5 ways to use textured fabric

Fabric doesn’t have to be flat and plain. Weaving techniques, specialist yarns and cutting patterns produce cloth that is super tactile and highly decorative. These five ways to use textured fabric in your home will help get you started.

1. Mix different textures: no one will tell you off if you use different textures in the same space. In fact, you’ll add more interest and depth when you adopt a pick and mix style. Some fabric textures to look out for include chenille, bouclé, velvet, corduroy, piqué, tweed, crewel and cable knit jersey.

This abstract chenille block cushion is a great starting point. Use it alongside this Mongolian sheepskin cushion and this poncho stripe crewel embroidery cushion. All sold by John Lewis.

2. Keep to a neutral colour palette: you can still have fun with textured fabrics if you’re a fan of the neutral aesthetic. In fact, working with a limited colour palette is a luxurious, sophisticated take on tactile. Why not make your bed the focal point?

Start with this white quilted bedding set, add a neatly-folded, chunky-knit throw in neutral and finish with a scattering of cushions, such as this chenille cushion in neutral mix and this pure wool basket weave cushion in ecru. All sold by Marks & Spencer.

3. Take your cues from the countryside: tweed is one of home décor’s most versatile and durable fabrics. It’s available in a number of weaves, including herringbone, dogtooth and check. Tweed makes for a wonderful upholstery fabric as it’s very hardwearing. 

Buy the fabric by the metre, such as this sea green tweed from Croft Mill or this classic herringbone from Harris Tweed Isle of Harris, and have an existing sofa or armchair recovered. Looking for tweed with less expense? Next has a great range of tweed lampshades in a variety of colours.

4. Feel texture under your feet: textured rugs are the statement item that draw the eye and provide something tactile under foot. They’re also a great mobile option that can be rolled up and taken with you if you’re planning on moving.

This cream and blue textured rug from Danetti would look right at home in a coastal-themed room. For a ‘go with everything’ rug, you can’t go wrong with this bubble option in cream from Wayfair. For maximum texture, opt for this basketweave rug from the Cotswold Company. 

5. Go bobbly with bouclé: it’s the textured fabric that has stayed on-trend for several seasons. Bouclé is a contemporary-looking mix of bumps, bobbles and softness, which is a result of having loops or curls in the yarn. Despite its delicate appearance, bouclé is very hardwearing – especially if you opt for a wool blend. 

If you’re careful with your red wine, try this bouclé accent chair in cream from Very. Household a little more messy? Consider reupholstering furniture in a darker shade, such as this mustard-coloured ‘by the metre’ bouclé fabric from Jane Clayton & Company. If you’re worried about bouclé overkill, try this lampshade in pale blue from Dunelm. 

Property presentation really matters when you’re selling. From how your home comes across in photos to the first impression on a viewing, refreshing your décor will help convince people your home is for them. Get in touch if you’d like further presentation advice.