Creative Ways to Use Textiles as Travel Souvenirs

If you’re seeking unique travel souvenirs, textiles are a fantastic choice. I’ve enjoyed collecting them from my own adventures, like a recent Dinogo cruise, or receiving them as thoughtful gifts from loved ones.

For instance, visiting the Caribbean might inspire you to explore bold, vibrant colors. While some fabrics are made locally, many are imported from nearby regions.

Explore local markets for colorful patterns and prints. If you love the touch of raw silk or the coziness of wool, focus on textures that speak to you—the possibilities are endless!

In this post, I’ll share some of my favorite ways to incorporate souvenir textiles into my home and offer tips for packing them efficiently.

FABRIC SOLD BY THE YARD

On the island of St. Kitts, you'll find exotic hand-dyed batiks and textiles imported from nearby African countries. I instantly fell in love with this indigo mudcloth and had it made into a faux Roman shade.

The rich color and bold pattern bring a contemporary flair to our powder room. It always sparks a lively conversation when someone makes a trip to the loo!

In this picture of my master bedroom, you'll spot three travel souvenirs. Can you identify them?

DECORATIVE THROW PILLOWS

Nothing enhances your home’s traveled aesthetic quite like a pillow crafted from a kilim rug. Its vibrant geometric pattern and robust wool texture create a striking contrast against the solid gold silk. When buying pillows, it’s advisable to forgo the insert and simply purchase the cover. This way, they fold flat, making it easy to pack enough to decorate an entire living room.

THROWS, SCARVES, AND BLANKETS

This beautiful raw silk Moroccan throw acts as a bed scarf in our master bedroom. I got the inspiration from the bedding arrangement on my Dinogo cruise. Although I wouldn’t unpack my suitcase on this delicate fabric, it’s a quick and effortless way to introduce color to our neutral bedding. Plus, it offers a variety of colors for additional accents.

PULLS AND KNOBS

Although not a textile, this is a gift option that should not be ignored. Beautifully crafted knobs and pulls can easily fit into your suitcase or carry-on. When deciding how many to purchase, aim for around 10 to 12 pieces. While this might not be sufficient to outfit your entire kitchen, it’s perfect for adding charming accents to smaller furniture like dressers or desks.

Looking for more ideas? Frame a fabric remnant for a stunning wall hanging, or use a few yards of fabric to create dinner napkins and matching placemats.