If you’ve been keeping up with interior design trends, you’ve probably noticed the sudden popularity of the boucle chair. With its textured, cloud-like fabric and sculptural shapes, the chair has quickly become a favorite in interior decor magazines, Pinterest boards, and designer showrooms.
But while boucle chairs are undeniably stylish, they often come with a price tag in the hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars. The good news? You don’t have to spend that much to enjoy this design trend. With a little creativity, you can DIY your very own boucle chair for under $50.
What is a Boucle Chair?
A boucle chair is upholstered with boucle fabric, a material woven with looped yarns that create a soft, curly, and highly textured surface. The word boucle comes from the French word for “loop,” which perfectly describes its distinctive look. The result is a chair that feels cozy, plush, and visually interesting all at once.
They are often designed with rounded silhouettes, minimalistic frames, or mid-century modern lines, but the fabric is versatile enough to look chic on almost any style of chair.
How to DIY a Boucle Chair at Home for Under $50
Here’s the step-by-step guide I’ve used as a DIY homeowner to turn an old thrifted chair into a trendy boucle chair—without paying designer prices.
Find the Right Chair to Upcycle
The base chair is everything. Look for secondhand chairs with sturdy frames, even if the upholstery is worn out. Thrift shops, estate sales, and online marketplaces often have chairs for $10–$20. Ensure the seat, back, and arms are structurally sound before committing.
Choose Affordable Bouclé Fabric
Bouclé fabric can be pricey in high-end shops, but budget-friendly options are available online or at discount fabric stores. For most chairs, 2–3 yards is sufficient. When selecting fabric, consider color, texture, and durability.
Gather Your Tools
You’ll need a staple gun, scissors, and a screwdriver to remove old fabric. Optional extras include new foam or batting if cushions need refreshing, fabric chalk for marking, pliers to remove stubborn staples, and clamps to hold fabric in place while stapling.
Remove Old Upholstery
Carefully strip the old fabric. If the material is stuck or hard to remove, use pliers to gently pull staples or tacks. For fabric that rips easily, work slowly in small sections and leave extra edges to use as templates. If pieces tear, you can tape or pin them together temporarily to trace patterns accurately.
Cut the Bouclé Fabric to Size
Lay each template on the new fabric and trace around it, adding 1–2 inches for stapling. Use sharp scissors and cut slowly to maintain clean edges. For rounded corners, gently curve the fabric instead of cutting sharp angles.
Upholster with Bouclé Fabric
Start with the seat or largest section. Stretch the fabric evenly over the frame and staple in the center of each side, then work outwards. Smooth the fabric as you go. For corners, fold neatly or pleat minimally to avoid bulk. Repeat with the back, arms, and other sections.
Add Finishing Touches
Trim excess fabric close to the staples. Reattach legs or trim pieces, and fluff cushions. Step back and admire your transformation—you now have a chic, custom boucle chair for a fraction of retail prices.
Hide Staples for a Professional Look
- Fold fabric edges under before stapling to conceal raw edges and staples.
- Staple under seams, piping, or decorative trim whenever possible.
- Use less visible areas, like the underside of the seat or inside corners, for staples.
- Ensure the fabric is smooth and tight; loose edges can reveal staples.
Why Are Boucle Chairs Trending in Interior Decor?
- Tactile and inviting: The looped texture of boucle fabric feels soft and warm, making it perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere.
- Minimalist but elevated: Boucle chairs fit seamlessly into modern, minimalist interiors while still offering a touch of luxury.
- Versatile styling: Whether paired with dopamine decor (full of playful color and personality) or a neutral Scandinavian aesthetic, boucle fabric adapts beautifully.
- Timeless elegance: While boucle fabric first gained popularity in mid-century furniture, its current revival feels both nostalgic and modern.
Boucle Chairs On the Market
If building your own bouclé chair isn’t in the cards, there are plenty of retailers offering ready-made options that combine comfort, style, and quality. CB2 carries pieces like the Gwyneth Ivory Bouclé Swivel Chair, perfect for adding a sculptural touch to a living room or home office. West Elm offers the Auburn Chair Poly Chunky Bouclé, which blends cozy texture with mid-century modern-inspired legs, ideal for a minimalist or organic modern space.
For a more design-forward or Scandinavian approach, ferm LIVING has the Rico Bouclé Lounge Chair, while Norr11’s Elephant Lounge Chair Bouclé emphasizes clean lines with a playful textural twist. High-end options include Lemieux Et Cie, featuring chairs like the Mondaine Lounge Chair and Fontaine Swivel Chair, which offer luxury finishes and rich boucle fabric in neutral tones.
Budget-conscious buyers can find great options too. Retailers such as Ivory & Deene and Ubuy carry affordable bouclé armchairs and dining chair sets in smaller spaces. These options allow you to enjoy the softness and tactile charm of boucle without breaking the bank.
When shopping, consider your space and intended use. Swivel or lounge chairs work well in living areas, while dining chairs can bring a touch of modern texture to a table setting. Mix and match with other natural textures like rattan, wood, or stone to amplify the organic modern aesthetic. Whether DIY or purchased, bouclé chairs offer a timeless, tactile element that elevates comfort, style, and personality in any room.