Toile is a style of fabric which has been around for centuries, but has recently found popularity once again. Toile has been seen recently on everything from shower curtains to pajamas and handbags, but the biggest comeback has been in the world of bedding.

The word “toile” is used to describe a printing technique with engraving-like detail which tells a story with the images depicted. Toile was first commercially produced in 1760 in a region of France known as Juoy-en-Josas and was often referred to as Toile de Juoy for that reason.

The first toiles were white or cream, and the stories told in their images were often the retelling of a Greek or Roman myth, a sailing adventure, or simply the daily life of a farmer in the French countryside. Today’s toiles, while keeping with the tradition of very detailed prints, vary greatly in color in theme. Modern toiles run the gamut from traditional French country scenes to intricate floral patterns.

aj MOSS is a company that produces fine toile bedding using luxurious toile prints. Their elegant French country scenes are printed on a cream colored background, and come in black, blue, sage, or red. To keep with this French country theme, the toile comforters are paired with a checked bed skirt.

Thomasville Home Furnishings has recently released a pattern called Cherrington, which is a more modern toile featuring a gorgeous oversized floral pattern on a sapphire blue background. To give this set a striking positive/negative effect, the comforter is paired with sheets in a blue toile pattern on a crisp white background. Thomasville is also planning to release several more traditional toile patterns in the coming months.

Curtain and Drapery Fashions is a company that makes bedding using a classic toile fabric by Waverly called Country Life. These ensembles come in either black or wedgewood and include a wide array of products including comforter sets, throw pillows, and window treatments.

Today you will find toile in a myriad of colorways and designs, but the timeless beauty of this classic French design remains. With the attention to detail shown in these prints, you would almost believe that an artist stood by the Seine drawing ink sketches just for you.