The Rise of Ruffles

Fills, flounces and gathered edges in all their gloriously decorative forms are offering a gently decorative counterbalance to the 70s and 90s revivals we've seen of late. But this isn't about recreating your grandmother's sitting room. The new wave of ruffles feels fresher, more relaxed and intentionally undone. Easy to add accessories such as striped cotton tablecloths with softly gathered trims, frilled linen cushions tossed onto a sofa, or pretty pleated edges peeking out from beneath ceramics on an open shelf. Yes, it's whimsical, but in a grown-up, liveable way.

Part of the appeal is how easy the trend is to bring into a space. A single frilled lampshade can completely soften a corner, while a ruffled cushion or bed valance adds just enough decoration without feeling overly styled. Even practical pieces are getting the treatment. Sink skirts have been popping up all over my social feed, disguising clutter while adding a charming, nostalgic softness to kitchens and bathrooms.

Accessories are where the trend really comes alive. Frilled lampshades, pleated trims and gathered fabric details instantly add warmth and personality, especially when paired with checks, ticking stripes or faded floral prints. There's a handcrafted quality to many of these pieces too, block printing, embroidery and visible stitching all adding to the sense of objects that have been collected slowly over time. The colour palette helps keep things feeling modern rather than saccharine. Butter yellow, earthy pink, moss green and washed red are replacing anything too sugary, often mixed together in a way that feels eclectic rather than overly coordinated. It's decorative, but not precious.

Ultimately, ruffles and frills speak to a wider desire for homes to feel joyful again. They invite a little theatre into everyday life - whether that's a beautifully laid summer table, a bed dressed in gathered linen or simply a lampshade with a playful trim. In a world that often feels relentlessly polished and digital, there's something very comforting about embracing a detail that exists purely to delight.