„Toile de Jouy”, or shortly „Toile” pattern has a French origin. The word toile itself means linen and Jouy is the name of a small town at the East part of France. These type of fabric had produced there since the 18^th century. „Toile de Jouy” means canvas from Jouy.
Patterns are printed in one color on the fabric. The base is generally white, or beige. The pattern is repetitive at the whole area of the textile. It displays mostly idyllic scenes, such as rococo noblemen dressed to shepherd or shepherdess, fishing, flower picking or picknick groups, surrounded by landscape and building parts. Colors used for the patterns are originally the black, dark blue and red, but there also were green, brown or pink versions. These fabrics were used to upholstering furniture, covering walls or curtains. The toile pattern itself can appear on wallpapers, porcelain sets, tablecloths and beddings, etc.
In the recent years, toile pattern became popular again and widely used in interior design. Colors are much more variant and vivid nowadays, designers pair practically any background color with any pattern color. The scenes remain bucolic and idyllic. In chinoiserie topic we can find Chinese related scenes instead of them.
The pattern itself is very versatile. Can be applied in country style and also in a baroque, elegant interior as well, or even in a child-room. The furniture and accessories will give the final view, we can emphasize it with choosing the color of the material.
If you love this pattern, but afraid of having it too dominant, or just want to realize a romantic and elegant atmosphere, ask help from an interior designer for planning.