The chevron, illustrated with an upturned V when singular and a zigzag when joined with its counterparts in a broader pattern, dates back as far as 1800 B.C., when it was emblazoned on pottery and rock carvings since found in the ancient Greek palace of Knossos. These days, it’s used globally as a cornerstone of many countries’ and organizations’ insignia, from the U.S. Air Force to NATO to countless flags the world over.
In home decor, the chevron is typically found linked with itself, forming a sharply undulating wave across a wall, curtain, floor or pillow, and there’s just something refreshing about it. It feels crisp, bold and vaguely nautical, usually appearing in black, navy, green or yellow across a white background. For example, Elisabeth Michael makes perfect use of line weight and contrast in her curtains, shown above, making an elegant but accessible statement on heavy fabric.
Its contrasts don’t always have to be bold, though. Check out this seafoam and white combination lending depth and freshness to a naturally lit room — and if you’re feeling inspired, U-Create Crafts (see end of post for link) offers a tutorial on how to achieve the effect:
Another great DIY project might stem from a glimpse at this striking chair, brought to us by Elegance Refined:
A chevron pattern can also be created by merging smaller shapes, like the tiny circles linking together in these Cococozy pillows to create a larger zigzag print:
And for a soft introduction of the strong, well-traveled pattern into any home, Target offers a set of brightly-colored plastic chevron tumblers, perfect for summer sips.
Photo credits: Elisabeth Michael, U Create Crafts, Elegance Redefined, Cococozy and Target.
