Inside the Box Pleat Design Trend
As we navigate an era of reinvention, the box pleat symbolizes a movement towards more tailored sophistication. Its ability to balance masculine and feminine styles give it a wide appeal, making its way back into modern furnishings. With designers like Jake Arnold and Sarah Sherman Samuel leading the way, the box pleat is poised to make a significant resurgence, evolving while also retaining its sense of timeless charm.
Design by Ashe Leandro | Photography by Adrian Gaut
Meet the Modern Box Pleat
In keeping with our 2024 design predictions, this year marks an era of fresh perspective. Designers are tapping into diverse style influences, revitalizing traditional features with a contemporary twist. One noticeable trend is the shift toward classic structure, particularly within furnishings. The ruffles associated with the reigning Grandmillennial aesthetic are being replaced by the architectural box pleat as the skirt style of choice.
Design by Jake Arnold for Crate & Barrel
The box pleat design trend represents a move towards a more streamlined and tailored look. Striking a balance of masculine and feminine appeal, the box pleat has been refined with a more minimalist approach that works in furnishings and home accessories alike. Jake Arnold’s latest collection with Crate and Barrel is a great example. The Crawford sofa features a box-pleated skirt, showcasing his modern interpretation of a nostalgic classic. Designer Sarah Sherman Samuel is also embracing the box pleat trend, infusing it into her Alba collection of sofas and lounge chairs. She describes the look as a “contemporary play on a Victorian fainting sofa,” with its sleek lines and refined silhouette.
Whether used on a sofa, chair, ottoman, drapery, or linens, this more structured aesthetic brings so much visual appeal, making it versatile enough to suit an array of style genres. We’re excited to see the box pleat design trend make a heightened appearance this year as more designers offer their fresh interpretations of this timeless look.
Explore the ways designers are playing with the box pleat design trend in their latest work, and browse below to shop the look.
BY: ANASTASIA CASEY