Want to create a relaxing space? Here are 8 textures you need

Texture is often something that is overlooked when it comes to interior design. However, it’s one of those things that can have a huge impact – maybe even more than you might think. Layering different textures together can help you transform a boring boxy room into a calm, cohesive space that you’ll want to spend time relaxing and unwinding in.

I’ve restyled a few rooms in my house recently having moved here a few months ago. Most of the flat was a complete blank canvas. It was nice enough in that it didn’t need much work but it just felt a little empty and unloved. I’ve added colour and mounted artwork on the walls but one of the consistent elements I’ve added across the house are lovely textures that breathe life into the spaces.

Let’s chat about how textures can help you curate a cosy and inviting space.

How can I make my interior calm?

One key way to create a calming feel in your space is to stick to neutral tones. Things like beige, cream, earthy greens and browns will ensure you can unwind and relax. I also think raw materials like wood and wicker and even concrete can add to the effect.

I’d also add that mixing different textures together helps to create that calming and relaxing atmosphere. If you just have one fabric all the way through a room can felt quite one dimensional or even unfinished. You want textures that add cosiness and calm.

Textures in interior design

There are a huge number of textures that you can mix together in order to level up your space. Here are a few examples of textures that you might want to consider.

• Boucle
• Rattan
• Jute
• Linen
• Leather
• Sheepskin
• Wood
• Corduroy

Tactile textures in interior design

Tactile fabrics are what you use to create a warm and cosy atmosphere in a room. This is the one that creates the ‘feels’, pretty much! Layer up throws, cushions, fluffy rugs in a mix of different textures – things like leather pouffes and boucle cushions are my faves.

Rough textures in interior design

Things like wicker, jute and chunky woven fabrics are rough textures that add interest to your space. Contrast them with softer textures like linen to maximize their impact. My favourite take on rough textures are wicker baskets – they’re so great for hiding mess!

Smooth textures in interior design

Smooth textures could be things like concrete or marble or even minimalist ceramic pieces. I have a weakness for Cooee design’s vases which add a touch of Scandi to any space. You can go big and incorporate something like a side table or just keep it to the accessories.

8 textures you need to try in your home

1) Boucle

Boucle is having a bit of a moment right now. Or maybe it’s just me that’s having the moment with it. Boucle has found its way into my wardrobe as well as my interior, but that’s not too surprising as, apparently, it was first used by Chanel in 1954.

But let’s get back to interior design. Boucle adds a cosy, tactile charm to your space – along with a nod to the Scandinavian hygge trend. For me, I use it in cushions mostly (five and counting) but I’ve also branched out and got a boucle ottoman for the bedroom. 

I’d recommend also buying your boucle in person as much as possible as it varies so much. Some fabrics are quite smooth but I prefer the chunkier style and you can’t always tell that from a picture. My favourite cushions came from Habitat but this Zara one is cute too.

Oh, and good news for everyone who is as bonkers about boucle as me: as well as looking nice from an aesthetic perspective this material is reportedly pretty durable.

2) Rattan

Rattan is another material that I’ve had a love affair with for a long time. Until a few years ago it was considered to be pretty old-fashioned but it’s come back into vogue in the past year or two. I just love how versatile it is. You can pop down a rattan tray to add some interest to a living room that’s feeling a little flat – or even upgrade your headboard to add texture.

I also love larger rattan furniture pieces. I got this chest of drawers recently and it just brings a bit of depth to a space that felt quite bland and lacking in character beforehand. It’s also a lot softer than the glaring white chest of drawers that were there before – eesh!

Most of my rattan pieces (OK, nearly all of them) are from H&M Home. I just love how affordable all their interior design products are. I bought the rattan bench for my hallway in my old flat but it ended up behind the perfect size to house the TV in our living room. Any other console units I looked at were too long or wide so this really did the job perfectly!

3) Jute

I lived in Dundee for a long time, a city that was once known as the city of jute, jam, and journalism. I definitely feel like I have a bit of a soft spot for this fabric. So what is jute?

It’s a tough, durable fabric that’s made from the jute plant. When it comes to interior design you’ll see this fabric in a number of formats. Cushions, pouffes, and rugs are probably the most common, and when it came to redesigning my bedroom, I went for the latter.

Why? Well, the room was crying out for some natural materials and colours. I also wanted to overlap the beige carpet with some different textures. I ordered this beautiful jute runner from Next and it slotted perfectly beneath the boucle ottoman, as you can see.

4) Linen

I loathe interior spaces that feel too ‘done’. Too many matchy-matchy accessories going on is my idea of hell. I think that’s why I’m drawn to linen – it’s perfect for laidback living.

If you’re looking to create a relaxed living or bedroom space then the calming and understated vibe is a winner. I opted for linen curtains for my bedroom space because I wanted something in a natural tone – and I also love its naturally crinkly effect! Of course, you can choose to iron your linen curtains but I didn’t bother – I love those creases!  

Linen also has heat-absorbing properties so it’ll stop the heat from the sun from getting into your room. I don’t think we’ll have to worry about that too much in Stirling but, nonetheless, it’s good to know! I love how it lets a soft glow of light through in the early morning.

You can use linen in your home in a number of different ways. The obvious one is for bedding as it’ll keep you cool in summer and warm in the winter months.

5) Leather

It might not be for everyone but, for me, butter-soft leather adds a timeless quality to your home. With that said, it has to be done right otherwise it can all go horribly wrong.

If you’d said to me that I would have a leather sofa in my living room a few years ago I probably would have laughed. But that’s probably because I would be picturing a shiny red leather sofa or similar. That’s not the vibe I’m going for when I talk about leather.

For me, leather should be timeless, understated, and preferably tan! A nice green or grey leather works for me as well but, personally, I wouldn’t use any other colours. Tan is neutral, adds warmth, and can be incorporated into a number of different palettes.

My tan leather sofa from Made and it’s a beauty. The material is actually a kind of suede/leather so while it may not be as wipe clean as leather, it looks amazing. The colour also complements the navy feature wall – thanks for the previous owners for that one. 

6) Sheepskin

Sheepskins are a huge asset to your space if you want to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere. They bring lovely natural shades and tones to your room and their fluffy texture also do a great job in adding softness. You can’t beat a sheepskin rug for cosiness.

How should you use your sheepskin rug? I love to layer sheepskin rugs over wooden floors and carpets to break up large spaces and to add interest. They also look great layered over other, larger rugs – although this usually works best if the rug has a flatter texture.

You can keep your sheepskin rugs to the floor or you can be a little more creative with them. Use them as a throw on your bed or drape them over benches or chairs for a Scandi feel. This works best when the chair has a metallic frame – the glints of gold peeping through add a lovely contrast. They also make the perfect bed for four-legged friends.

7) Wood

I love wood. There are so many different types and finishes that you can find the perfect style for you. From chunky desks to upcycled apple crates to minimalist bamboo washing baskets, I have a broad mix of wood in my home and they all work in different ways.

Wood is just another way of bringing in natural materials and textures into your home. While it is on-trend to layer similar hues of the same colour, I always prefer to break up similar tones with something different, and wood is the perfect way to do this.

As I said earlier, my bedroom was screaming out for the addition of some wood. The addition of wooden bedside tables and a wood and rattan chest of drawers worked a treat. I also got these bamboo washing baskets – I love their clean lines next to the boucle.

8) Corduroy

I know, I know. You’re might be thinking corduroy, really? However, cord has come back into fashion in the past year or so and I’m here to make the case for it. I love the richness and softness of corduroy – it adds depth as well as a luxurious feel to any space. 

You can bring corduroy into your space in the form of couches, chairs, cushions or even a footrest. It also looks especially nice in jewel tones such as green or blue. For me, I opted for a forest green corduroy throw from Made which finishes off my bedroom nicely.

Mix it with metallics and dark walls for a really opulent feel. However, if you want more of a natural look then pair corduroy with neutral tones and natural materials like wood.