Fabric is probably one of the most unappreciated elements in interior design. It is often underrated because the focus is often directed at bigger and more obvious pieces of the design, such as the furniture and lighting.
However, the fact remains that fabrics are at the core of any interior design. Not only does it add colors to both residential and commercial spaces, but it also creates a balance between aesthetics and functionality. It can be used in any part of the house – from curtains and blinds down to wall-to-wall and tile carpeting.
To help you get the most benefit from using textiles in interior design, here are four vital tips you should try:
1. Brush Up on Your Knowledge on Fabrics
The first thing you must do before effectively using textiles in your interior is to understand the different fabrics and their characteristics. Not only will this help you design a beautiful room, but it would also ensure optimal functionality and comfort.
Below are some of the commonly used fabrics in residential and commercial interiors:
Cotton
This extremely light and affordable textile is often used for interior design as it offers versatility and comfort. Cotton works well in many different rooms and can withstand extensive use, even with the test of time.
The only downside of this type of fabric is that it can be prone to staining. For this reason, most interior designers incorporate cotton blend rather than pure cotton.
Rayon
Rayon is another commonly used textile in interior design as it acts as a viable alternative to silk because of its great texture. However, this fabric wrinkles easily, so it should only be used in areas where it won’t be subjected to too much stress.
Polyester
This type of fabric is often used as bed sheets, curtains, and others because of its durability. It is also known for maintaining a wrinkle-free appearance, even when subjected to stress (e.g., used as bedsheets). However, this particular textile is a synthetic fabric and is often not used in its pure form.
Nylon
As a highly versatile fabric, nylon can be used in many different areas of the house. As a synthetic fabric, this material can endure the test of time without showing signs of wear-and-tear. It is also highly resistant to fading and holds color well.
But no single fabric can have it all as nylon tends to be a bit rough since it is often used in its blended form.
Silk
Silk is a rich type of textile that is often used for cushion and upholsteries in residential interiors. It adds a certain level of elegance to any room.
It is generally soft to touch and comes with a shiny and smooth texture. But, because of this, it is also prone to staining and can be quite delicate so it shouldn’t be used everywhere in the house.
Leather
Leather adds a rich vibe to any interior, much like silk does. It is generally used in offices as sofa or chair covers since it exudes a certain level of sophistication to the place.
However, this textile tends to require more attention and care than most because it is a naturally occurring material. It can be damaged when splashed with water or when placed under the direct heat of the sun. Leather may also get ruined when scratched and can easily tear, especially when used in a thin layer.
Now that you know the different types of fabrics in your arsenal, you can already decide which ones to use for your design. When choosing a textile, remember to match it to the specific style and functionality of the space you’re decorating.
For instance, you can use silk for bedrooms since it is considered a luxurious and comfortable fabric. Alternatively, cotton works well in the kitchen since it offers a simpler, more rustic feel to the room.
2. Keep Colors Identical While Playing Around with Patterns
In interior design, you need to have a color palette to keep it from looking like a circus. This means you have to use a single set of colors and stick to it throughout the design to prevent the room from looking hectic and confusing.
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to settle with a boring interior. You can still add plenty of visual interest in the form of patterns.
When using patterns, don’t be afraid to use a wide variety of them, be it dots, stripes, checkered, and others. However, you must remember to use ones with similar tones and hues as your chosen color palette to ensure that the patterns all jive together in harmony.
3. Scale Up or Down to Balance the Interior
Textiles are also great for scaling your interior to achieve balance. This can work both ways: bigger patterns can help achieve a shrinking effect while smaller detailed ones can offer an enlarging look to any space.
4. Use Fabrics as Inspiration for the Entire Design
Spending on high-quality fabrics doesn’t just enhance your interior design — it drives it. Textiles may seem like an accessory for the untrained eye, but interior design experts know that these actually serve as the inspiration of the space.
So, if you’re unsure where to start your interior design or lack inspiration for a room, look for a piece of textile. It can be a floor rug, curtain, or throw pillow. From there, use the same color palette you can find in the fabric and work your way into completing the interior design.
Transform Any Interior with Fabrics
Turning a boring interior into an awesome one is not too hard if you have enough knowledge in using textiles. Even if you don’t, you’re still off to a good start since you’ve already read the most crucial tips listed in this article.
