The Importance of Fabrics and Textiles in Interior Design

What textiles do in a room

Textiles are materials made by weaving, knitting or otherwise joining fibres. In a home, they show up as curtains, upholstery, cushions, throws, rugs, bedding and towels. Furniture and paint set the framework of a room, while textiles are often what make it feel finished and comfortable.

Because fabric is soft, easy to swap and relatively affordable compared with large furniture, it is also one of the most flexible tools you have. Changing cushion covers or curtains can shift the character of a room without any building work.

Why fabrics matter in interior design

Fabrics influence a room in several ways at once.

Mood. Colour, pattern and weight set the tone. A heavy wool throw and a light cotton cover can make the same sofa feel very different.
Comfort. What you touch and sit on every day matters. Soft, breathable or warm materials make a space more inviting.
Light. Sheer fabrics diffuse daylight, while lined or heavier fabrics block it.
Sound. Hard rooms can feel echoey. Rugs, curtains and upholstered pieces tend to soften noise.
Cohesion. Repeating a colour or material across cushions, curtains and a rug helps tie separate pieces together.
Personality. Fabric is often where people express taste most easily, from restrained neutrals to bold patterns.

For the specific role of surface feel, see our article on texture in interior design.

The main types of textiles in a home

A simple way to think about home textiles is by where they are used.

Window textiles: curtains, drapes, sheers and fabric blinds. See why curtains matter in interior design.
Upholstery: sofas, armchairs, dining chairs, headboards and ottomans. See furniture in interior design, or reupholstering an ottoman for a hands-on example.
Accent textiles: cushions, throws, table linens and decorative runners.
Floor textiles: rugs and carpets. See flooring in interior design for how they sit alongside hard floors.
Bedding and bath: sheets, duvets, blankets and towels.

Natural, synthetic and blended fibres

Fibres are often grouped into natural (such as cotton, linen, wool and silk), synthetic (such as polyester and nylon) and blends of the two. Each has trade-offs, and individual products vary, so treat the following as general tendencies.

Cotton is versatile, breathable and widely used for covers, curtains and bedding.
Linen has a relaxed, slightly crisp look and tends to crease, which many people consider part of its charm.
Wool is warm and resilient and is often used for throws, rugs and some upholstery.
Silk looks luxurious but is delicate and usually needs careful cleaning.
Velvet has a rich, soft surface that can show pile marks and may need gentle care.
Polyester and other synthetics are often chosen for durability, stain resistance and lower cost, and are common in performance fabrics.
Leather and faux leather are used for upholstery and wipe clean more easily than most woven fabrics.

Always check the care label or ask the supplier, since finishes and construction change how a fabric behaves.

How to choose fabric

Start with how the item will be used, then look at looks.

Intended use. A sofa used daily by children or pets calls for a hard-wearing fabric. A decorative cushion on a rarely used chair can be more delicate.
Durability. Upholstery fabrics are often described with an abrasion rating, sometimes called a double rub count, where a higher number generally indicates greater wear resistance. Ask for the figure and the test method used, since the standards differ between regions.
Cleaning and care. Check whether covers are removable and washable, and whether the fabric needs professional cleaning.
Sun exposure. Fabric near bright windows can fade over time. Lining curtains or choosing fade-resistant fabrics can help.
Style. Choose colours, patterns and weaves that suit the rest of the room.
Order samples. Look at swatches in your own light, at different times of day, before you commit.

Layering colour, pattern and texture

A room often feels richer when it contains a mix of materials rather than a single one repeated everywhere.

Pick a palette first. Choose a main colour family and one or two supporting colours, then let fabrics echo them. Our guide to mixing warm and cool tones helps with undertones.
Vary pattern scale. Combining a large pattern with a small one, plus a plain fabric, tends to feel balanced.
Mix textures. Pair smooth with nubbly, or matte with a little sheen.
Use a unifying element. One repeated colour across different fabrics helps mixed patterns look intentional.

You may come across the “70/30” idea, which is sometimes described as using roughly 70 per cent of a base colour or material and 30 per cent of accents. Another common guideline, the “3-5-7” rule, suggests grouping decorative items in odd numbers. These are informal rules of thumb rather than formal standards, and are best used as starting points rather than strict requirements.

Fabrics room by room

Living room: durable upholstery for the main seating, with softer cushions and throws layered on top.
Bedroom: breathable bedding and curtains that suit your need for light control.
Kitchen and dining: easy-care fabrics that tolerate spills and frequent washing.
Bathroom: quick-drying towels and mats, and fabrics that cope with humidity.
Children’s rooms and homes with pets: washable, hard-wearing choices.

Sustainability considerations

Many shoppers now look for lower-impact textiles, such as organic or recycled fibres, or durable pieces designed to last. Claims vary in how well they are verified, so look for recognised certifications where possible and be wary of vague “eco” wording. Buying fewer, longer-lasting pieces and washing at lower temperatures can also reduce impact.

Common mistakes

Choosing purely on looks without considering use and cleaning.
Buying everything in one fabric, which can look flat.
Using patterns of similar scale, which can compete.
Skipping samples.
Hanging curtains that are too narrow or too short. Our curtains article covers this in more detail.

For what is currently popular, see interior textile trends.

Frequently asked questions

What is the role of textiles in interior design?

Textiles add colour, pattern, texture and comfort, soften hard surfaces, influence light and sound, and help tie a scheme together.

What are the three types of textiles?

The answer depends on how they are grouped. A common grouping is by fibre origin: natural, synthetic and blended. Another is by use, such as upholstery, window and floor textiles.

What is the 70/30 rule in interior design?

It is an informal guideline, often described as a dominant 70 per cent and an accent 30 per cent, applied to colour or materials. Different designers apply it differently, so treat it as a loose guide.

What is the 3-5-7 rule?

It is a rule of thumb suggesting that groupings of decorative objects look more natural in odd numbers. It is a style suggestion rather than a requirement.

Key takeaways

Textiles shape mood, comfort, light and sound as well as appearance.
Choose by use and care first, then style.
Combine texture, pattern and colour thoughtfully, and test samples at home.
Rules like 70/30 and 3-5-7 are loose guides, not laws.