Interior Design: Selecting and Using Textiles to Add Interest and Texture to Interiors

Think Interior
7 min readFeb 9, 2023

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Interior design is the art and science of creating functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces within a building. One of the most important aspects of interior design is using textiles to add interest, texture, and comfort to a space. From curtains and upholstery to rugs and floor cushions, textiles play a crucial role in creating a harmonious and visually appealing interior.

This article will explore how textiles can add interest and texture to interiors. We will look at the diverse forms of textiles existing, how to choose the right textile for your space, and how to incorporate textiles into your interior design thoughtfully and intentionally. Additionally, you can learn these skills through an interior design diploma, which covers the basic knowledge of designing a space and using colors and textures to create a pleasing space. Whether you are designing a new home or simply looking to refresh the look and feel of a room, the tips and ideas in this article will help you create a beautiful and comfortable space that reflects your style.

Types of Textiles

When it comes to interior design, there are many different types of textiles to choose from. Some popular options include:

Natural Fibers

Natural fibers such as wool, cotton, and linen are soft, breathable, and long-lasting. They are great for adding warmth and consistency to a room.

Synthetic Fiber

Synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon are more durable and stain-resistant than natural fibers. They are ideal for areas with a lot of foot traffic or where spills are likely to occur.

Textured Textiles

Textured textiles, such as shag rugs and corduroy, add dimension and curiosity to a space. They are ideal for adding warmth and comfort, especially in bedrooms and living rooms.

Textured Rugs

Rugs are a great way to enhance the texture and comfort of a room. Consider using textured rugs, such as shag or woven rugs, to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Choose a rug that complements your space’s overall color scheme and fits your room’s size and style. Rugs can also be used to anchor a space and to create visual interest.

Area Rugs

Area rugs are another great way to add softness and curiosity to a room. Choose a rug that complements your color pattern, and use textured rugs. Area rugs can also define different areas in an open-plan space and add comfort to hard flooring surfaces such as wood or tile.

Curtains

Curtains can add interest to a room. Choose a fabric that complements your color scheme.

Pillows

Pillows are a great way to add smoothness to a room. Choose a variety of pillows in different shapes, sizes, and fabrics to create a layered and textured look.

Textured Throw Pillows

Throw pillows are an informal and reasonable approach to adding interest to a room. Consider using textured throw pillows, such as those made of velvet or with a textured pattern, to add visual interest.

Textured Upholstery

Upholstery, such as on a sofa or armchair, can add devotion to a room. Upholstery is a great way to add texture and comfort to furniture pieces. Use textured fabrics, such as velvet or boucle, to upholster chairs, sofas, or ottomans for a cozy and inviting look.

Wall Hangings

Wall hangings, such as tapestries or woven art, are a great way to warm a room. They are a great alternative to traditional wall decor and can add a bohemian or global touch to your space.

Bedding

Bedding is a great way to add focus to a bedroom. Choose a bedspread or duvet cover that complements your color scheme, and consider using patterned bedding to create a focal point in the room.

Accent Pieces

Accent pieces, such as decorative throws, pillows, and curtains, can add value and mindfulness to a room. Mix and match different textures and patterns to create a layered and textured look.

Window Treatments

Window treatments are another great way to add texture to a room. Window treatments, such as blinds, shades, and curtains, not only add equality to a room but also serve a functional purpose.

Table Linens

Table linens, such as tablecloths, placemats, and napkins, are a great way to strengthen a dining room or kitchen. Choose linens that complement your color scheme.

Floor Cushions

Floor cushions are a great way to add texture and comfort to a room. Choose cushions in different textures, such as velvet, corduroy, or suede, to create a layered and textured look.

Textured Table Runners and Placemats

Table runners and placemats are a great way to add texture and interest to a dining room. Consider using textured table runners and placemats, such as those made of linen or burlap, to complement your color scheme and add visual interest to your dining table.

Carpets and Mats

Carpets and mats are a great way to add sensation to a room, especially in entryways and hallways. Choose a patterned or textured carpet or mat to add visual interest.

Throws

Throws are a great way to add nosiness to a room. They can be used as a decorative accent on a sofa, chair, or bed, or for warmth on a chilly night.

Textured Walls

Textured walls, such as those created with wallpaper, textured paint, or wall tiles, are another way to add interest to a room. For added impact, consider using textured walls in a focal wall, such as behind a bedroom headboard or powder room.

Textured Accent Walls

Accent walls are a popular way to add interest and texture to a room. Consider using textured materials, such as shiplap or textured wallpaper, to create a textured accent wall that serves as a focal point in a room.

Textile Art

Textile art, such as embroidery, weaving, or tapestry, is a great way to add sensitivity to a room. Textile art can be used as a decorative accent on a wall or to create a focal point in a room.

Textile Wall Art

Textile wall art, such as tapestries or woven hangings, is a great way to add consistency to a room. Consider using textile wall art as a focal point in a room or as an alternative to traditional wall decor.

Textured Wall Coverings

Wall coverings are another way to add texture and interest to a room. Use textured wall coverings, such as grass cloth or cork, to create a textured surface on your walls that add visual interest and texture to your space.

Textured Ceilings

Textured ceilings, such as those created with textured paint or ceiling tiles, are another way to add dedication to a room. Consider using textured ceilings in a room with high ceilings for added impact or to draw the eye upward.

Textured Flooring

Flooring is another important aspect of interior design that can add attentiveness to a room. Textured floorings, such as a carpet with a deep pile or a rough-hewn wood floor, add curiosity to a room. Consider using textured flooring in a room where you want to add comfort and warmth, such as a bedroom or living room. Use textured floorings, such as hardwood with a unique grain pattern or textured tiles, to create a visually appealing and textured surface underfoot.

Textured Light Fixtures

Textured light fixtures, such as those made of woven basketry or with textured glass, are a great way to add interest to a room. Consider using textured light fixtures as a focal point in a room or as an alternative to traditional light fixtures.

Textured Furniture

Textured furniture, such as a sofa with a textured fabric or a chair with a woven seat, is a great way to add interest and texture to a room. Consider using textured furniture as a focal point in a room or as an alternative to traditional furniture.

Textured Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor spaces can also benefit from the use of textiles. Consider using textured outdoor furniture, such as woven patio chairs or textured outdoor cushions, to add interest and comfort to your outdoor spaces.

Textured Accessories

Accessories, such as decorative pillows, curtains, and table runners, are another great way to add texture and interest to a room. Use textured accessories to complement your color scheme and add visual interest.

Textured Outdoor Spaces

Outdoor spaces can also benefit from the use of textiles. Consider using textured outdoor cushions, curtains, and rugs to add comfort and interest to your outdoor spaces.

Textured Backsplashes

Backsplashes are another great opportunity to incorporate textiles into your interior design. Consider using textured tiles or other materials to create a textured backsplash that adds visual interest and texture to your kitchen or bathroom.

Textured Artwork

Artwork is another great opportunity to incorporate textiles into your interior design. Use textured artwork, such as paintings or sculptures, to add interest to a room.

Textured Lighting Fixtures

Lighting fixtures can also add texture and interest to a room. Textured lighting fixtures, such as woven pendant lights or textured lampshades, add visual interest and texture to your space.

Textured Accessories for the Bathroom

The bathroom is another important space in your home that can benefit from using textiles. Consider using textured towels, bathmats, and shower curtains to add interest and texture to your bathroom.

Textured Decorative Accents

Decorative accents, such as vases, sculptures, or candle holders, can also be used to add texture and interest to a room. Consider using textured decorative accents, such as those made of stone or metal, to complement your color scheme and add visual interest.

Textured Plant Containers

Plant containers can also add texture and interest to a room. Textured plant containers, such as woven baskets or pots, add visual interest and complement your interior design.

Conclusion

Textiles play a vital role in interior design, adding interest, texture, and warmth to any space. Whether you choose natural fibers, synthetic fibers, patterned textiles, or textured textiles, there are many ways to incorporate textiles into your interior design scheme. By selecting and using textiles thoughtfully, you can create a harmonious and comfortable interior that reflects your style.

It’s important to determine what courses for interior design are right for you if you plan to enter this field. One of the things you will learn is how to incorporate textiles to create a more visually appealing and textured space.

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