Decorating with Indigo Fabrics: A Practical Guide
When it comes to interior design, textiles do more than cover pillows and hang on walls - they bring texture, colour, and even a bit of soul to a space. Indigo home decor can come in many forms, but as a fabric shop specialising in Asian textiles, we’re always going to suggest adding depth and colour with some indigo soft furnishings! Here’s a friendly, down-to-earth guide to decorating with indigo fabrics.
Why Choose Indigo for Interiors?
It goes without saying that we’re complete converts to the joys of indigo home decor, but if you’re wondering what makes it so great for interiors, here are a few reasons to use it in your home:
- Indigo is a blue like no other - rich, saturated, dark, and yet somehow vibrant. You can pair it with almost any other colour!
- Our indigo textiles act like a bridge between tradition and modern design, bringing a well-travelled, bohemian edge to your home.
- Unlike printed blue fabrics, these are dyed - some using natural plant indigo - so the colour feels more organic.
Indigo is ideal for spaces where you want atmosphere and character, rather than just brightness.
1. Start Small: Throw Pillows & Accent Cushions
Not ready for bold walls or upholstery? Begin with indigo soft furnishings - pillows or small throws. This is low‑commitment, high‑impact. Choose one or two pieces in different patterns (Shibori, geometric, or batik) to place against a neutral sofa.
Play around with mixing patterns - like pairing a bold ikat‑style cushion with a plain indigo cotton pillow. The contrast adds visual interest without chaos. Our indigo fat quarter set is a great way to experiment with a variety of patterns - pair the fat quarters with plain indigo and you could make yourself four beautiful cushion covers!
2. Wall Hangings as Focal Points
An indigo wall hanging can become an anchor in a room. For something really unique, we recommend choosing one of our narrow Hill Tribe batik indigo designs. Sew a gusset at the top and hang your chosen fabric using a wooden dowel.
3. Go Bolder: Upholstery & Curtains
Once you're confident, try quilts, curtains, or blinds in indigo fabrics. Depending on the width of your window, using full curtains in indigo - especially with patterned fabric - can create a dramatic frame, drawing the eye upward and adding a sense of height to the room.
For upholstery, deep indigo works brilliantly on sofas or accent chairs—especially when layered with lighter cushions or wood trims for balance. Just make sure you pre-wash your fabrics thoroughly to avoid staining clothing!
3. Pair Indigo with Complementary Colours
Though indigo is one of those magical colours that goes with almost anything, here are a few winning colour combinations depending on how bold you’re feeling!
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Whites or light neutrals: Crisp and calming, these make indigo feel fresher and brighter.
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Warm woods or brass/metal accents: These add warmth and contrast, preventing rooms from feeling too formal or cold.
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Turquoise or aqua shades: Staying within the blue family but lighter, these complement indigo beautifully!
- Mustard yellow or deep orange accents: For bolder energy - sometimes just a vase or a throw pillow alongside your indigo home decor does the trick.
4. Layer Textures & Patterns
Indigo fabrics shine best when layered or paired with other patterns and textures. For instance:
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A plain wool blanket topped with a printed cotton indigo throw.
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A slubby indigo hemp cushion under a patterned silk‑blend pillow.
Textures like raw cotton, natural linen, and soft velvet in deep blue tones can coexist beautifully - just make sure you keep the colour palette tight for cohesion.
5. Combine Global Fabrics with Modern Furniture
Much of indigo's appeal comes from its traditional roots - like Hill Tribe batik, Japanese style printed indigo, or Indian block‑print fabrics. When paired with modern minimalist furniture, indigo textiles create a balanced "heritage‑modern" vibe. That way, authenticity doesn’t overwhelm design, it enhances it.
Decorating with indigo fabric is more than choosing a colour - it’s embracing a history of craft, slow dyeing, and artistic expression. Whether you go for subtle cushions or full‑scale upholstered pieces, indigo will always bring a bit of texture and depth to interiors.
I hope this gives you ideas you can actually try. If you’ve got questions about pairing indigo with other textures or want to talk through your requirements, just email us.
Browse our Indigo fabrics
Explore our range of ethically sourced fabrics, perfect for making your own indigo soft furnishings, from pillows to curtains and upholstery. Designed to bring a bit of natural beauty into your home and support long‑standing textile traditions.
