Using Tartan in Home Décor: A Timeless Pattern for Wallpapers and Fabrics

Tartan has a way of making a home feel instantly warmer and more inviting. Rooted in tradition yet surprisingly versatile, this classic pattern has found new life in modern interiors. Today, tartan is being used in fresh, stylish ways—on wallpapers, fabrics, and soft furnishings—to create spaces that feel both comfortable and refined.

Why Tartan Feels So Right at Home

One of the reasons tartan works so well in home décor is its natural balance. The structured grid of intersecting lines gives the pattern a sense of order, while layered colors add depth and personality. Tartan can feel cozy without being heavy, making it a wonderful choice for living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and home offices.

Unlike trend-driven patterns, tartan has staying power. It pairs beautifully with natural materials like wood and leather, and it blends effortlessly with both classic and contemporary furniture. Whether your style leans traditional, modern, or somewhere in between, tartan adapts with ease.

Tartan Wallpaper: Warmth with Visual Impact

Wallpaper is one of the easiest ways to make a statement, and tartan wallpaper adds character without overwhelming a space. Larger-scale tartans are perfect for creating a sense of drama in dining rooms or studies, while smaller patterns work well in hallways, powder rooms, or as an accent wall.

Ralph Lauren offers a beautiful range of tartan wallpapers inspired by heritage homes and timeless design. These patterns feel rich yet approachable, making them a popular choice for homeowners who want a look that will age gracefully.

For a slightly more modern take, Osborne & Little reimagines tartan with refined color palettes and elegant detailing. Their designs feel fresh and sophisticated, ideal for homes that blend classic charm with contemporary style.

Those seeking approachable, easy-to-live-with options will appreciate York Wallcoverings, which offers tartan wallpapers that feel warm, familiar, and inviting. York’s designs work especially well in family spaces, bedrooms, and casual living areas where comfort is key.

For a bolder, more artistic look, Designers Guild brings vibrant color and expressive pattern to tartan wallpaper. Their designs feel modern and energetic, perfect for statement walls or spaces where you want the walls to play a leading role in the room’s personality.

Tartan Fabrics: Cozy, Comfortable, and Stylish

Tartan fabrics are incredibly versatile and easy to live with. Upholstered chairs, sofas, and ottomans in tartan instantly add warmth, while tartan drapery brings softness and texture to a room. Even small accents—like pillows or a bench cushion—can introduce the pattern in a subtle way.

Schumacher is known for high-quality tartan fabrics that feel both timeless and current. Their designs work beautifully for upholstery and window treatments, offering durability along with classic style.

Ralph Lauren fabrics coordinate seamlessly with their wallpapers, making it easy to layer tartan throughout a space without feeling too matched. This thoughtful approach allows homeowners to create rooms that feel cohesive and well put together.

Designers Guild offers a more expressive and contemporary interpretation of tartan, bringing bold color and artistic flair to this classic pattern. Known for their fearless use of color and luxurious textures, Designers Guild tartan and plaid fabrics feel fresh, vibrant, and modern. These designs are perfect for accent pieces such as pillows, drapery, or statement upholstery, adding energy and personality while still complementing more traditional tartans beautifully.

For those drawn to a more artisanal look, Patterson Flynn offers tartan and plaid fabrics with rich textures and nuanced colors, perfect for custom pieces and finishing touches.

How to Use Tartan in Your Home

The key to decorating with tartan is balance. Choose one or two areas to showcase the pattern, then pair it with solids and natural textures. Soft neutrals, clean-lined furniture, and simple accessories help keep tartan feeling fresh and timeless.

Muted colorways feel relaxed and modern, while bolder tartans bring a classic, cozy charm—perfect for creating welcoming spaces you’ll enjoy year-round.

A Pattern That Never Goes Out of Style

Tartan continues to be a favorite because it brings warmth, character, and a sense of history into the home. With beautiful options from Ralph Lauren, Schumacher, Osborne & Little, and Patterson Flynn, tartan wallpapers and fabrics offer an easy, enduring way to create interiors that feel stylish, comfortable, and truly lived in.