What Is Suzani? This Embroidered Textile Adds Color and Texture to Your Home

Chances are you’ve encountered suzanis many times, even if you didn’t know the name. Their signature colorful, floral-like embroidery is often found on table linens and pillow covers.

“Suzani patterns almost always feature rich, brightly saturated colors,” says Lindsey Putzier, owner and principal designer of Lindsey Putzier Design Studio. “They generally have a light background—some shade of white, beige, or yellow—with brighter colors used in the pattern itself.” Boldly designed and absolutely eye-catching, these embroidered textiles have been part of home decor for centuries. 

A Brief History of Suzanis

“Suzani, which is embroidered with a tambour hook, is a classic Central Asian textile characterized by flowers and meandering vines,” says Christina Bryant Herbert, cofounder and CEO of St. Frank. These handmade textiles originated in areas like Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, and though historic examples can be found dating back to the 18th century, suzanis are likely much older. 

Traditional suzanis are a group effort: the pattern is drawn across multiple strips of fabric, the strips are given to multiple embroiderers, and the completed pieces are sewn together to create the final textile. The patterns were typically embroidered with silk onto a sturdy material such as cotton. “These embroidered textiles are traditionally a dowry gift and, as such, have motifs that represent prosperity and fertility, notably flowers and fruit, often pomegranates,” says Bryant Herbert. 

Although beautiful, suzanis are historically hardworking, being used as bed covers, prayer mats, and cloth wraps, in addition to decorative uses like wall hangings. Today, the pattern is not limited to embroidered textiles: suzani-inspired designs are found printed on fabrics like shower curtains and bedding and incorporated into products like lampshades, rugs, and wallpaper. 

How to Decorate with Suzanis

“Adding suzanis is a wonderful way to bring bold color and pattern to a room,” says Putzier. Although vibrant, suzanis are versatile, and the pattern is at home in an array of decorating styles. “The floral motifs in bold colors are very transitional and sit well with traditional, modern, and eclectic styles,” says Bryant Herbert. “I love adding a suzani to Scandinavian decor that has a mix of clean-lined contemporary pieces and a few antiques,” says Putzier.  

While you likely won’t want to clad a room in the pattern, suzanis are perfect for “a fun textured accent,” says Bryant Herbert. Despite their colorful energy, these embroidered textiles and suzani-inspired patterns are surprisingly easy to embrace. Here are three simple tips for bringing the look home. 

Integrate Colors

Although it’s intended to make a statement, a suzani—whether part of a tablescape or bedding—shouldn’t feel out of place. “Make sure to repeat the main colors in a suzani elsewhere in the room to make the suzani feel purposeful,” says Putzier. “Try to repeat the colors at least two other places in the room; that can be through paint, other accessories, rugs, pillows, etc.”

Mix with Patterns

Suzani is an excellent choice for pattern and style mixing. “The floral motifs tend to be oversized, so they sit well with smaller sized prints,” says Bryant Herbert. She recommends “pairing them with more masculine motifs or textures to add a nice feminine contrast.” Putzier agrees: “The floral patterns contrast so nicely with a traditional plaid, stripe, or check,” she says. 

Treat Them as Art

“Suzani textiles are a wonderful substitute for traditional artwork and have often been used as wall hangings,” says Putzier. She especially recommends hanging suzanis in traditionally decorated rooms, where the textile can offer a strikingly different yet complementary pattern and texture. 

According to Bryant Herbert, the larger scale of suzani patterns helps the textile work as art, grabbing your attention when added to the wall. Hung or framed, the craftsmanship and the long history represented in vintage suzanis make them an artisanal addition to any room.