The appeal of denim is timeless – after all – how many of us can say we’ve never owned a pair of jeans?
The name ‘denim’ is a corruption of ‘de Nîmes’, meaning ‘from the French town of Nîmes’. Although known in Europe since the 17th century, the fabric, once used for everything from sails to boot linings, was made popular in 19th century America. Recognising a need by miners for good, hard wearing workwear, entrepreneur Levi Strauss invented the riveting process in conjunction with tailor Jacob Davies, and the ‘blue jean’ as we know it was born.
It’s testament to the durability and comfort of denim that jeans have remained so popular. The most common colour is still indigo blue – as it’s made from a mixture of dyed blue warp threads and white weft threads, blue jeans are white on the inside. Modern dying techniques, though, mean we can now buy our denim in a whole rainbow of colours.
The advantages that have made denim the go-to choice for casual trousers for over 150 years also make it an attractive and hard-wearing choice for home accessories – we’ve picked out our favourites.
1. Genoa denim high bar chair, Harley and Lola
Made from a recycled pair of vintage jeans, this unique bar stool will look great in any kitchen or lounge area. The denim seat is supported by handmade solid teak wood legs. £91.99, available from Harley and Lola.
2. Relaxed yellow denim cotton bedding, Secret Linen Store
This unusual yellow bedding made from 100% cotton has a denim weave, giving a distinctive look of denim in super soft cotton comfort. As it’s a true denim weave, one side of the fabric is paler than the other for a quirky look. Prices start at £9 for a pillowcase from Secret Linen Store.
3. Irwell denim blue elephant stitched light shade, Colours at B&Q
Add denim to your ceiling with this denim blue light shade, with elephant silhouettes picked out in raised white stitching. Ideal for a child’s room, or anywhere you want to add a quirky accent to a plain ceiling. £16, available from B&Q.
4. Jubbly bean bag in denim, Pouf Daddy
The denim Jubbly (a triangular design named after a 1950s ice cream) is comfortable and hardwearing, ideal for TV rooms or children’s playrooms. £169, available from Pouf Daddy.
5. Genoa denim round low stool, Harley and Lola
Made from vintage denim, this quirky round stool is sure to create a statement in any room. It can be used as an occasional seat or footstool, and the legs are handmade from solid teak making it sturdy and comfortable. £55.99, available from Harley and Lola.
6. Jeans pocket wall storage, Kikkerland
If you’ve got a child (or a spouse!) who insists on stuff everything they need for the day in their jeans’ pockets then these wall-mounted storage pouches are ideal. Great for storing pens and other small necessities, they’re fun as well as practical. £10 each, from Kikkerland.
7. Pants cube pouf, Zoeppritz
Make an original addition to any room in your interior with this pouf, adorned with an array of denim jeans in different shades and shapes. £156 from Amara.
8. Shabby chic denim frill cushion, House of Fraser
For a softer, prettier denim look, this cushion is perfect for layering on your sofa or bed. Complete with a feather filled cushion pad, it was £40 now £28 from House of Fraser.
