Park Marigold drapery frabric from Denver Fabrics.
  • Elegantly display your civic pride with the San Francisco Chocolate/Blue wallpaper from Town Toiles.
  • Trash Day Mulberry Sherbert toile wallpaper from Studio Printworks depicts a modern suburban landscape.