When you think of “chintz,” you probably imagine romantic florals in pretty pink hues that first became popular in the 1980’s. But chintz has been around much longer than when you first saw it on your grandmother’s drapes, wallpaper, sofa, pillows, and everything in between.
“Chintz,” (from the Hindi word “chint’ or “chitta’ meaning spotted or variegated) actually originated in 17th- century India. Original chintz fabrics were painted, stained, or woodblock-printed on calico (a cotton that originated in Calicut, India) using natural dyes such as madder root and indigo, which is why these early chintz fabrics are rich in reds and blues.
Dutch and Portuguese traders first introduced chintz to Europe in the 17th-century, and it became so incredibly popular that both England and France temporarily banned the import of chintz from India to protect their own national textile industries. It wasn’t until French and English mills were able to produce chintz fabrics on their own that the ban was lifted.
While the look and meaning of “chintz” has certainly evolved throughout centuries, I am overjoyed to see so many finds that are inspired by the beautiful original Indian chintz fabrics of the 17th-century.
Shop my favorites below!
- Chandelier Shade
- Pleated Lampshades
- Chintz Tate Dress
- Scalloped Floral Bowl
- Blue Daisy Serving Platter
- Hand Printed Cotton Tablecloth 1
- Hand Printed Cotton Tablecloth 2
- D’Ascoli Amagansett Placemat
- Porcelain Plates
- Fringed Pillow (similar)
- Pierre Frey Bengali Pillow Cover
- Tilton Fenwick Pillow with Navy Cord
