The Guide to Toile de Jouy Prints
Vintage toile pattern featuring classical romantic motifs.
HISTORIC TOILE
"Toile de Jouy" is a French term that translates to "Cloth from Jouy." Jouy refers to a town outside Paris, where many of the first printed toile fabrics were made. In the past, printing techniques only allowed for limited color options such as black, blue, brown, red, or purple on an off-white background.
The Toile de Jouy style uses decorative illustrations to portray specific themes, which could include places, events, mythology, family, or culture. The story of the theme is depicted through illustrated scenes composed of decorative motifs such as people, animals, plants, or buildings.
Many early toile prints feature romantic illustrations portraying pastoral scenes, reflecting the popular romantic art style of the time when society was mainly rural. Toile has always used popular art styles to reflect cultural values and has evolved alongside trends in art and fashion, remaining relevant today as it was centuries ago.
MODERN TOILE
The style of toile has evolved to reflect modern life and interests. Instead of traditional rural and pastoral scenes, modern prints feature places like Brooklyn, cultural figures such as Johnny Cash, events like Mardi Gras, and stories like Alice in Wonderland. These contemporary designs cater to diverse consumer tastes and use a wider variety of colors. If you're interested in downloading modern toile de jouy style prints, visit our Creative Market Shop.
Brainstorming concepts with a mood board for the Hughes Studio Atlantis Toile de Jouy print.
Mood board exploring different scenes for the Hughes Studio Atlantis Toile de Jouy.