The Importance of Texture: How & Where to Use It
Smooth, rough, shiny, prickly, bumpy, fuzzy ... Read on to see how all these textures and more can transform a space
Texture is often perceived to be an underused element in interior design. But we all use it, knowingly or unknowingly, in furniture, fabrics, floors or furnishings. The question is, how wisely do we use it? More often than not, our design sensibilities revolve primarily around colour, which is the more visual component. The right mix of great furniture, accessories, the right lighting and colours maketh a home, but texture is what completes it – it adds depth and dimension to a space. Texture Is a multi-sensory experience that stimulates us both visually and tactilely; it is one component that, when used correctly, can take a space from alright to amazing.
Here, we take a look at how texture can be used to its best advantage in various areas of a home.
Here, we take a look at how texture can be used to its best advantage in various areas of a home.
Mix ‘em up
Encourage your guests to mingle by creating an interesting nook in your living room with chromatic and textural harmony between various elements on the walls, furniture and furnishings. Here, the three-dimensional artwork of the framed fabrics and the tufted upholstery of the sofa, coupled with the natural-hued woven rug and the polished wood of the coffee table, together create an inviting spot.
Encourage your guests to mingle by creating an interesting nook in your living room with chromatic and textural harmony between various elements on the walls, furniture and furnishings. Here, the three-dimensional artwork of the framed fabrics and the tufted upholstery of the sofa, coupled with the natural-hued woven rug and the polished wood of the coffee table, together create an inviting spot.
Maintain a balance
Wood, in its different forms, is an excellent element for introducing texture. This lovely timber ceiling is beautifully highlighted by the grid-like beams and rafters, adding a bit of drama to a plain surface. The warm wooden accents continue in the minimal and classic cane furniture, balancing the cool dark smoothness of the stone-tiled floor in this traditional setting.
Wood, in its different forms, is an excellent element for introducing texture. This lovely timber ceiling is beautifully highlighted by the grid-like beams and rafters, adding a bit of drama to a plain surface. The warm wooden accents continue in the minimal and classic cane furniture, balancing the cool dark smoothness of the stone-tiled floor in this traditional setting.
2. Dining room
Choose raw, natural textures
Texture can be used to create an ambience. Weathered wood, exposed brick walls and the terracotta flooring give this space a modern yet rustic look.
Tip: Tapestries and carpets are a popular way of adding texture, as well as natural woven materials, such as wicker and rattan.
Choose raw, natural textures
Texture can be used to create an ambience. Weathered wood, exposed brick walls and the terracotta flooring give this space a modern yet rustic look.
Tip: Tapestries and carpets are a popular way of adding texture, as well as natural woven materials, such as wicker and rattan.
Create contrasts
Bring in contrasts via textures; colours need not be the only way to differentiate zones. The rustic texture of a pale natural stone wall alongside the metal staircase stands out against the dark, glossy granite dining table, even as it is reflected in it, tying them together and lending the space an earthy vibe.
Bring in contrasts via textures; colours need not be the only way to differentiate zones. The rustic texture of a pale natural stone wall alongside the metal staircase stands out against the dark, glossy granite dining table, even as it is reflected in it, tying them together and lending the space an earthy vibe.
3. Bedroom
Use fabrics for texture – the richer, the better
This fabric may not suit all types of decor but faux fur pillows can perk things up noticeably. They work great by themselves but mixing them up with other rich fabrics such as silk and velvet takes it up a notch, both in the visual and tactile experience of the space. The tufted velvet headboard and the pile rug tie the mélange of textures together.
Tip: Too much of a good thing is bad. Likewise, with texture. Lots of contrasting textures can be unpleasantly clashing instead of complementing each other. Keep it simple and balanced. A mix of three or four textures should get you the desired effect.
Use fabrics for texture – the richer, the better
This fabric may not suit all types of decor but faux fur pillows can perk things up noticeably. They work great by themselves but mixing them up with other rich fabrics such as silk and velvet takes it up a notch, both in the visual and tactile experience of the space. The tufted velvet headboard and the pile rug tie the mélange of textures together.
Tip: Too much of a good thing is bad. Likewise, with texture. Lots of contrasting textures can be unpleasantly clashing instead of complementing each other. Keep it simple and balanced. A mix of three or four textures should get you the desired effect.
Drapes and shades are a great way to add texture into the bedroom. Bamboo roller blinds lined with silk or jacquard drapery fabric offer an interesting contrast of the rustic with the elegant. You could also try layered curtains, with a gossamer light outer drape and an inner heavy, maybe velvet, curtain.
Use architectural elements
Architectural elements such as mouldings are an effective yet subtle way to add texture to a wall. In this contemporary bedroom, the glossy coloured wall is brought to life by the linear moulding that adds an appealing visual and tactile feature.
Tip: Wallpaper is an alternative to paint if you want pattern, colour and texture.
Pro tip: Some special-effects paints, usually employed as water-based or translucent top coats, can be applied on a base coat to create specific effects on the wall, such as sponging, distressing, graining, trompe l’oeil, and so on.
Architectural elements such as mouldings are an effective yet subtle way to add texture to a wall. In this contemporary bedroom, the glossy coloured wall is brought to life by the linear moulding that adds an appealing visual and tactile feature.
Tip: Wallpaper is an alternative to paint if you want pattern, colour and texture.
Pro tip: Some special-effects paints, usually employed as water-based or translucent top coats, can be applied on a base coat to create specific effects on the wall, such as sponging, distressing, graining, trompe l’oeil, and so on.
Use textures to create warmth
Textural fabrics bring a sense of warmth, especially if they are in warm colours, as in this spacious bedroom. The ottoman covered in rough-woven material, along with the jute rug and the wooden basket, balances the coolness of the smooth marble floor.
Tip: Textures look different depending on how they absorb light. For example, rough fabrics tend to absorb light and will make a colour look warmer, whereas shiny, glossy surfaces will reflect light back into a room and appear cooler
Textural fabrics bring a sense of warmth, especially if they are in warm colours, as in this spacious bedroom. The ottoman covered in rough-woven material, along with the jute rug and the wooden basket, balances the coolness of the smooth marble floor.
Tip: Textures look different depending on how they absorb light. For example, rough fabrics tend to absorb light and will make a colour look warmer, whereas shiny, glossy surfaces will reflect light back into a room and appear cooler
4. Bathroom
Pick a single material for multi-textural uses
This bathroom makes the most of a single material and uses it in different forms. The cement basin that is smooth and polished on the inside and slightly rough on the outside sits on a raw cement counter top that adds to the rustic yet rich feel of the unit. The rough exterior of the washbasin finds a commonality in the seemingly unfinished ceiling. The beaten effect on the wall at the far end could be achieved in cement (though here it is most likely plaster).
How we perceive texture depends a lot on how it absorbs light – note how the sunlight bouncing off the far end wall enhances the dimples.
Pick a single material for multi-textural uses
This bathroom makes the most of a single material and uses it in different forms. The cement basin that is smooth and polished on the inside and slightly rough on the outside sits on a raw cement counter top that adds to the rustic yet rich feel of the unit. The rough exterior of the washbasin finds a commonality in the seemingly unfinished ceiling. The beaten effect on the wall at the far end could be achieved in cement (though here it is most likely plaster).
How we perceive texture depends a lot on how it absorbs light – note how the sunlight bouncing off the far end wall enhances the dimples.
5. Kitchen
Use faux textural imagery
Texture doesn’t have to be felt to be sensed. The Athangudi tiles here, besides lending an old-world charm, give the visual effect of texture despite being completely flat. The exposed brick wall with a latticed window lends the kitchen the tactile aspect of texture.
Use faux textural imagery
Texture doesn’t have to be felt to be sensed. The Athangudi tiles here, besides lending an old-world charm, give the visual effect of texture despite being completely flat. The exposed brick wall with a latticed window lends the kitchen the tactile aspect of texture.
Perk up a monochromatic scheme
When your colour scheme consists of a single colour, it’s important to visually stimulate with textures. The glossy white surfaces in this room are offset by the 3D-effect wall in the same colour, which keeps the space from looking monotonous.
Tip: Textures used in monochromatic spaces stand a better chance of being highlighted in good natural and artificial lighting, as they cause shadows to form.
Read more:
35 Stylish Walls That Celebrate Colours & Textures
A Guide to Wall Panelling: Styles, Textures & Finishes
Tell us:
How have you used textures in your home? Tell us in the Comments section below.
When your colour scheme consists of a single colour, it’s important to visually stimulate with textures. The glossy white surfaces in this room are offset by the 3D-effect wall in the same colour, which keeps the space from looking monotonous.
Tip: Textures used in monochromatic spaces stand a better chance of being highlighted in good natural and artificial lighting, as they cause shadows to form.
Read more:
35 Stylish Walls That Celebrate Colours & Textures
A Guide to Wall Panelling: Styles, Textures & Finishes
Tell us:
How have you used textures in your home? Tell us in the Comments section below.
Use texture to create a focal point
Every room needs a focal point – especially the living space. In this living room, it is the dimpled POP wall. Plaster is extremely versatile in terms of shapes and textures. The indents on this white wall are accentuated by natural light in the day and bright spotlights by night, making it the main feature of the room.
Tip: POP takes to paints very well. You can cover it with oil or enamel paint of your choice or leave it exposed to enjoy the raw off-white grain.