Decorating & Design
Why Hudson’s Bay Stripes Are A Quintessential Part Of Canadiana Style
Published on June 30, 2022
When we think of the coveted Canadiana look, Hudson’s Bay stripes — in the form of the iconic point blanket or other decorative elements — are almost always part of the picture. Whether it’s a row of striped towels at the cottage or a cozy throw at the end of a bed, it’s no surprise that the HBC stripes are a staple in the H&H archives.
Scroll down to discover all the reasons why this cherished item is truly timeless!
It gives rooms history. Like a handsome antique, the point blanket’s storied past gives it character. Here, a guest room in former Hudson’s Bay president Bonnie Brooks’s home showcases Millennium point blankets.
They’re made to last. The 16-step process of making a single blanket takes six months. Every blanket is hand finished with a label, symbolizing the artisanal craftsmanship behind each piece.
They go beyond the point blanket. The iconic stripes aren’t just for blankets. In this cosy cottage, HBC stripes can be seen on an ottoman that also acts as a storage box for overflow items.
They’re great for the outdoors. The Oxford White point blanket and a Muskoka chair are a classic cottage pair.
It makes for fab furniture. A bench covered in classic Hudson’s Bay stripes energizes a cottage entryway
They’re great in kids’ rooms. Vibrant shades of red, green and blue exude youthful energy are playful in a little one’s bedroom. Layer a Multi Stripe Hudson’s Bay point blanket on the end of the bed to tie the whole look together.
They can be mixed and matched. A collection of colorful blankets makes a graphic statement draped over textile designer Bev Hisey’s banister. The bolder the hues, the better!
They’re a cottage must-have. Mjölk shop owners John Baker and Juli Daoust-Baker paid homage to Canada in their guest bedroom with a vintage Hudson’s Bay blanket they found in Sweden (right) and a First Nations bearskin print hanging on the wall.
They add a subtle hit of color. If you want to highlight one or two colors on the Multi Stripe blanket, take a page from designer Fenwick Bonnell’s book. The sunshine yellow stripe and matching pillow elevate this all-white bedroom.
They keep you cozy. “The Hudson’s Bay point blanket is something I bring up every summer,” says designer Joel Bray of his cottage porch makeover. “It’s perfect for cool nights, not to mention an Instagram picture here and there!”
They can make a big statement. The iconic point blanket enlivens a neutral room, like this wood panelled cottage bedroom. There’s a stripe for every accent, in this case a black band matches the windows and pillow.
…or a small one. Designer Montana Burnett turned her family cottage‘s principal bedroom into a sleep sanctuary with a serene palette of muted yellows and rich browns. A sophisticated Millennium point blanket — casually draped on the settee at the foot of the bed — blends in beautifully.
They’re versatile. We had to include these vibrant swimming towels into our round-up because the saturated stripes truly pop against this cottage’s rustic wood walls, and nothing feels better after a cool dip in the lake!