What you need to know about Belgian style interior design

Belgian low-key luxe interiors are officially Having A Moment. Belgium is, of course, no stranger to aesthetics: this is the land of the Flemish masters, the birthplace of Art Nouveau and the stomping ground of Dutch and Flemish renaissance painters such as Pieter Bruegel the Elder.

For over 250 years, from the 15th to long into the 17th century, Flanders was a figurehead for fine arts in Western Europe. So what, if anything, can Belgian architects say now in the 21st century about aesthetics that hasn't been covered before?

Well, actually, a lot. In this comprehensive guide, we explore contemporary Belgian interior design, highlighting how premium contract fabrics and performance upholstery play a crucial role in achieving this coveted aesthetic.

The Essence of Belgian Interior Design: Texture, Comfort, and Performance Fabrics

Like Japandi, Belgian-style interiors feature neutral or even desaturated colours paired with richer palette accents and unfinished woods. This carefully calibrated colour scheme—typically incorporating soft greys, warm taupe, gentle creams, and muted earth tones—creates a timeless canvas that doesn't succumb to fleeting trends.

Belgian design distinguishes itself through its deliberate juxtaposition of textures. Rough-hewn stone walls might stand opposite smooth plaster surfaces. Raw linen contract fabrics drape over structured furniture frames. The contrast between polished concrete floors and natural wool rugs creates visual interest without relying on bold colours or patterns.

What truly sets these spaces apart is their sophisticated use of performance fabrics and contract upholstery that balance aesthetics with remarkable functionality. Belgian designers frequently select:

• High-performance linens that offer both the authentic look of traditional Belgian textiles and modern stain-resistance
• Anti-microbial fabrics for upholstered pieces that maintain both health standards and visual appeal
• Contract-grade textiles that bring hospitality-level durability to residential spaces
• PFAs-free performance fabrics that reflect Belgian design's commitment to authenticity and purity

"The way one looks at things is of the utmost importance. Seeing is feeling with the eyes." – Axel Vervoordt

These restrained but comfortably elegant spaces are not as cold as strictly minimalist interiors: there is a tactile sensuality achieved through layering, contrast and a variety of textures. The thoughtful incorporation of different material weights—lightweight sheers alongside substantial contract upholstery fabrics—creates depth and dimension that invites both visual appreciation and physical interaction.

Belgian interiors often feature generously proportioned furniture with clean lines, upholstered in high-performance fabrics that maintain their beauty despite daily use. This practical luxury is quintessentially Belgian: spaces that feel elevated yet entirely liveable, where nothing is too precious to be enjoyed fully. High-performance fabrics play an essential role in this sensory experience, offering both visual appeal and practical benefits for contemporary living without compromising the signature Belgian aesthetic of understated sophistication.

The Marriage of Tradition and Innovation in Belgian Design

Stemming from Flemish farmhouse design, antique furniture has a place even in contemporary Belgian interiors, contrasting beautifully with soft, anti-microbial fabrics and glossy metals. Today's Belgian designers understand that even the most traditional spaces benefit from modern contract fabrics that offer stain resistance, durability, and easy maintenance.

For commercial and residential projects alike, premium contract upholstery fabrics provide the perfect solution: they maintain the signature Belgian aesthetic while meeting the practical demands of high-traffic areas. FibreGuard performance fabrics exemplify this balance, offering the subtle texture and sophisticated appearance Belgian design demands while delivering exceptional durability and easy maintenance that modern spaces require.

The latest PFAs-free FibreGuard performance fabrics allow designers to achieve this balance without compromising on environmental responsibility. This commitment to sustainability aligns perfectly with the Belgian design ethos of authenticity and respect for natural materials. FibreGuard's environmentally conscious manufacturing processes—including reduced water consumption and eco-friendly finishes—ensure that these contract fabrics contribute to healthier interior environments.

Belgian designers particularly appreciate how FibreGuard's neutral palette options complement the characteristic muted color schemes of Belgian interiors. The fabric's subtle textural variations create the depth and visual interest that define this aesthetic, while their performance qualities ensure longevity—a hallmark of Belgian design's emphasis on timelessness over trendiness.

Belgian Architects Leading the Global Design Conversation

We can perhaps thank globally-recognised Belgian architects such as Vincent Van Duysen, Pieter Vanrenterghem and Axel Vervoordt for the rise in popularity of interiors created with this specifically Belgian elegance.

Even Kim Kardashian and Kanye West embraced Belgian design style with their home in California (featured in Architectural Digest). This high-profile endorsement showcases how contract fabrics can elevate residential spaces with commercial-grade performance without sacrificing luxury.

The TriBeCa Penthouse at the Greenwich Hotel in New York City was created by Belgian designer Axel Vervoordt and Japanese architect Tatsuro Miki, in close collaboration with the hotel's partners Ira Drukier and Robert De Niro. The 6,800 sq ft suite illustrates the perfect integration of performance fabrics within a design inspired by the TriBeCa neighbourhood's industrial past fused with the ancient Japanese aesthetic of Wabi.

Designing with Performance and Longevity in Mind

Vincent Van Duysen's philosophy resonates perfectly with the benefits of modern contract upholstery fabrics:

"I would define my style philosophy as the use of pure and tactile materials that result in a clear and timeless design. My approach encompasses all aspects of design, relating to context and tradition, in which the senses and physical experience of space, materials and light put the user first. Functionality, durability and comfort are the most important components of my work. My architectural language does not shy away from aesthetics but can withstand fashion and trends." - Vincent Van Duysen in Imagicasa

This emphasis on functionality, durability, and comfort perfectly aligns with what today's anti-microbial fabrics and performance textiles offer to designers working in the Belgian aesthetic. When selecting upholstery for Belgian-inspired interiors, consider how performance fabrics can enhance both the visual appeal and practical functionality of the space.

How to Incorporate Performance Fabrics into Your Belgian-Inspired Space

For designers and homeowners looking to achieve this aesthetic:

1. Choose contract fabrics in neutral, earthy tones that complement natural materials
2. Layer different textures of performance upholstery to create visual interest
3. Select anti-microbial fabrics for pieces that see heavy use, especially in commercial projects
4. Consider PFAs-free options that maintain the Belgian commitment to authenticity and quality

Related Read: What does "slub" or "slubbiness" mean for fabrics or textiles?

Explore More Belgian Design Inspiration

We hope that you loved this brief peek into the world of contemporary Belgian interior architecture and how performance fabrics can elevate these spaces!

Head on over to our Pinterest boards and wander through the interiors and design styles that we are passionate about here at FibreGuard. Discover our full range of contract upholstery fabrics and see how they can transform your next Belgian-inspired project.

Looking for specific performance fabrics for your next design project? Contact our team to discuss how our anti-microbial, stain-resistant contract fabrics can help you achieve the perfect Belgian aesthetic while meeting all your practical requirements.