What is Corduroy ? Discover Its History, Texture & Uses

From 18th-century textiles to 1970s bell-bottoms, corduroy is a versatile fabric with the power to easily inject personality into your sofa. Fine or coarse ribbed, in original hues or subdued tones, the unique texture of corduroy lets you create a piece of furniture that's both original and comfortable.

What is corduroy?

Descended from an ancient Egyptian fabric called “Fustian”, corduroy, also known as “pincord”, became popular in the second half of the 18th century. Initially used in workwear and military uniforms for its durability, the fabric came into its own with the “gentlemen farmers” of the early 20th century. It became popular in the 1960s, when it was widely used in fashion and home furnishings.

The characteristic texture of corduroy is achieved by weaving several series of fibers into a base fabric. These fibers run parallel to one another, creating visible columns called “ribs” or “grooves”.

The number of stripes per inch determines the type of corduroy. When this number is high - between 800 and 1000 ribs - we speak of milleraie velvet. This fabric is mainly used for clothing. Around 500 ribs, we speak of fine corduroy, while 300 stripes create coarse-ribbed corduroy.

There are several hypotheses as to the origin of this name.

For some, Corduroy comes from the French “corde du roi”, which was then anglicized. But this theory seems slightly unstable, given that corduroy was invented in England... and not in France!

Others say it's a contraction of “cord” and “duroy”, a rough woollen fabric used in England from the 17th century onwards.

Or could it be the name of a certain Monsieur Corderoy who gave his name to the fabric?

There are several hypotheses, but no definite answers, leaving the imagination free to run wild!

History of corduroy

Coduroy originated in India's Kashmir region in the Middle Ages, but it was the Italians who took up the technique and imported it to Europe. Most often woven from silk, it is made in a red color, a sign of opulence and elegance.

Initially found on the ceremonial outfits of François 1er and the long coats worn by the bourgeoisie, velvet was democratized and modernized, becoming the main fabric for workwear. Its production was facilitated by the use of cotton and machines. Renowned for its warmth and sturdiness, workers adopted cotton or wool corduroy for their jackets and famous work pants known as Largeot.

Velvet or corduroy: what's the difference for your sofa?

Are you torn between velvet and corduroy ? Both options have their own charm. If you want a comfortable sofa with an authentic look, corduroy is an excellent choice. Its soft, fluted texture gives the sofa a distinctive look, while offering a pleasant seating experience.

If, on the other hand, you prefer to give a luxurious, sophisticated edge, a velvet sofa is more suitable. The smooth, soft surface of velvet creates an elegant sofa that goes particularly well with vintage, Scandinavian or bohemian-style decor. So it's all a matter of personal preference and overall aesthetic. To make sure you make the right choice, don't hesitate to order free samples!

The benefits of corduroy

• Style: Corduroy lends authentic charm to the sofa, while its unique texture gives it real visual interest. With its wide range of colors, you can choose the perfect shade to complement your existing decor or, on the contrary, create a sofa that stands out from the crowd.
• Comfort: One of the main advantages of corduroy is its exceptional comfort. Its soft texture and warmth make it ideal for cozying up to a quiet evening or entertaining friends and family.
• Durability: Corduroy is renowned for its durability. So it's an ultra-practical choice for a piece of furniture as widely used as a sofa. Its structure strengthens the fabric, enabling it to withstand daily wear and tear.
• Easy care: Corduroy is relatively easy to maintain. Regular cleaning with a vacuum cleaner fitted with a brush removes dust and dirt. Stains or splashes can be removed with a damp cloth or sponge.

Opt for the comfort of corduroy

Corduroy fabric is an excellent choice for personalizing your sofa in an original way, while retaining its authentic character. With fine or wide ribbing and a wide range of colors, corduroy makes it easy to create a furniture piece with a unique look.

Whether you opt for a corner sofa for a spacious living room or a corduroy convertible sofa for a small apartment, this fabric offers real durability without compromising on style.

The most popular corduroy furniture styles and pieces

Corduroy furniture is available in a wide variety of styles and pieces, allowing you to find the perfect option for your space. Here are some of the most popular corduroy furniture styles and pieces:

Corduroy sofas and armchairs are the most common options for this type of furniture. They offer unrivalled comfort and are available in a wide variety of colors, patterns and styles. Whether you're looking for a corduroy corner sofa for your living room or a corduroy armchair for your office, you're sure to find the perfect piece for your space.

Corduroy poufs and footrests are versatile options that can add a touch of comfort and style to any room. They're perfect for relaxing and putting your feet up after a long day, and can also be used as extra seating when entertaining. Corduroy poufs and footrests are available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, so you can match them to your existing decor or use them as accent pieces.

Corduroy dining chairs are a growing trend, as they add a touch of luxury and comfort to your dining space. They're available in a wide variety of styles, from sleek, modern designs to more traditional, ornate options. Corduroy dining chairs are also available in a wide variety of colors, allowing you to match them to your existing dining table and décor.

How to integrate corduroy furniture into your interior

Integrating corduroy furniture into your interior may seem intimidating, but it's actually quite simple to do so with style and elegance. Here are a few tips for integrating corduroy furniture into your interior design:

Choose the right color

The color of your corduroy furniture can have a major impact on the overall look of your space. If you want your corduroy furniture to be the centerpiece of your space, opt for a vibrant color that contrasts with the rest of your decor. If you prefer a more subtle approach, choose a color that blends in with the existing decor. Neutral colors such as gray, beige and white are ideal for an elegant, sophisticated look, while bright colors such as blue, red and green are perfect for a bold, eye-catching look.

Mix and match

Corduroy furniture can be mixed and matched with other fabrics and textures to create an interesting and dynamic look. For example, you can pair a corduroy sofa with faux fur cushions for a luxurious, comfortable look, or with linen cushions for a lighter, airier look. Corduroy furniture also pairs well with rougher fabrics such as burlap or leather for a more rustic, textured look.

Add accents

Corduroy furniture can also be used as accent pieces to add a touch of warmth and texture to your space. For example, you can choose a corduroy armchair for your reading nook, or add a corduroy footstool next to your sofa for extra comfort. Corduroy dining chairs can also be used to add a touch of luxury to your dining space.

Care for corduroy furniture

Corduroy furniture is generally easy to care for and clean. To remove stains, use a clean, damp cloth and gently dab the stained area. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners, as they can damage the fabric. To protect your corduroy furniture from wear and stains, you can also use a fabric protection spray.

Corduroy furniture trends for different rooms

Corduroy furniture is versatile and can be used in any room of your home. Here are some corduroy furniture trends for different rooms:

In the living room, corduroy sofas and armchairs are the most common choices. Vibrant colors like emerald green and royal blue are very much on trend, while neutral tones like beige and gray remain popular choices for an elegant, sophisticated look. Corduroy poufs are also a popular choice for adding a touch of comfort and texture to the space.

In the bedroom, corduroy headboards are very much on trend. They add a touch of luxury and sophistication to the space, while rich colors like burgundy and purple add a touch of warmth and comfort. Corduroy chairs and benches are also a popular choice for adding a comfortable corner for relaxing and reading.

Corduroy chairs are a growing trend in interior design. Vibrant colors like red and green are very much on trend, while neutral tones like beige and gray are ideal for an elegant, sophisticated look. Corduroy dining chairs add a touch of luxury and comfort to the dining space.