Personally, I have collected tartanware for many years and my collection continues to grow. It is particularly suited for the holiday season because of the colors and the thick fabric it implies and is a perfect accent to any holiday decorations! Because of my interest in it, we thought it would be fun to do a brief overview of where it comes from, how it has become what it is today and the best ways to incorporate it into your own home!

History of Tartanware:

Tartanware was produced in the Scottish town of Mauchline from the early 1800s to 1933. It was the name given to small wood objects covered in tartan papers and sold as Scottish souvenirs. Tartan designs were applied to paper, via the machines, and then glued to small everyday objects made from local Sycamore wood.

Tartan Box Next to Christmas Tree

Scotland has always drawn tourists because of the natural beauty of the area. In 1852, Prince Albert purchased Balmoral estate in the Scottish Highlands for Queen Victoria. Soon, the area was bombarded with middle-class tourists, all wanting to take home Momentos of their trip. The small tartan items were a hit! They were colorful and easy to pack for the journey back home on the train.

Originally, they were hand-painted; however, in 1853, new machines were invented to speed up the manufacturing process. Boxes and sewing items are especially popular. The items were heavily varnished, which explains why it is still possible to find these antique items in good condition today. The production of tartanware ceased in 1933 due to a fire in the factory where it was made. 

Tartanware Today:

Today, as we mentioned, tartanware is perfect for your home generally, but has a special place during the holidays! 

Tartan Throw on Leopard Chair

It’s quite obvious why tartan is so popular for the holidays, implying thick fabrics and the perfect reds and green colors woven in. I love to use throws of tartan or scarves across the house to really warm up the holiday season.

Ways to Incorporate Tartan in your Home:

There are many ways to bring some tartan into your home, but here are five of our favorites!

Wall Upholstery 

Tartan Wall Upholstery

If you are mad for plaid then upholstering a tartan on your walls is the way to go. It makes our room warm and inviting. Pairing your large patterned tartan with a sofa and chairs in a solid color, add a classic look to any room. Although traditional tartans feature strong blues, greens, and reds, there are plenty of contemporary takes on the classic color scheme. Tried tartan in soft gray or beige with more contemporary furnishings.

Upholstery Fabric

Tartan Upholstered Chair

You can always upholster a bright and bold tartan fabric on a sofa, chair, or throw cushion, but be careful not to overwhelm, they don’t work for every interior. Choosing a neutral plaid adds that Scottish look to a home without overpowering the current look.

Carpeting

Tartan Carpet

Timeless, festive and inviting but certainly not for everyone, tartan carpeting is a classic look. From the bold colors of red and green to more neutral beiges and taupes it most definitely will provide a country house appeal.

Wallpaper

Tartan Wallpaper

Textiles aren’t the only way to add plaid to your home. Using Tartan wallpaper in a bathroom, for example, is a showstopper. Pair it with either a dark stain vanity or a light-colored painted vanity and you have a classic look. Transitional tartan wallpapers come in various neutral tones and look great with lighter painted cabinetry. Bold tartans look better with dark painted or stained cabinetry.

Accessories

Tartan Accessories

A simple red tartan scarf tied around an antique walking stick adds color and charm all year round and reminds us that the holidays are just around the corner.

Tartan Scarf with Antique Canes

We hope you enjoyed this quick overview and you get the chance to visit Scotland someday! It is a beautiful place with historic design and you’ll fall in love with tartan if you haven’t already. We are also able to install wall upholstery, so if your dream is to have some more tartan in your life we can definitely make that happen with some of the most gorgeous fabrics around.

Also, one bonus pic for good measure, this is our Dunkin in tartan!  It’s absolutely adorable on your furry friends as well 🙂

Dunkin in Tartan