Have you ever wrapped yourself in a thick, corded blanket and felt perfectly snug? Or have you ran your hand over the bumpy woodgrain of a table and been reminded of family dinners and savory foods? That’s the power of texture in design! Without it, a room is incomplete. Texture adds interest, dimension, and life to a space that would otherwise be flat and boring.
Not only does texture refer to the physical way something feels, but also to how our imaginations perceive it will feel. Texture isn’t just tactile, it’s visual. A piece’s texture can evoke memories, emotions, and feelings just like color can.
Two Basic Types of Texture: Smooth And Rough
We can divide texture into two basic categories: smooth and rough. Smooth textures give a modern look and will make a space feel cooler, lighter, and more open. In contrast, rough textures make a room feel warmer, cozier, and more natural. The two can be used separately or together to provide contrast within a space.
A smooth, modern chair provides a striking
contrast when placed beside a woven basket.
Architectural Texture
When adding texture to a room, you want to find a mix that is visually appealing to your eyes. Too much texture can make a room look cluttered and feel overwhelming but too little will leave you with a flat, uninteresting space.
Make use of shelves to showcase textured items,
like books. Try mixing a variety of furniture, such as a
leather footstool and a linen sofa.
Thankfully, texture can be added in all sorts of unique ways, starting with the architectural components of your room. If you have a rugged brick wall, wood flooring, or elegant trim then half your texture is already there! Marble and tile are other great textural elements to highlight. Let these elements shine through in your room. Accent them and avoid covering them up.
Emphasize architectural texture, like a brick fireplace or wood floors.
Always appreciate a rustic brick wall;
it adds dimension and interest to a room!
Texture in Furniture & Decor
There are also easier ways to add texture without starting a major renovation. Furniture is a great option, whether it’s a rustic dining room set, a linen sofa, or a sleek end table. You can even add texture in with smaller, decorative elements like artwork, a chunky knit blanket, a fuzzy throw rug, or a woven basket.
Remember to aim for the feeling you want your room to convey, whether it’s snug and cozy or open and light. Lastly, don’t forget to add in natural pieces as well (you knew it was coming!). Plants, seashells, and rocks not only add texture but will refresh and enrich your space.
Try adding in a houseplant or a vase of flowers to help texturize a room.
Baskets are not only great for storage, they're a quick
and easy way to add in a dash of texture.
Use other decorative elements, like candles and
textured plates to bring a room to life.
How have you used texture in your home? Do you feel it makes a difference? What items would you consider using to pull more texture in?
And don't miss out on these articles about texture, design, and all that good stuff:
Work with Lauren Figueroa Interior Design
LFID is a full-service interior design firm serving West and Southeast Michigan. We work with clients across West and Southeast Michigan (Detroit metro, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Holland) and anywhere in between, and we pride ourselves on creating bespoke, people-centered spaces—because after all, people are what this life is all about!
If you have a project on the horizon, get started by telling us a little about your vision here.
