Texture for your Space

updated on November 19, 2024 by tech-n-design

Texture in interior design adds visual interest, tactile appeal, and emotional depth, transforming a space from dull to inviting and engaging.

Using different textures—visual, tactile, and emotional—requires thought and balance in different rooms, such as living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms.

Lighting, material and accessories can really make textures pop and highlight what you want to show while keeping it all harmonious and functional.

Understanding Interior Texture

Texture is a multi-sensory experience that can change the whole mood of a space.

Careful use of different textures can turn dull spaces into interesting and inviting environments and add depth, visual weight and interest to your rooms.

It’s not just about adding a patterned pillow or a fluffy rug; it’s about combining tactile and visual elements to enhance the overall mood of the space.

The three main aspects of texture are visual, tactile, and emotional impact.

Visual Texture

Visual texture is the illusionary aspect of texture that adds depth to spaces without being physically felt. It’s a 2D simulation that looks different from its actual touch, creating an optical illusion of texture. This type of texture is what prevents spaces from being boring. Think of the visual interest of tufted upholstery or the contrast between glossy and matte surfaces.

Visual textures can add to the impact of a colour scheme or provide a contrast that makes certain colours pop. Rough textures can make bright colours more intense, smooth textures can make soft colours more subtle.

Tactile Texture

Tactile texture engages our sense of touch and makes a space come alive. This physical texture is what makes a space real. Imagine sinking into a plush carpet, the coolness of a smooth marble surface or the rustic charm of exposed brick walls.

In the kitchen, for example, honed or leathered finishes on granite and marble can add a subtle tactile texture. In living areas woven throw pillows, mohair throws and jute rugs can add layers of touch.

Emotional Impact of Texture

The textures we choose can affect how we see, experience and interact with our surroundings.

A soft plush texture can make a room feel comfortable and relaxing, a sleek polished surface can make a room feel modern and sophisticated. The right combination of textures can elicit a specific emotional response and contribute to the overall mood of a room.

A tufted headboard, for example, can make a bedroom feel rich and luxurious and make it a more restful space.

Incorporating Texture in Different Spaces

Now we know the basics of texture, let’s talk about how to use it in different parts of your home.

Each room has a purpose so we need to approach texture differently. The key is to turn functional spaces into beautiful spaces that reflect your personality and add to the overall style of your home.

Living Room

Start with the basics: a velvet sofa adds softness, a wooden coffee table adds warmth. Layer with textiles like woven throw pillows, mohair throws and a jute or coir rug to add depth and interest.

For visual texture, try a gallery wall with different styles of art and photos in different frames. Houseplants which not only clean the air but also make the space more interesting add life and organic texture. Remember, balance is key: if you go for a shaggy rug, balance it out with smoother textures elsewhere.

Kitchen

Think about the basics: mix wood grain and glass tile to make a texture quilt. A textured tile backsplash or accent wall will add big visual interest.

Smooth countertops with more tactile elements like a rough hewn wooden island will make a beautiful contrast. Don’t forget the little things: woven baskets will add warmth and texture and storage. Exposed wooden beams or stone will add rustic whimsy.

It’s a high traffic area so choose materials that are durable and can take daily wear and tear and give you the texture you want. Mixing textures will turn a kitchen into a functional space into a cooking and gathering place.

Bathroom

Natural materials are great for adding texture to bathrooms. Try natural stone or reclaimed wood for a warm feel. For a spa-like atmosphere, install a stone wall or pebbled tiles on the shower floor.

To balance the hard surfaces in a bathroom, introduce soft textures with plush towels, a bath mat or even a small rug. Don’t forget the power of accessories to add texture; plants, books or ceramic accessories can contrast porcelain and glass nicely.

Bedroom

The bedroom is your sanctuary and texture is key to creating a peaceful and cocooning space. Start with the focal point of the room: the bed. A tufted headboard can add instant texture and ambiance. Layer the bed with different textures in your linens, such as smooth sheets with a chunky knit throw or a silky quilt.

Add earthy textures like jute rugs and wool throws to ground the space and calm the atmosphere. Don’t forget the power of window treatments; linen curtains can add a light texture, velvet drapes add luxury. Accessories are key to adding those final touches of texture. Scatter cushions in different fabrics and textures to create a comforting space to relax and unwind.

Techniques to Add Texture

Adding texture is about creating a multi-dimensional space that engages the senses and adds depth to your room. The key is in thoughtful layering, strategic contrasts and innovative wall treatments.

Let’s look at three techniques: layering textures, contrasting textures and textured wall treatments.

Layering Textures

Layering textures is a basic technique that adds depth and interest to your interior design. It’s about creating a fabric of tactile and visual elements that work together. Start with a base layer, like a smooth leather sofa, and build on top of that with contrasting textures like a chunky knit throw and silky cushions. Don’t be afraid to mix materials; combining book spines with sculpted glass lamp bases can create a fascinating visual and tactile landscape.

In the lounge, layer rugs of different sizes, patterns, and textures to add to the cosy feel. Layering isn’t just about soft furnishings; consider how curtains, blinds and lampshades can add to the textural contrast. The key is to create a balanced look that feels intentional and harmonious not cluttered and crazy.

Contrasting Textures

Contrasting textures is a great way to add visual interest and depth to your space. The play between rough and smooth, matte and glossy or soft and hard surfaces creates a visual experience that draws the eye and engages the senses. For example, a sleek granite countertop with a tasselled rug is a real showstopper in a room. This is particularly good for creating visual weight and balance.

Place contrasting textures and make certain parts of a room more prominent than others and guide the eye to focal points. Don’t be afraid to play with contrasting fabrics especially in areas like curtains, blinds and lamp shades. The goal is to create harmony through contrast.

Textured Wall Treatments

Walls are a big canvas for texture and textured wall treatments can totally change the feel of a room. From subtle to bold, there are options for every style. Here are some to consider:

• 3D wall panel

• Fabric Panels

• Cork wall coverings

These can make walls feel 3D, add depth and interest without overwhelming the space.

In bathrooms, Venetian plastering can add an old world texture and depth to the whole space. Consider a piled stone wall or a glass tile accent wall in the kitchen or bathroom for more drama. Don’t forget architectural elements as a way to add texture; simple crown molding, wainscoting or picture molding can add texture subtly. For a modern twist, sculptural wall decor can add raised texture that makes a big design statement.

Lighting and Texture

Lighting is key to how we see and experience texture in interior design. The play between light and texture can make or break the mood of a space, accentuate or soften textures. The quality and direction of light can make more or less texture visible and how the gradations appear. Rough textures reflect less light and feel warm and cozy; smooth and shiny textures reflect more light and feel cool and modern.

Knowing how to control light can help you highlight the textures you want to emphasize and create the mood in each room. Let’s look at two key aspects of lighting with texture: light source placement and bulb temperature.

Light Source Placement

Positioning light can add texture to your space. One way to do this is to use multiple light sources to create layers of light. Try:

• Placing a light source at a 90 degree angle to a textured wall to cast shadows that make the texture more prominent.

• Uplighting textured surfaces like stone or brick to bring out the natural beauty.

• Recessed lights with adjustable trims to light up textured surfaces and create interesting patterns and shadows.

So you can add texture to your space and make it look good.

Backlighting, whether from windows or artificial sources, can create beautiful silhouettes that highlight the texture of objects. Don’t forget about adjustable lighting; by moving the light source away from the textured surface, you can change the intensity of the texture and create different moods.

Bulb Temperature

The temperature of your light bulbs can make a big difference to how textures look in your space. Warm white (around 3000K) gives a softer, more ambient glow that makes textures look natural and soft. Perfect for living rooms or bedrooms.

Cool white (around 5000K) gives a brighter, more modern feel and makes textures look sharp and defined. Great for kitchens or home offices where task lighting is key.

Mix warm and cool bulbs in the same space for flexibility. This will give you a balanced look and allow you to highlight different textures and moods for different times of day or occasions.

Choosing Textural Elements

It’s not just about what looks good; it’s about function, aesthetics, budget and maintenance.

Here are things to consider when choosing textures for your space:

• The room’s function: is it a high-traffic area that needs durable textures or a relaxation space where soft, luxurious textures would be better?

• The overall look: what style are you going for; modern, rustic or traditional and what textures will help you achieve that?

• Budget: while it’s easy to go all out, remember to stay within your means.

Focus on the big ticket items that will have the biggest impact and quality and durability.

Think about maintenance. Choose textures that match how much time and effort you are willing to put into upkeep. Let’s get into two key aspects of choosing textural elements: material durability and visual cohesion.

Material Durability

When choosing materials think about the amount of physical contact and wear they will get. For example in a busy family room or entryway go for robust materials and textures that can withstand heavy use without losing their texture. Leather for sofas, wool for rugs or hardwood for flooring – all materials that are known for their durability and can age well.

In kitchens and bathrooms where moisture and spills are common, choose materials that are not only durable but easy to clean and maintain. This might mean glazed tiles over porous stone or water resistant fabrics for window treatments.

Aesthetic Harmony

Creating harmony with texture is all about getting the balance right between contrast and cohesion. Start by looking at what you already have in the room and the colour palette. The textures you add should complement and enhance these elements to get the desired look and feel.

For example if you have a modern minimalist space with clean lines you can add subtle texture with a low pile rug or a sleek leather armchair to add depth without disrupting the overall look. If you have a more eclectic space you can play with bolder textures and mix and match different elements to get a layered look.

Contrasting textures can be interesting but they should still work with the overall colour scheme. A good tip is to choose a common colour palette to tie different textures together. For example in a living room you can pair a smooth velvet sofa with a chunky knit throw and a rough jute rug all in the same colour family.

Enhancing Texture with Accessories

Accessories are the icing on the cake that can really make your textured design pop. They’re a way to add more texture in a way that’s easily changeable and often more affordable than bigger pieces. Some examples of textured accessories are:

• A good rug that can anchor a seating area and add warmth to the room.

• Throw pillows that are another versatile accessory that can add pops of color, pattern and texture to a plain sofa and instantly add visual interest and comfort.

• Curtains and window treatments don’t get enough love. Textured or patterned curtains can add depth to plain walls and the overall texture of the room.

Decorative objects like vases, sculptures or even books can be focal points and add visual interest and texture to shelves or coffee tables. Plants and flowers are great for textural effects through their different forms, petal shapes and leaf textures.

When arranging these accessories consider alternating textures to make a statement but don’t add too many competing finishes. The key is to create a balanced layered look that enhances the overall textural story of your space without overwhelming it.

FAQs

How Can I Create a Multisensory Experience in My Home Using Texture?

Mixing visual, tactile, and auditory elements can create a multisensory experience. Textured fabrics, wall coverings, and flooring, alongside soft lighting and sound-absorbing materials, can transform your home into an immersive, calming sanctuary.

What Role Does Texture Play in Minimalist Interior Design?

Texture is crucial in minimalist design, adding depth and interest without clutter. Use subtle textured elements like matte finishes, linen fabrics, or textured glass to maintain simplicity while ensuring the space feels warm and inviting.

How Can I Use Textured Accessories to Refresh My Home’s Look Seasonally?

Switching out textured accessories like cushions, throws, and rugs is an easy way to refresh your home’s look with the seasons. Use light, airy textures like cotton and linen in summer and switch to warmer, plush textures like wool and velvet in winter.

How many textures should you have in a room?

Incorporating a variety of textures can enhance a room’s depth and interest. Aim for at least three to five different textures to create a balanced, visually appealing space. This can include a mix of soft fabrics, smooth surfaces, rough elements, and shiny finishes. The key is to ensure these textures complement each other rather than clash.

Should walls be smooth or textured?

The choice between smooth or textured walls depends on the desired aesthetic and functional needs of the space:

• Smooth Walls: These offer a clean, modern look and are easier to paint and maintain. They provide a neutral backdrop that allows other textures in the room to stand out, like furniture and accessories.

• Textured Walls: These can add character and warmth, creating visual interest and hiding minor imperfections. Options include shiplap, beadboard, and plaster finishes. Textured walls are great for adding depth, especially in spaces where you want a cozy, intimate feel.

Conclusion

Texture can turn ordinary spaces into extraordinary ones. It’s more than just touch—it’s a visual, tactile, and emotional experience. Each room offers chances to use texture meaningfully, from layering and contrasting to textured wall treatments.

We’ve seen how lighting affects texture and the importance of choosing durable, aesthetically pleasing elements. Accessories can add those perfect finishing touches. As you design, aim for spaces that look beautiful and feel inviting. Don’t be afraid to experiment and show your personal style. The best interiors reflect the unique personality of their inhabitants. So, touch, feel, and create spaces that truly speak to you!