Moiré is Coming Back in a Way – Here’s How Interior Designers Are Using the Pattern

Moiré: an optical pattern that first became popular in the late 19th century, known for its undulating, rippling visual effect. It was once seen as a high-fashion element, a staple of textile design, and a bit of a design quirk. But as with many trends, Moiré’s popularity faded for a time, overtaken by more minimalist and linear aesthetics.

Now, as cyclical design trends make their way back into the spotlight, Moiré is emerging again—but not in the way you might expect. Today, interior designers are rediscovering this complex, hypnotic pattern and incorporating it into a wide range of interior styles. Far from being a relic of the past, Moiré has been reimagined, offering new life in modern design.

If you haven’t noticed, Moiré is making waves in both commercial and residential spaces. So how are designers using this revived pattern? Let’s explore how Moiré is making a comeback in a way that's fresh, bold, and innovative.

1. Moiré Textiles for Statement Upholstery

One of the most exciting ways Moiré is making its mark is through upholstery fabrics. Traditional Moiré fabric often appears on drapery or bedding, but today’s interior designers are pushing boundaries by using it for statement chairs, sofas, and accent cushions. The optical illusion it creates adds both depth and texture, transforming otherwise simple furniture pieces into striking visual elements.

The unique undulating pattern, particularly in softer colourways, can also lend a sense of movement and fluidity to the design, making a room feel more dynamic. For example, in contemporary living rooms, designers might opt for a Moiré-upholstered accent chair in a muted pastel shade, subtly bringing a sense of intrigue without overwhelming the space.

2. Wall Treatments: Moiré as Art

Instead of using Moiré solely for textiles, many designers are now applying it to walls, where the effect is even more pronounced. Moiré wallpaper is especially popular for creating bold feature walls or accent panels. By layering fine patterns and textures in subtle gradients or metallic finishes, Moiré wallpaper can take a room from ordinary to extraordinary.

In some cases, designers incorporate the pattern onto walls through custom-painted murals or digital prints, using contrasting colours or textures that play off one another. The result is a room that feels more immersive and alive with energy.

Moiré wall treatments are especially popular in contemporary and modern spaces, where designers often pair the pattern with minimalist furnishings and clean lines to balance out the complexity of the design. This technique also works wonders in commercial spaces like hotels or boutiques, where creating a memorable visual experience is key.

3. Rugs and Carpets: The Pattern That Grounds a Room

Another fresh way designers are embracing Moiré is through the use of rugs and carpets. Moiré-inspired patterns can provide the perfect balance of intrigue and harmony to floors, grounding a room without overwhelming it. These rugs are perfect for adding both texture and visual interest to living rooms, offices, or even kitchens.

Whether the Moiré pattern is used in bold, saturated colours or in more neutral, muted tones, rugs with this design add a sense of rhythm and continuity to the room’s overall aesthetic. The undulating pattern mimics natural movement, evoking feelings of fluidity and serenity.

Designers often use Moiré rugs to tie in other elements of the room, especially in spaces where you want to mix organic textures (think wood, stone, or linen) with something more structured or geometric. The contrast between the flowing pattern and more rigid materials creates a balance that feels sophisticated and contemporary.

4. Moiré on Glass and Mirrors

Moiré patterns are also starting to appear on glass panels and mirrors, giving these surfaces an artistic edge. Imagine a large mirror framed with a subtle Moiré texture, or glass panels that divide a space in an office or retail setting, providing both privacy and visual intrigue. This is a brilliant way to incorporate Moiré without the design feeling too overwhelming.

In some high-end residential projects, designers are experimenting with Moiré-etched glass partitions or sliding doors, which allow the pattern to create movement and light play throughout the space. The reflective quality of glass, paired with Moiré’s optical effect, enhances the illusion of depth, making small rooms feel bigger and more dynamic.

5. Lighting Fixtures: Moiré as a Play of Light and Shadow

Moiré patterns can even extend to lighting design. Designers are embracing the optical illusion of Moiré on light fixtures, especially pendant lights and lampshades, to create a mesmerising play of light and shadow. When light passes through or around a Moiré pattern, it produces an ever-changing effect that can shift throughout the day, depending on the position of the light.

This technique works especially well in modern kitchens, dining rooms, or living spaces, where the soft and ethereal quality of Moiré complements the clean lines of contemporary furniture. A Moiré lampshade can add a layer of sophistication, while the moving shadows and light evoke a sense of calm and tranquility.

6. Moiré in Smaller Details: Accessories and Art

For those who love the Moiré look but want to add it in a more subtle way, smaller accessories like throw pillows, vases, art prints, or even trays can incorporate the pattern without taking centre stage. In this way, Moiré functions as a design accent rather than an overwhelming feature.

By layering Moiré patterns with solid colours, metallic finishes, and minimalist decor, designers can create rooms that feel both sleek and visually stimulating. A small Moiré-print vase on a coffee table or a geometric wall art piece with a Moiré-inspired design can easily complement a wide variety of other interior styles.

7. The Revival of Moiré in Contemporary Colour Palettes

While traditional Moiré was often rendered in bold, contrasting colours—think black and white or red and gold—today’s iteration of Moiré is being adapted to more contemporary and soft colour palettes. Pastels, muted neutrals, and even metallics are being used to modernise the pattern, giving it a fresh appeal that feels less nostalgic and more current.

In modern interior design, colour is often used to evoke emotions or set the mood of a space. By using Moiré in softer hues like blush, sage, or even charcoal, designers can create a soothing atmosphere that is still visually engaging, but not overly busy or harsh.

Moiré is no longer confined to the realm of outdated fabrics or flashy accents. With its revival in modern interior design, this hypnotic pattern is now being used in a wide range of creative ways, from statement upholstery and stunning wallpapers to artistic lighting and floor treatments. The key to using Moiré effectively is understanding its unique ability to create movement and visual intrigue while balancing it with other design elements.

As designers continue to push boundaries and experiment with patterns, Moiré is sure to become a signature design element in homes and commercial spaces alike. The next time you’re looking to add a touch of visual flair to your interior, consider bringing back Moiré—it’s a pattern that’s not only coming back, but evolving in ways that are anything but predictable