“Jouch” is a somewhat unfortunate term, but it’s gaining traction. Once there were jeggings, additional denim-themed items with an initial “J” were sure to follow. Enter the Jouch, a sofa, couch, or other seat upholstered in denim. Awkward name aside, denim upholstery pieces and their distinctive blue covers have an amazing range, appearing as everything from slouchy beanbag chairs to sophisticated, high-end models from well-known international furnishings companies like Poltrona Frau.
Yes, Your Couch Can Now Be Made of Denim. Enter the Jouch.
The fabric—whose name, by the way, is though to derive from a fabric that originated in the French town of Nîmes (serge de Nîmes)—has been cropping up in some pretty high-brow places. Interior designers such as Neal Beckstedtare have put the workhorse to chic use in an East Hampton compound, the results shown in the likes of Architectural Digest. Dutch designer Maarten Baas wrapped an entire airplane in G-Star denim last year for a collaboration with the clothing company during the Salone del Mobile in Milan. And artist Ian Berry makes installations in denim shown in galleries and museums around the world.
Don’t Knock a Denim Couch: Some Options
Armstrong Denim Chesterfield Sofa Collection / Club Furniture
The classic Chesterfield, with a low, tufted back and rolled arms is clad in the blue jean material—as an armchair or a sofa. The sofa is 70” wide and the seats are 27” deep. The armchair is also 27” deep and the 27” wide between the arms.
Archibald Denim Edition armchair / Poltrona Frau
Designer Jean-Marie Massaud’s Archibald armchair for the French company has been reupholstered in denim, bringing a sort of “This? I just found it in my closet!” nonchalance to a the famous seat.
Denim Bean Bag Lounger / Wayfair
Instead of the formless (and sticky) bag of beans of yore, this iteration has a bit of structure provided by a metal brace. The down-blend (70% goose down) filling makes it super comfy and it’s 34” wide so plenty of room to curl up.
Story by Stephen Treffinger
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