Tartan, the traditional check once reserved for country houses and winter lodges, has had a rather sophisticated makeover for 2026.
While decorating with checks is nothing new, I've been noticing a fresh take on this classic pattern trend everywhere from wool throws to the tabletop. And designers agree that it's really starting to take off.
Likely a natural evolution of the 'Ralph Lauren aesthetic' that has been dominating fall trends for 2025 (and Christmas trends, for that matter), but instead of reading as hunting lodge chic, this is more 'heritage with a twist'.
'Tartan has officially made a comeback, but it’s not the classic green-and-red version you remember from your grandma’s house,' explains designer Kristina Khersonsky of STUDIO KEETA. '
'What’s exciting about tartan right now is how it’s being reimagined in fresh colorways and unexpected fibers,' she says. 'Textile houses are leaning in hard, and the pattern is popping up in more elevated, modern applications. Tartan today feels less heritage, more statement.' Kristina's favorite? Pierre Frey's Malindi.
Talking of favorites, there are plenty of ways to introduce a playful pop of plaid into your home this winter. You can start small with Joanna Gaines' Green Plaid Mug from Target for your morning brew, or look to Lulu and Georgia's holiday collection for a contemporary twist on festive table tartan with the Musetta Table Linens.
This new generation of tartans is less about clan colors and more about craftsmanship and whimsy – woven in brushed wool, linen blends, and even velvet, which gives the pattern a soft, festive quality.
So, how do you bring this new take on tartan home? Designer Lauren Gilberthorpe also advises starting small. 'Tartan works beautifully as an accent rather than a lead fabric within a scheme, appearing on cushions, throws, or small upholstered pieces,' she suggests. 'It brings a sense of comfort and familiarity but remains fresh when layered with modern textures and color palettes, particularly with rich materials such as mohair or velvet in the cooler months.'
Whether you’re drawn to a wool throw, a ruffled cushion, or statement tablewares, there's a playful way to do tartan for all interior design styles. Below, I’ve rounded up the most beautiful tartan pieces to shop now.
Shop Tartan Decor
Designed exclusively for Anthropologie's 2025 holiday collection and perfect for holiday hosting, this pink platter’s red tartan border adds instant cheer to the table. Pair it with splatterware ceramics for a collected look.
Traditional tartan meets feminine, country charm in this ruffle-edged cushion. Its pastel buttery yellow check and gathered trim make it a perfect accent for layered, lived-in sofas or cozy reading corners.
A nostalgic take on a traditional motif, the inspiration behind this tartan design derives from Addison Ross’ Scottish roots and brings a trending touch to your kitchen counter or Christmas table.
Meticulously handcrafted and upholstered in Tattie by Anna Spiro Textiles, this joyful ottoman will make a one-of-a-kind statement in your living room and is great for extra seating, styling, or putting your feet up.
Bring a subtle, timeless pattern to your tablescape with these rich green tartan placemats from Lulu and Georgia. Their contemporary check makes them versatile enough for everyday dining yet special enough for festive entertaining.
Reversible and hypoallergenic, this Shetland wool throw reimagines tartan in vibrant pink and purple tones. Draped over an armchair or folded at the foot of the bed, it’s an easy cozy layering trick.
Proof that tartan doesn’t have to mean traditional, this multi-colored plaid bedding brings a cheerful, modern twist to the pattern. Layer it with crisp white or soft flannel sheets to strike that perfect balance between cozy and contemporary.
Nothing says winter comfort like a morning coffee in a tartan mug. Hand-painted, decaled, and glazed, this bold red-and-blue pattern feels nostalgic yet fresh, a small detail that instantly makes your kitchen feel more seasonal.
Handmade in Italy and printed in the UK, this 4-piece flatware set is a playful way to bring pattern to your table. It’s the kind of detail that transforms casual fall dinners into something subtly special.
Tartan’s rebirth feels like part of a wider shift toward styles that balance polish with personality – a move away from minimalism and back toward lived-in, layered design. It’s a pattern that speaks to tradition, but this new wave feels playful, even a little preppy, especially when mixed with bold stripes and scalloped edges.
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