Tartan Army

If you’re after a classic interior style that never goes out of fashion, look no further than tartan 

Tartan may once have evoked images of traditional country Scottish style, but it’s currently experiencing something of a renaissance, in both clothing and home interiors. Although traditional red, blue and green tartans may spring to mind first, tartan isn’t just for Christmas! There’s no reason you can’t incorporate a modern Highland theme in your home, with some of these gorgeous interiors ideas.

Create your very own rustic hunting lodge with this Loch Leven wing chair in Gower plaid, £1,249.00, DFS Furniture Co Ltd, www.dfs.co.uk.



Tartan has definitely got a new image – gone are the days of old-fashioned bed and breakfasts with faded tartan carpets and threadbare three-piece suits, this is a new era for this classic style.

Join the clan

If you’re unsure about adding Celtic touches to your home, try just a few tartan soft furnishings, such as cushions, rugs, curtains and throws for a warm cosy feel. And if you want to keep things light, bear in mind, tartan doesn’t have to be garish, look for items in a summer tartan – a neutral colour palette – which has a much fresher look than some of the heavier colours.

Team beige, grey, soft greens and lilacs with splashes of bright blues or mustard to add some colour and focus. Using quality fabrics will also add a real richness and warmth to any living space.

Perfect plaid

Highland style is characterised by its criss-cross pattern, in multiple colours and it’s the endless variations of colours that makes it such a versatile pattern. A change of colour palette re-invigorates this heritage style into something really fresh and contemporary. From bold shades to pastels, anything goes with tartan!

One of the great things about plaid is that you don’t have to be too precise about getting exactly the right colour-match with your existing scheme. Ensure the tartan you choose picks up on at least one colour from your room's existing palette and it will fit right in. This style is vintage, rustic and organic and the mix of colours adds to this eclectic and natural theme.

Usually made from quality wools and tweeds, a good tartan fabric is incredibly tactile and hardwearing, and an investment that can last a lifetime. It’s almost like a modern day arts-and-crafts revival is taking place: as technology gets ever-more advanced, many hark back to more traditional skills, crafts and materials, which are very much en vogue.



Highland check linen rug,£100.00, Laura Ashley, www.lauraashley.com

Jean Paul Gaultier tartan twiggy cushion, £88.50, Amara, www.amara.com

Carola van Dyke fox and doe cushions, £85.00 each, Cotswold Trading, www.cotswoldtrading.com

Vintage tweed and tartan buttoned patchwork chair, £800.00, Kelly Swallow, www.kellyswallow.com

Hannah Williamson sausage dog draught excluder, £42.50, Cotswold Trading, www.cotswoldtrading.com



Tartan footstool, £205.00, A Little Furniture Shop, www.littlefurnitureshop.co.uk

Charlie indoor/outdoor rug, from £70.00, Dash & Albert Europe, www.dashandalberteurope.com

Arran Crimond heather tartan table lamp, £245.00, Alexander & Pearl, www.alexanderandpearl.co.uk

Victorian sofa, £1678.00, Delcor, www.delcor.co.uk

Hannah Williamson stags head cushion, £52.50, Cotswold Trading, www.cotswoldtrading.com

Tartan cushion,£8.00, George Home, www.george.com