Silk Scarves Are Trending—Here's 7 Clever Ways to Use Them as Home Decor

Chances are, somewhere in the depths of your closet or deep in your drawers, you have a colorful silk scarf you’ve loved for years. Time to pull it out because this summer, silk scarves are having a decor moment. “Their delicate texture, rich colors, and unique patterns feel both timeless and fresh as they invite a sense of play that’s perfect for the summer season,” says Danielle Chiprut, founder and interior designer at Danielle Rose Design Co.  

7 Ways to Decorate with Silk Scarves

“As interiors continue to lean toward the personal and storied, scarves offer a subtle, artful layer that often speaks to a memory,” notes Linette Dai, a principal designer at Linette Dai Design. “They’re an effortless way to soften hard lines, introduce depth, and shift the mood of a room without heavy-handed styling.”

Ahead, design experts share seven unique ways to dress up your home with a simple silk scarf.

1. Display as Artwork

The intricate patterns and colors of a silk scarf can rival any piece of art. “You can mount one in a floating frame to showcase the edges and let the fabric shine, or stretch one over a canvas for a clean, contemporary look,” says Chiprut.

“There’s something poetic about elevating a personal scarf to a level of art, whether it’s a vintage Hermès, a hand-printed textile from abroad, or a beloved gift. I typically float-mount a scarf in a shadow box or hang it from a minimalist rod, allowing the material to breathe,” says Dai. “The goal is not to over-style, but to let its story unfold within the space. Keep the surrounding wall minimal so the scarf reads as an intentional focal point, not as an afterthought.”

Displaying a scarf as art is a great way of preserving a meaningful scarf picked up while traveling or passed down from a loved one. “I love making a silk scarf the focal point on a gallery wall,” says Colleen Bennett, founder and principal designer at CBB Design Firm.

2. Place Under Glass

Similar to framing, displaying a silk scarf under glass is a beautiful way to add color and pattern to a piece of furniture, essentially showcasing it as a piece of art. Chiprut suggests simply placing the scarf under a coffee, end, or console table and pairing it with minimal accessories to let the color and print shine through. Covering with glass will protect older and more delicate fabrics.

“Placing a scarf under glass is a way of showcasing pattern without committing to a more permanent upholstery or wallpaper,” says Dai. “Choose a scarf with tonal nuance or a motif that feels collected.”

3. Feature on a Bed

“A scarf at the headboard introduces softness and a bit of romantic imperfection,” says Dai. “It’s especially lovely in a guest room or a casual beach home where the mood is more relaxed." Layer one over a linen or canvas headboard and consider adding contrast, like pairing a patterned scarf with a solid backdrop or vice versa.

“Silk scarves add a beautiful textile moment,” says Chiprut. “Attach one or two to a headboard using decorative upholstery tacks for a soft, bohemian feel.”

4. Create a Window Treatment

“When backlit by the sun, silk becomes even more ethereal, filtering light and casting a soft glow that’s perfect for intimate spaces,” says Dai. She recommends using a silk scarf as a café curtain or draping one asymmetrically across a corner of a window. This works best where privacy isn’t essential.

A sheer silk scarf can also add movement and romance to a space. “Drape one casually over a rod or use it as a café curtain in a powder room or kitchen,” says Chiprut.

5. Add to a Chair or Lamp

A silk scarf instantly elevates a plain dining or desk chair with a pop of color and texture. “Tie one around the back of a chair or at the base of a lamp in a loose knot to create a layered textile moment that’s great for entertaining or seasonal style,” says Chiprut. Be sure to keep the fabric clear of the bulb for safety purposes.

6. Lay as a Table Runner

A colorful silk scarf adds a breezy European café feel to a table, especially during the warmer months. “Choose a longer scarf with a striking pattern and place it over a simple linen tablecloth,” suggests Chiprut. Next, style the table with fresh flowers and mixed tableware. “Add a few sculptural objects, but keep the tabletop sparse so the scarf remains the star,” adds Dai.

7. Use as Gift Wrap

A silk scarf is a beautiful, sustainable alternative to wrapping paper and serves as a thoughtful gift in itself. “Use the Japanese furoshiki method to wrap small boxes or items,” says Chiprut. “Then add a sprig of greenery or a gift tag tucked into the knot for a thoughtful touch.”

Dai notes that you should choose a scarf that complements the occasion or the recipient’s style—something they’ll want to wear or keep long after the gift has been opened.