Our Favorite Floral Prints Fabrics by Decade

Have you ever felt like taking a walk down memory lane but with floral prints? It’s fun to see how trends have evolved over the years and how we got to where we are today. We love floral patterns here at Express Knit, so let’s look at the different floral print fabrics by the decade.

The 1950s

Floral patterns and prints rose in popularity during the 1950s. As the decade progressed, florals found their way onto more than handkerchiefs and dresses. Couches, drapes, and other upholstery became upbeat and energetic with the addition of floral prints. The 1950s was only the beginning.

The 1960s

The 60s gave flowers their moment in the spotlight. The bright, psychedelic floral patterns painted a picture of peace and love during the 60s. Pink and yellow were often the colors at the forefront. There were a lot of daisies to be found on clothes, purses, sunglasses, pillows, and scarves. This trend could turn almost any frown upside down. It was a time when many people needed to feel uplifted, and that’s exactly what the 60s floral prints did.

The 1970s

The floral prints of the 1970s became quieter and more subdued because of the political turmoil across the country. The trend went from vibrant to toned down. Most patterns gave off an autumnal vibe. The bright yellows turned into mustard, and the lime-green became avocado.

You could find these prints and colors everywhere, from the couches and drapes to the fridge and stove. If you walk into a home with an avocado-green stove, it’s undoubtedly from the 1970s.

The 1980s

The 1980s saw the rise of tropical floral patterns. Birds of paradise, ginger, and heliconia ruled the home scene. Homeowners loved it so much that they used these prints on the wallpaper, couches, curtains, and more. Some homes looked more like floral explosions. This trend planted the seed for what would come to be known as cottagecore.

The 1990s

Floral took a bit of a backseat during the 1990s. You could find delicate floral prints such as roses, gardenias, and freesias, but not much else.

The 2000s to 2010s

Florals were basically non-existent during the early aughts. They signified a dated aesthetic, one that was overdone and cliché. This decade was more about animal prints than floral prints.

Today

If you’ve stepped foot into a newly remodeled home, you’ll find that florals and wallpaper are back. Today, you’ll find graphic petals and abstract patterns. There seems to be another floral explosion happening in this decade.

Did a look back at the floral patterns of decades past spark some creativity? Express Knit sells high-quality wholesale fabrics, including ITY print fabric. We carry a beautiful selection of floral prints perfect for clothing, pillows, and other projects.