If you had asked me five years ago about tartan, I might have pictured a biscuit tin or a chilly school uniform. It felt a bit… dated. A bit "tourist shop."
But fashion and interiors are funny things. Just as we think a trend is gone forever, it comes roaring back, reinvented and cooler than ever. This winter, the UK is having a massive love affair with "Heritage" style. Some call it "Grandmacore," others call it "Cabincore," but essentially, it means one thing: Tartan is back.
It's Not Just About Nostalgia
Why now? In a world that feels increasingly digital, shiny, and fast-paced, we are craving things that feel permanent. Tartan has history. It represents craftsmanship, warmth, and the rugged British landscape.
Bringing a check or plaid into your home is the visual equivalent of lighting a log fire. It instantly signals "warmth." It makes a room feel lived-in and established, rather than like a sterile showroom.
The New Rules of Tartan
The key to doing tartan in 2024 is to avoid the "Theme Park" look. You don't want your living room to look like a dedicated shrine to the Highlands. The modern way to wear tartan is moody, subtle, and mixed.
1. Go Darker, Not Brighter
Forget the bright, primary red "Royal Stewart" tartan for now. The trendy checks this season are darker. Think "Black Watch" tartan (dark greens and blues), deep navies, charcoal greys, and muted rusts.
These darker checks look incredible on brushed cotton bedding. They feel masculine, cosy, and very sophisticated. It’s less "Santa’s Grotto" and more "weekend at Balmoral."
2. Mix, Don't Match
The old way was to have matching tartan curtains, cushions, and throws. Please, step away from the matching set! It’s too much.
The new way is to mix a tartan piece with plain textures. If you have a bold stag or tartan cushion, put it next to a plain velvet or a chunky knit. The plain fabric calms the pattern down and lets the check stand out as a feature. It looks curated, rather than catalogued.
3. The Subtle Nod
If you are scared of pattern, a tartan throw is your gateway drug. Folded neatly over the arm of a sofa or the end of a bed, it adds just enough interest without dominating the room. It’s a nod to the trend without the commitment.
The Cosy Factor: Brushed Cotton Checks
The absolute sweet spot for this trend is combining the pattern with the texture. A tartan print on a cold, shiny polyester satin? No thanks. But a tartan print on soft, fuzzy brushed cotton?
That is the ultimate winter luxury. The pattern visually suggests warmth, and the fabric physically delivers it. Swapping your duvet cover to a heritage check is the quickest way to make your bedroom feel festive without a single piece of tinsel.
A Trend That Lasts
The best thing about buying into the Heritage trend is that it isn't really a trend. It’s a classic. A good quality tartan wool blanket or a check cushion cover will still look good in ten years. It doesn't date like neon or geometric prints do.
So, have a rummage through our cushion collection. Look for those deep greens, navies, and reds. Embrace the nostalgia. It turns out, Grandma was right all along—you really can't beat a bit of tartan.
