Textiles are the unsung heroes of interior design. While furniture and paint colors often steal the spotlight, textiles—such as rugs, curtains, pillows, and upholstery—quietly work their magic to tie a space together, add warmth, and bring personality into a room. With the right mix of fabrics, patterns, and textures, you can completely transform the look and feel of a space without breaking the bank. Whether you’re going for cozy and inviting or bold and dramatic, textiles hold the power to redefine your home’s ambiance.

Let’s explore how to use textiles to breathe new life into your rooms and make your home uniquely yours.

1. Start with the Foundation: Rugs

A rug is the cornerstone of any room’s textile design. It grounds the space, defines zones, and adds a layer of comfort underfoot.

Choose the Right Size

A too-small rug can throw off the balance of a room. In living rooms, make sure the rug is large enough to fit under all the furniture or at least the front legs of the sofa and chairs. For bedrooms, the rug should extend beyond the bed, creating a cozy landing spot.

Play with Patterns

Bold patterned rugs, such as Moroccan or geometric prints, can instantly liven up a neutral room. If your walls and furniture already have patterns, opt for a solid or subtly textured rug to create balance.

Layer Rugs

For an extra cozy and dynamic look, try layering rugs. Start with a large, neutral base rug, like jute or sisal, and add a smaller, colorful or patterned rug on top.

Use Rugs to Define Spaces

In open-concept layouts, rugs are excellent tools for delineating areas. Place a rug under the dining table, another in the living area, and a runner in hallways to create clear zones.

2. Add Personality with Pillows and Throws

Pillows and throws are some of the easiest textiles to swap out, making them perfect for experimenting with color, pattern, and texture.

Mix and Match

Don’t be afraid to mix patterns, but follow the 60-30-10 rule for balance: 60% should be one dominant pattern, 30% a complementary design, and 10% a smaller accent.

Play with Textures

Combine smooth fabrics like cotton or linen with plush velvets, cozy knits, or faux fur to add depth and interest. For example, pair sleek silk pillows with chunky knit throws for a luxurious yet inviting vibe.

Seasonal Swaps

Rotate pillows and throws seasonally to keep your space feeling fresh. Use lighter fabrics and brighter colors in summer, and opt for heavier, warmer textures like wool or fleece in winter.

Create Contrast

Contrast is key for making pillows pop. Pair light-colored sofas with dark or boldly patterned pillows, and vice versa. Incorporate metallic or embroidered details for a touch of luxury.

3. Elevate the Room with Curtains and Window Treatments

Window treatments aren’t just functional—they’re a major opportunity to enhance your room’s style and ambiance.

Use Curtains to Add Height

Hang curtains as close to the ceiling as possible to make the room feel taller. Choose floor-length curtains that lightly graze the floor for an elegant look.

Layer Window Treatments

Combine sheer curtains with heavier drapes for both style and practicality. Sheers allow light to filter in during the day, while heavy drapes provide privacy and block out light when needed.

Choose the Right Fabric

Velvet or silk curtains exude luxury and are perfect for formal spaces. For a more casual or modern look, choose linen or cotton. Light, breezy fabrics work well in coastal or bohemian interiors.

Experiment with Patterns

Add visual interest with patterned curtains, like stripes, florals, or geometric prints. If the rest of the room is busy, stick to solid colors or subtle textures.

4. Transform the Bed with Textiles

The bed is often the focal point of a bedroom, and textiles play a huge role in making it look and feel inviting.

Layer Your Bedding

Start with crisp sheets, add a plush comforter or duvet, and finish with a quilt or throw blanket at the foot of the bed. This layered look adds depth and creates a luxurious hotel-like vibe.

Mix Materials

Combine different materials for contrast. For example, pair linen sheets with a velvet headboard, or a cotton quilt with a wool throw.

Pillow Styling

Decorative pillows can make or break a bed’s aesthetic. Use a mix of standard pillows, Euro shams, and accent pillows for a styled yet functional look.

Play with Color and Pattern

Use bedding to incorporate your color scheme. Neutral tones create a calm, spa-like retreat, while bold colors and patterns add personality.

5. Upholstery: The Big Impact Textile

Upholstery covers some of the largest surfaces in a room, such as sofas, chairs, and ottomans. Changing or adding upholstery can dramatically alter a space.

Reupholster Old Furniture

Give worn-out furniture a new lease on life with updated fabrics. Choose bold prints for a statement piece or neutral fabrics for timeless appeal.

Use Slipcovers

Slipcovers are a budget-friendly and temporary way to change the look of your furniture. They’re also great for protecting upholstery in homes with kids or pets.

Mix Upholstery Fabrics

Combine different fabrics in the same room for variety. For example, pair a velvet sofa with leather armchairs or a linen bench.

Incorporate Patterns and Textures

If your room lacks visual interest, use upholstery to introduce patterns or textures. A houndstooth chair or tufted velvet sofa can act as a centerpiece.

6. Add Texture and Warmth with Layers

Layering textiles is key to creating a cozy, lived-in feel. It adds depth, dimension, and a sense of intentional design.

Layer Throws on Furniture

Drape throws over the back of a sofa, the arm of a chair, or across the bed to add a relaxed yet stylish touch.

Stack Rugs

In colder climates, layering rugs can add warmth and insulation. Use a flatweave base rug and top it with a smaller, textured one for comfort.

Use Layers for Seasonal Versatility

Add heavier layers like wool or fur in winter, and swap them for lighter fabrics like linen or cotton in the warmer months.

Combine Textures

Layering isn’t just about quantity—it’s about variety. Combine smooth, rough, soft, and shiny textures for a more dynamic look.

7. Bring Walls to Life with Textile Art

Textiles aren’t just for furniture—they can also make a bold statement on your walls.

Hang a Tapestry

A tapestry or large textile art piece can act as a focal point, adding color, pattern, and texture to your walls.

Use Fabric as Wallpaper

Stretch fabric over a wall for a temporary, textured alternative to wallpaper. This works especially well in rental spaces.

Frame Textiles

Frame smaller textiles like vintage scarves, embroidered fabrics, or woven pieces for a unique and personal touch.

Create a Gallery Wall

Combine framed textiles with traditional art and photos to add variety and richness to a gallery wall.

8. Coordinate and Balance Your Textiles

To avoid a chaotic look, coordination and balance are key when incorporating multiple textiles into a room.

Stick to a Color Palette

Choose a consistent color palette and stick to it across all textiles. Vary the shades and tones for depth, but keep the colors harmonious.

Vary Patterns and Scales

Mix patterns of different sizes to avoid overwhelming the space. For example, pair a large geometric print with a small floral or a subtle stripe.

Add Neutral Anchors

If you’re using bold textiles, balance them with neutral tones to prevent the room from feeling too busy.

Create Visual Flow

Use textiles to carry colors and patterns across the room. For example, match the throw pillows on your sofa with the curtains or the rug to tie the space together.

10 FAQs About Using Textiles to Transform a Room

1. Why are textiles important in interior design?

Textiles add warmth, texture, and personality to a room. They help tie the design together and can transform a space’s look and feel with minimal effort.

2. How do I choose the right rug size?

In living rooms, choose a rug large enough to fit under the front legs of furniture. For dining rooms, the rug should extend beyond the table and chairs. In bedrooms, it should extend around the bed.

3. Can I mix different patterns?

Yes! Use the 60-30-10 rule: 60% of one dominant pattern, 30% of a complementary design, and 10% of an accent pattern for balance.

4. What’s the best way to layer bedding?

Start with sheets, add a duvet or comforter, and finish with a quilt or throw blanket at the foot of the bed. Use a mix of textures and colors for depth.

5. How can I use textiles in a small space?

Use light-colored or sheer fabrics to create an open, airy feel. Stick to one or two patterns and avoid overly bulky materials.

6. How do I clean and maintain textiles?

Check the care instructions for each textile. Vacuum rugs regularly, wash pillow covers as needed, and spot-clean upholstery with appropriate cleaners.

7. Are bold textiles hard to work with?

Not at all! Pair bold textiles with neutral furniture or walls to let them shine without overwhelming the space.

8. Can I use textiles to update a rental space?

Yes! Rugs, curtains, and throw pillows are easy to add and remove. You can also use removable fabric wallpaper or hang a tapestry for a big impact.

9. How do I incorporate seasonal textiles?

Swap out heavy fabrics like velvet for lighter options like linen in summer. Use warm, cozy throws and pillows in winter to add comfort.

10. What’s the easiest way to start with textiles?

Begin with a single statement piece, like a bold rug or patterned curtains, and build around it with complementary textures and colors.