Uniquely Thai soft furnishings.
Thailand is one of Asia’s most prominent producers of soft furnishings with a traditional edge. The development of Thai art, from the Dvaravati period, 6th until the 13th century, through the Lanna (13th to 18th century), Sukhothai (beginning in the 14th century), Ayutthaya (mainly stonework), Bangkok (further development on the Ayutthaya style, and with Western influence in painting from the 19th century), through the contemporary period, has followed a largely religious Buddhist theme, interspersed with the natural elements of plants and animals. Current Thai soft furnishing crafts encompass cushion covers, table runners, tissue box covers, bed linen, as well as traditional kinds of clothing, such as sarongs and light cotton summer wear.
The Thai national symbol of the elephant is used widely in soft furnishing design work. And you will find many representations of elephants on household goods. Sometimes the design can be simple. For example, a plain cushion cover with a fabric band, depicting the much loved elephant, sewn across the cover to break up the single color. At the other end of the scale there are wonderfully intricate covers, still made by the women of the north western hill tribes, where elephants are designed and embroidered in sequins, faux pearls and glass beads, to make a truly unique product that takes pride of place in many Western as well as Thai homes.
Thai people, as with so many other Asian cultures, love color. And color is used to great effect in modern design work. It is not unusual to be able to buy Thai soft furnishings in 12 – 15 and even more different colors. The colors can be deep and rich, through to bright and playful, with pastels thrown in for good measure. Thailand is a country of great beauty, with a magnificence of floral color at certain times of year. This variety of natural color has influenced the soft furnishings produced there, and allow access to colors that are often not available normally in Western color schemes.
Thailand is famous for its silk products. And it is possible to buy soft furnishings in silk, as well as scarves, shawls, even bags made from this natural resource. But with the cost of silk production rising there has been a move toward less expensive alternatives so that Thai products remain available to people with all levels of income. And the designation ‘Thai Silk’ has come to encompass polysilks in soft furnishing production. Polysilk looks just like real silk but with a much lower price tag. The product is also more durable, needing less care and attention in our fast moving world.
So if you’re looking to add a unique touch to your home, something that brings together wonderful color combinations with links to both tradition and nature, check out the best of the Thai online retailers and wholesalers for some of the most beautiful soft furnishings available today.
To know more about Thai silk products visit our online Thai superstore
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