Top Decoration

I have always been enamoured with sheers. I love the romance and natural light they let into a room.

They soften hard lines and provide a beautiful fluid motion from a breeze. Here is wonderful example of antique shutters which are enhanced and softened by the striped sheers.

When the light is right, sheers can create an incredible romance in a room. Even a room that is dark can be brightened with sheers. I included the room above to show, though dark, how even a north facing room can benefit from the natural light.
(Southern Accents)
When I was twenty and in my first apartment I bought a huge mosquito netting to hang from the ceiling over my mattress which sat on the floor. I did not even own a bed then! I envisioned myself chic like Mata Hari. This picture is much better example of what I was trying to achieve back then. This Niermann Weeks beds is gorgeous with the gathered sheers. Isn't this so romantic?
(c. everad)
This canopy is taunt - creating a much more sophisticated and contemporary feeling. This is a simple and inexpensive way to add the romance of sheers to your four poster bed.
(l.pasquier)
The sheers here create a wonderful juxtaposition to the cold lines of the metal bed. Even in spare rooms such as this, sheers add a layer of softness. If you pull them closed you create a romantic room with in a room. (s. lane)
But sheers can used outdoors to create a room as well. Here we see this lovely dining area become a spectacular outdoor oasis.
(s. lane)
They can also make sweet slipcovers. Here these embroidered sheer slipcovers soften the lines of the french bistro chair.
(c. everad)
You may remember this photo from a post I did on the popular Ghost chair - you can read about it here. Even slipcovered the Ghost chair retains its ethereal qualities.
(p. mitchell)
The bath is another area where we are seeing sheers used. I love them as a shower curtain in this space because they provide privacy with out visually dividing the room. Here they are in soft shade of lavender.
(s. lane)
This sheer shower curtain boasts wonderful ribbon embellishments. Also notice the beautiful table slipcover.
(s. lane)
But sheers are not limited to white, here a wonderful turquoise linen provides privacy, as well as the color accent in this room.
(r. hammick)
Sheers can also provide the pattern in the room. The light enhances these beautiful floral sheers

My friend Wendy Lewis and I were chatting the other day. Wendy is the owner of Textile Trunk, one of the largest importers of Antique European Fabrics in the US. We got to talking about Antique French Ticking (isn't it fun to have friends you can have long conversations with about French ticking!). Anyway, I said "So I guess French Ticking is really coming back into style, eh?" (trying to sound so cool and 'in the know') Wendy gently replied "Oh, Gina, French ticking has NEVER gone OUT of style. Why just about everyone wants French Ticking fabric - especially in the Spring!" "Yes", I said quickly (and with a slight English accent, so I would still sound hip and stylish) "It's simply a classic, Darling!" We both had a good laugh!

And of course when I really thought about it - French Ticking IS a classic. Perhaps that's why we see it everywhere, year after year! So, I decided to look back in my inspiration files. Both photos above are from an older Country Living issue. Blue and white is the most classic ticking. I love the straight lines of this slipcover - no ruffles - good choice. I suppose Ticking is so popular in the warmer climates (and in Spring) because it has a certain crispness and lends itself well to beach decor. In this photo from Coastal Living, we see blue ticking slipcovers again on the dining chairs.

The photo above from Cote de Texas, we see yellow ticking on the banquette. Even in this more rustic setting it adds a certain freshness.

French ticking originated as a utilitarian fabric used to cover mattresses, pillows, and daybeds. An extremely durable fabric it was originally woven to withstand heavy use and had a traditional heavy weave and straight line pattern. According to Wendy, antique pieces can still be found as early as the 18th century. In this room above from Country Living we see the ticking on the pillows and on the box spring. I really like how this looks - subtle but a very nice touch.

(cote de texas)

Here you see more contemporary ticking used as a duvet cover. In both examples you see that the fabric looks as wonderful mixed with beadboard and painted furniture as it is does mixed with denim and sisal.

French ticking is the perfect compliment to sisal and sea grass and lends itself wonderfully to classic coastal decor. I adore this room from Coastal Living! Notice the wood stump table, rattan coffee table, hanging lanterns and mirror. What a beautiful room for a beach house.
(cote de texas)
The classic ticking colors are red and blue - These pillows are a great addition to this sofa!
(living etc)
Antique French ticking also looks divine on antique french furniture. I just adore the look and feel of this piece.
(cote de texas)
A French sofa with antique French ticking. It looks so soft and pretty.
(mary makarie)
The ticking on this chair looks new - but the floral fabric looks antique - An interesting mix
(haunt)
This iron daybed looks so sweet covered in ticking. Notice how perfect the stripes run on the sides of the cushion. Very well done.
(things caught in Michael's eye)
Here small antique pieces of French ticking are used in a patchwork design to cover this settee. It looks marvelous in this loft like setting.
(Country Living)
French Ticking in a child's room looks sweet and inviting. (peak of chic)
But, it is not just used just in coastal, beach and informal settings. Here designer Carolyn Roehm, drapes a bedroom and French ticking takes on a much more luxurious feel.
(cote de texas)
A bit more serious and formal,you can see that this table draped in French ticking, becomes more sophisticated. Used as a wall treatment and drapery fabric, this room from Peak of Chic, shows how French ticking can stand up to the most elegant architecture.
(nskwood)
Here antique pieces are patch-worked into beautiful works of art. Note the ticking bench cushion as well. (eurolinens)
Here is another antique ticking pillow. This one is so pretty - the patching technique allows you to hide any stains and use as much of the remnant piece as possible.
I had to include this wonderful design from Freckles and Bird in the UK! What a fun pillow!
If only I could sew! You can find ticking in any fabric store, but for something really unique and beautiful check out Wendy's antique French pieces - They are so gorgeous. This is just one of many she has listed on her website, Textile Trunk- click here
I guess its pretty obvious that French Ticking is as popular as ever and here to stay. It works in almost every decor and setting. So next time someone asks you what you think about French Ticking you can say, "Oh Darling, it's a CLASSIC" (just try to use your best English accent!)