Image credit: Chalk Pink Linen Company

Iconic gingham has been around for centuries and is a stalwart fabric of the textiles world. Slated to have originated in Southeast Asia in the 17th century, early iterations of gingham were striped and were imported to Europe. It was in the European textile mills that the style of gingham was developed into the chequered patterns we are so familiar with today.

Gaining huge popularity in Europe and America in the 19th century, gingham was favoured for its durability and affordability and became a household staple. Fast forward to the 21st century and its appeal hasn’t waned. Shops are full of the chequered favourite and it can bring cheer to any room. From sink skirts to upholstery, check out these stylish decorating ideas with gingham.

Add a sink skirt

Reminiscent of French kitchens and chic cafes, the sink skirt is back. Giving a kitchen or bathroom a softer look, a sink skirt is a cheap and easy way of transforming the room, and it can be easily changed. If you’re making your own, Martha Stewart has a simple step-by-step guide. Characterful and cosy, gingham is the perfect fabric for a sink skirt and can give your space the perfect homely feel.

Textile designer Tori Murphy’s gorgeous fabrics (pictured) are woven and made in England, and offer a brilliant range of ginghams for a classic look. Cut from organic cotton, the modern dresser checks are reversible and come in a range of colours, from old navy and brown to cherry and green.

Layer shades of gingham

For the country cottage look, and sumptuous sink-into beds, look at layering duvets clad in gingham linen. There’s some really beautiful soft gingham bedlinen on the market, like Piglet in Bed’s bestselling collection, which is woven from 100% European flax, is thermoregulating and handily prewashed for extra softness. Pick from a massive range of colours, including mushroom, pistachio, berry and honey.

Another fail-safe choice for gingham bedlinen is the Secret Linen Store with its Conker Gilbert 100% brushed cotton duvet covers, that have no need for ironing. For a more affordable option Dunelm has the brilliant Portloe Woven Duvet set (it’s 100% washed cotton with a linen-look). Go for the ochre and green (pictured), or opt for their Catherine Lansfield seersucker set which is reversible, with small checks on one size and large on the other, so you can switch up the look.

Try grown-up gingham

Gingham doesn’t have to come in saccharine pastel shades, there’s plenty of grown-up gingham to choose from. Try the black and rust gingham fringed cushion from Rose & Grey (pictured). Made from stonewashed cotton it’s got a super squishy feather filling. Throw a few on the bed of sofas to add texture to your decor.

For more, sophisticated tones, Rebecca Udall has a gingham chocolate brown tablecloth made from 100% European linen (it’s long lasting and bio degradable), has a chic 10cm ruffle, and comes with a matching range of napkins and placemats. Perfect for a stylish summer tablescape.

Gingham is perfect for a children’s bedroom

Cheerful and classic, gingham is the perfect fabric for a children’s bedroom, and will suit any age, so it’s a decorating idea with gingham that will stand the test of time. Its regular, symmetrical pattern can be soothing in a child’s bedroom and bring calming tones that will promote relaxation.

Use the versatile fabric in anything from blinds, curtains, bedlinen, or cushions. The Hudson blush curtains from Blinds2go give a shade of duskier pink where the checks overlap and add character to a light and airy room. Despite their soft shade, you can choose between a light filtering or thermal blackout lining, perfect for getting little ones to sleep.

Classic gingham decorating ideas: the tablecloth

For classic decorating ideas with gingham you cannot go far wrong with a chequered tablecloth. Sophie Allport has said that “gingham is certainly having its ‘moment’ in the interiors world and we’re proud to be part of it”. Pictured is her super chic warm stone and off-white gingham linen tablecloth, which is just the right blend of vintage-feel and modern style. Perfect if you’re looking for rustic charm for your dinner table. Its also (being 100% linen) hypoallergenic, naturally antibacterial, and will soften over time.

Bring a touch of gingham in with seat covers

For a budget-friendly way of bringing cheer to your kitchen, one of the most cheerful decorating ideas with gingham comes in the form of seat covers. Again, Dunelm has a classic option, with a set of two blue gingham seat pad covers just £5. Made from recycled material, they have ties to secure them to the back of your chairs. For gingham outdoor seat covers, B&Q has a 100% cotton, country style, red and white option.

Upholstered gingham looks smart and chic

Granted, the decorating idea with gingham pictured might sway more towards a chequerboard look, but it’s smart and chic and will upgrade any upholstery. Interior designer favourite brand Colours of Arley has one of the most sought-after checks on the market. All of the fabric has zero waste and is made to order in their UK-based family workshop.

Sold by the metre, you can pick between three widths of check: skinny (1cm), midi (5cm) and grand (10cm), and any of their colourways (check out the colour picker, they’re gorgeous), and fabric types like linen-look, recycled weave and velvet.

An unusual gingham decorating idea is wallpaper

This decorating idea with gingham goes out to all the chequered mega fans – gingham wallpaper. And where better than Lust Home? Aptly named, their Picnic in the Park wallpaper is described as “a versatile checked wallpaper that plays on a classic farmhouse style whilst still channelling a modern vibe for that quirky aesthetic.”

Coming in six colourways – aquamarine, grass green, lemon bonbon, lavender, blueberry, and strawberry cheesecake – it’s a look that’s guaranteed to make a statement in any room.

Try gingham bunting for alfresco summer parties

Talking Tables will make your summer entertaining a breeze with their range of alfresco gingham organic cotton bunting. The jumbo print check has four bright colours and is finished with a cute tassel detail. At three metres long, you can string them up in the trees for outdoor parties. Team it with the reusable gingham table runner, paper plates, ice cream cups and party hats to continue the theme.