From Chesterfields to chinoiserie horses, reinterpretations of equine heritage is flowing through material, form, and storytelling.
If you’re paying attention to fashion, you’ve seen it: western wear, equestrian references, and the rise of the ‘horse girl’ aesthetic. Over the past year, that same sensibility has been gaining momentum across interiors. Here are some of the best pieces.
The Chesterfield
One of the most enduring equestrian-adjacent furnishings is the Chesterfield sofa. Deep button tufting, rolled arms, and rich leather upholstery emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries among Britain’s landed gentry—many of whom were tied to equestrian life. Early versions were stuffed with horsehair, with tufting used to maintain structure and secure the fill. Today’s iterations preserve the silhouette, though the materials have evolved. One of our favorite versions is from Sarried.
Art
Across mediums, equine imagery continues to resonate—expressing movement, strength, and independence. I found four standouts.
Dallas artist Laura Haley’s original “Blue Velvet” features two blue chinoiserie embellished horses dancing across an almost-chartreuse field of layered green and trees. A truly unique point of view that blends favorite design motifs into one piece of art. L.A. photographer Lara Porzak’s “Flair” showcases her unique approach to creating images that sit between recognizable subjects and abstract forms. Intentionally utilizing a soft focus and tintypes, the image suggests distant and fleeting beauty.
In contrast, Lemieux et Cie’s “Cheval Objects” reduce the equine form to quiet, architectural gestures, and materials while Currey & Company’s “Rajasthani Princely Horse Fragments” speak to royalty, ceremony, and craft tradition.
Textiles
There is a wealth of textiles with horse motifs, some very commercial, and I focused on finding the unique. At this winter’s Shoppe Object Saved NY stood out. Founded by Sean McNanny in 2015, SAVED NY centers on sustainability and craftsmanship, spanning art, antiques, jewelry, and textiles, and Saved NY’s roots, cashmere blankets. The SAVED NY x LUKAS THE ILLUSTRATOR “Immortal Horses” Cashmere blanket communicates the grace and fluidity of form in hand-combed Mongolian Cashmere.
Another long-loved resource, Rug & Kilim, provides an antique Gabbeh featuring a Persian horse archetype. The equine form functions as a symbol of strength, journey, and loyalty, transforming the rug from pattern into a narrative of journey and lived experience. It’s the perfect example of design storytelling.
Lighting and Wallpaper
One of the most fascinating elements about design inspired by the horse is the history surrounding it. Case in point, Thibaut’s “Marlborough Downs” wallpaper, which was created based on horses carved on the Marlborough Downs in England during AD 800. While simple, they convey strength and grace. At the opposite end of the spectrum lives Milton and King’s “The Race at Hyde Park” mural. Designed by Bethany Linz, the pictorial work is an elegant classic.
I’ll admit that when looking for horse-associated but not exactly horsey lighting, it was a challenge. Ralph Lauren for Visual Comfort Signature answered the call, as expected. The result is the “Westbury Table Lamp”. Created to mimic the stirrup of a riding saddle, it is a smooth and subtle nod. The second light I found to be of the “not-horsey-horse” style is Firmamento Milano’s “Trumpet Deluxe Gold Wall Lamp”. Inspired by the coach horns of horse-drawn carriages, translating equestrian heritage into a refined, contemporary gesture.
For the trade, the takeaway is clear: this is more than a passing aesthetic. The influence taps into broader consumer desires for authenticity, storytelling, and timelessness—qualities that continue to outperform trend-driven design. As brands and designers look ahead, those who translate these references with nuance—not novelty—will be the ones who stay in stride.
