It’s natural that when designing their home, most people focus on color and form. One often-overlooked—but powerful—element in design is: textures. These quietly add depth and dimension to the space and give it a truly designer feel. Luxury home design would be incomplete without going big on textures!
And that’s what we’re here for today. In this blog post, we’ll talk all about the art of mixing textures. Aka: how to create depth and interest in your interiors with this single (versatile) tool—available in so many different forms.
Why Do Textures Matter?
Textures define how you perceive a space. For example, a room filled with smooth and glossy textures will feel sleek—but also impersonal. On the other hand, a room with plenty of tactile materials (think: soft rugs, rough-hewn wood, and plush upholstery) will come across as inviting.
Layering textures can:
- Add depth as well as character
- Create a balance (between warm and cool tones; soft and hard materials)
- Guide the eye through different focal points
Tips for Mixing Textures
Furniture and Fabrics
One of the major sources of texture in your home is the furniture. It’s where textures truly come alive—and also where you have to pay attention to the materials so you get the layering right. For example, if you have a leather sofa with a sleek finish, you can add on one or more of the following:
- Velvet (cushions)—for a luxurious and plush touch. These are a great way to add in 2025’s trending jewel tones. Think: emerald green, sapphire blue, ruby red, amethyst purple, citrine yellow…the list goes on!
- Linen (draperies)—for a natural and airy feel
- A cashmere or alpaca blanket draped over the sofa arm—offering both texture and luxurious warmth
- An embossed or patterned ottoman, such as one with crocodile or geometric leather detailing—echoing the richness of the sofa while adding visual interest.
Similarly, you can pair a tweed sofa, like the Harmony Sofa from West Elm, with lightweight silk drapery for a surprising (but elegant!) contrast. And lay down an airy bamboo rug under a boucle chair. In 2025, we’re all about mixing the light and heavy; the luxe and eco-friendly.
Drapery Styles
The drapery is another big decision to make in terms of textures. You can choose floor-to-ceiling velvet drapes for a luxurious and dramatic look (bonus points if you choose Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year—Mocha Mousse for your velvet draperies). Or linen curtains with light pleats to add texture without overwhelming the space. TWOPAGES offers some great options for linen curtains!
What about a mix of both? A sheer underlayer with heavier drapery will offer the best of both worlds—also perfect for 2025’s focus on versatile spaces.
Flooring Choices
It may not seem obvious, but the flooring plays a big role in the textures of the room, too! Especially so in 2025, when the flooring trends are actually swapping out smooth hardwood floors for subtly textured wood. This can bring in natural grains from the outdoors.
Another option is matte-finish tiles—like Adda Bone from PORCELANOSA—which add a grounding element to rooms. You can soften the flooring with jute rugs (Nordic Knots have some great options!) for an organic feel or plush wool for some luxury. Better yet, combine the two—because layering rugs is another top 2025 trend.
Hardware Finishes
Hardware finishes are small details that make a world of difference. From cabinet pulls to doorknobs, you get plenty of opportunities to add in some shine and contrast.
For a modern design, consider Buster + Punch. Their hardware has an industrial-style aesthetic. Folks seeking luxury can look at Pullcast. They offer bespoke and artful pieces. Pullcast’s handcrafted designs are quite like jewelry for your home!
Hardware Resources offer many styles—from traditional to transitional to modern. We used the Jeffrey Alexander – Hayworth pulls for our Center Hall Colonial project, and absolutely fell in love. Their polished nickel finish added an understated glow to the space; see how it turned out in the image below.
Textiles
The finishing touch in mixing textures is textiles; don’t underestimate them! In 2025, we’re all about layering different textiles. Plush rugs; breezy drapes; tactile throw pillows…the list goes on.
You want to pair contrasting materials. Think chunky wool throws and sleek linen cushions. Or a combination of boucle and velvet for a modern yet classic space. The eco-conscious shoppers have quite some options too: organic cotton, hemp, recycled fabrics, etc.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While you’re at it—here are a few common mistakes you want to avoid in interior design:
- Overloading the room. It’s tempting to layer on textures to create a cozy, multidimensional space, but too much of a good thing can backfire. Overloading a room with excessive textures–like combining faux fur rugs, velvet curtains, patterned upholstery, and woven baskets can result in visual chaos. To avoid this, choose 2-3 primary textures that complement each other and distribute them evenly throughout the room. A well-curated selection will make the space feel intentional and inviting.
- Ignoring variation. Too many similar textures = zero impact! On the flip side, using too many similar textures can leave a room feeling flat and uninspired. For instance, if everything in the room is made of smooth, glossy materials like polished wood, glass, and leather, the space might lack depth. Variation adds personality and keeps the design engaging.
- Overlooking practicality. For example, a boucle sofa in a high-traffic living room isn’t a good idea; you’ll need to replace it soon. It’s easy to fall in love with a trendy piece but practicality matters. Always think about your lifestyle before committing to materials. Durable, easy-to-clean options like performance fabrics or leather can give you both beauty and functionality.
- Neglecting proportions. Scale matters. Don’t use large and heavy textures in every corner of the room. Instead, mix chunky and subtle elements.
- Underestimating the lighting. Lighting plays a critical role in how textures are perceived. Harsh overhead lighting can wash out the softness of materials like linen or velvet, while dim lighting can make reflective textures like glass or polished metal feel lackluster. To avoid this, layer your lighting. Combine ambient light (overhead fixtures) with task lighting (table or floor lamps) and accent lighting (spotlights or LED strips) to enhance the textures in your space. We LOVE using dimmers to adjust the mood and bring out the best in designs.
Let’s Layer Those Textures
If you’ve been trying to put your finger on how to take your home from ordinary to extraordinary…we hope you got your answer! Let’s chat and discuss how we can add textures to your home 🤍
