12 Pieces That Prove Tartan Deserves a Spot in Your Home, Even After the Holidays

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A familial identifier. A symbol of royalty. An expression of punk culture. A popular holiday motif. Over the years, tartan has acted as a fibrous zeitgeist for various generations predominantly in the United Kingdom and the United States. Now, tartan is taking on another identity: a style staple.

Recently, fashion brands including Hill House Home, Ralph Lauren and Zimmerman have used the unique pattern structure of tartan to create stunning wardrobe staples that we cannot live without, but the tartan trend goes beyond fashion and into our homes. Tableware, furniture and decor have all been accented with the mark of tartan, and we are floored by the results.

For some historical background, tartan has deep roots in Scottish, particularly Scottish Highlands, culture. The check-like, repeated pattern has served as a source of exclusive pride for the United Kingdom for hundreds of years as only certain people could wear certain variations of tartan. As the years a have gone on, the exclusive nature of the tartan has relaxed, but the intriguing color combinations are unique pattern still make a statement.

For Nell Diamond, the founder and CEO of Hill House, tartan has long been a source of inspiration. Born and raised in the United Kingdom, Diamond has a strong connection to Great Britain and has translated that connection into Hill House designs.

"Our tartan styles have always been core to Hill House - the first time we sold out of the Nap Dress® was with our holiday tartans in 2019 so it’s always a special collection for us to release each year," Diamond reveals. "Since then, we’ve expanded upon our tartan offerings with new dress styles, skirts, accessories, shoes, even puffer jackets. We love to see everyone sporting their tartans during the holidays on Instagram."

A familial identifier. A symbol of royalty. An expression of punk culture. A popular holiday motif. Over the years, tartan has acted as a cultural zeitgeist. Most notably intertwined with Scotland's vibrant history, the pattern usually woven into woolen cloth is just as complex in composition as it is in symbolism. However, we’re focusing on just one aspect of this storied design: its significance as a style staple.

Tartan in fashion is nothing new. Important designers of the 20th century like Kate Middleton–favorite Alexander McQueen, the tweed-obsessed Coco Chanel, all-American Ralph Lauren, and punk icon Vivienne Westwood all used it in compelling ways with varying significance. In previous centuries, tartan was worn by those of means usually with connections to the Scottish Highlands.

Versatility is what drew the Scots to this patterned cloth in the first place. Originally tartan was one long piece of fabric that one could wrap around themselves to stay cool during the summer and warm during the winter. It became the dress code of choice for leaders in Scottish communities. However, when tensions started to rise between Scotland and England in the 1700s, traditional Highland dress was outlawed for a short period of time, making tartan even more of a statement than it had ever been before.

The tartan trend goes beyond fashion and into our homes. Tableware, furniture, and decor have all been accented with the mark of tartan, and we are floored by the results. The warm, earthy tones make tartan feel inviting and festive, which also makes it a perfect hallmark of the holiday season.

For Nell Diamond, the founder and CEO of Hill House Home, tartan has long been a source of inspiration. Born and raised in London, Diamond has a strong connection to Great Britain and has translated that link into Hill House designs.

"Our tartan styles have always been core to Hill House—the first time we sold out of The Nap Dress was with our holiday tartans in 2019, so it’s always a special collection for us to release each year," she reveals. "Since then, we’ve expanded upon our tartan offerings with new dress styles, skirts, accessories, shoes, even puffer jackets. We love to see everyone sporting their tartans during the holidays on Instagram."

This year, the brand has once again sold out of many of its tartan designs, and the season has just begun. To discover some of VERANDA's favorite tartan pieces, read on.

Targa Lounge Chair

Tufted, elegant, and in a timeless black-and-white colorway, this chair from GamFratesi is a statement-making piece that instantly elevates a space. The Italian and Danish background of the brand proves to be an interesting application of tartan material.

Ferren Domino Set

We're in the mood for games. An exquisite set of dominoes adds the perfect tartan accent to your home accessories that you'll love year-round. The brass border makes this classic green pattern pop.

Tartan Cashmere Stole

This soft cashmere stole is a bestseller for this Scottish heritage brand. You'll find yourself gravitating toward this timeless style in MacFarlane tartan time and time again.

Glen Plaid Shot Glass

Raise a glass! In the late 20th century, tartan and other variations of plaid started to make their way into glassware, and we're big fans. If you are wary of adding a lot of color to your home, but still into the trend, glassware is a great way to start.

Glen Plaid Shot Glass

Raise a glass! In the late 20th century, tartan and other variations of plaid started to make their way into glassware, and we're big fans. If you are wary of adding a lot of color to your home, but still into the trend, glassware is a great way to start.

Staffin Tartan Serape

Royal-favorite brand Barbour has a take on tartan that you'll want to bring Stateside. This serape makes us feel as though we're walking through the Scottish moors.

Royal Stewart Tartan Tree Skirt

We love to use the holidays as an excuse to pull out more ornamental tartans, and we always love this one that Queen Elizabeth II wore as her personal clan tartan.

Royal Stewart Tartan Tree Skirt

We love to use the holidays as an excuse to pull out more ornamental tartans, and we always love this one that Queen Elizabeth II wore as her personal clan tartan.

The Quentin Set

"Every year, we release a holiday drop that is centered around our tartan styles," shares Diamond. "At Hill House, we view tartan as a classic—there is something about it that immediately transports you to the fall and holiday seasons."

This year, the Hill House holiday collection includes what she calls a multi-tartan variation. "Inspired by a vintage silk swatch sourced from the Design Library archives, multi tartan is our newest tartan and a vibrant take on classic fabric," Diamond explains.

The Quentin Set

"Every year, we release a holiday drop that is centered around our tartan styles," shares Diamond. "At Hill House, we view tartan as a classic—there is something about it that immediately transports you to the fall and holiday seasons."

This year, the Hill House holiday collection includes what she calls a multi-tartan variation. "Inspired by a vintage silk swatch sourced from the Design Library archives, multi tartan is our newest tartan and a vibrant take on classic fabric," Diamond explains.

Tartan Murano Glass Bottle

This stunning Barovier for Christian Dior glass bottle is exactly what you need to spice up your bar cart. Polychrome glass canes are thoughtfully arranged to make this tartan-inspired statement maker.

Tartan Murano Glass Bottle

This stunning Barovier for Christian Dior glass bottle is exactly what you need to spice up your bar cart. Polychrome glass canes are thoughtfully arranged to make this tartan-inspired statement maker.

Very Fine Tartan Pattern Vinaigrette

For those unfamiliar, a vinaigrette was once used to hold a perfumed cloth. Now it's the ideal accessory for your bedside table. The chic etched tartan design is subtle but still very present.

Very Fine Tartan Pattern Vinaigrette

For those unfamiliar, a vinaigrette was once used to hold a perfumed cloth. Now it's the ideal accessory for your bedside table. The chic etched tartan design is subtle but still very present.

Cuffietta Round Tartan Placemat

Plates and placemats in the tartan pattern are quite popular during the holidays. We especially love the oversize scale of these festive placemats.

Tartan Lounge Chair

Careful craftsmanship and Nigel Coates's thoughtful eye for design make this chair perfect for nearly any space. For the study, living room, or an alcove, this elegant chair will make a statement wherever you put it.

Tartan: Romancing the Plaid

If you are interested in learning a little more about tartan or just love the look, then pick up a coffee table book on the subject. Delving into all the elements and history of this iconic, storied patterned fabric, you'll learn all there is to know about tartan.

Tartan: Romancing the Plaid

If you are interested in learning a little more about tartan or just love the look, then pick up a coffee table book on the subject. Delving into all the elements and history of this iconic, storied patterned fabric, you'll learn all there is to know about tartan.

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