Textiles provide much more than just a splash of colour in an otherwise neutral space, and should not be an afterthought when putting together your home interior. Fabrics add warmth, texture and, when chosen carefully, can even set the tone for each room. Here, we’ve asked several founders behind interior and design practices from our Directory for their advice and know-how on how to use textiles at home.

Consider textiles an integral part of the interior

It can be a challenge to integrate textiles into a space, but by introducing thoughtful, tactile pieces, a visual narrative emerges. Considered pieces, from rugs to wall hangings, can dramatically shift our sense of the space and set the overall tone.

“Consider the functionality of a room, the light source, the mood you want to create and select textiles to enhance it,” suggests Souad Larusi, founder of Larusi, our go-to for authentic Berber rugs and handmade vintage textiles. “To add drama in a room, a large, free-flowing design helps to create the mood,” she adds.

“Setting textiles against hard materials really enlivens a space,” explains designer Eleanor Pritchard. “Textiles are great against surfaces like stone, concrete and timber. In a home, I think they work best when they are used quite sparingly, and thoughtfully.”

“If you have a cold, noisy, tired or dark room it can easily be transformed with fabric walling,” advises interior and architectural designer Fran Hickman. “The acoustic effect of framing and padding out walls in this way is, unsurprisingly, pretty absorbing. Sound will not echo within and will be kept out, too. For this reason, it is a technique best employed in large drawing rooms, dining rooms, screening rooms and bedrooms,” she adds.

Avoid fleeting trends

Confidently selecting quality pieces that you are drawn to and love with the intended space in mind will ensure they become long-lasting, celebrated additions that your eye never tires of.

“We are at a time when we should rethink the idea of trends that drive a constant need for change and instead see that textiles can be flexible pieces in our home. We can reinvent and reinterpret them, using an item in different rooms.

“I’m a big fan of using natural materials for living environments, such as linen, hemp, wool or alpaca. With such materials comes a timeless, adaptable and lasting aesthetic and often they are better for the environment than man-made fibres,” says Caterina Riccabona, specialist in handwoven textiles.

Designer Eleanor Pritchard agrees, “I would avoid anything too on-trend as this may date quite quickly. Personally, I like eclectic mix of different pieces from contemporary and older (perhaps vintage) pieces, patterns with plains, and different textures and materials. I think this combination, collected over a period of time rather than bought all at once, will appeal for much longer.”

Blend new and old to create a personalised narrative

Cherished textiles – be they heirloom or discovered on travels– mixed with newer sought-after pieces will add personality for a more inviting, characterful home.

“Mix vintage and new to add interest and individuality. Vintage textiles add a soul to a space, they have a story to tell reflecting their provenance and the hard work that goes into making them. They can provide texture and great contrast to sleek minimal interiors, too,” notes Souad Larusi.

“I find that pieces that come with a narrative are likely to hold much longer appeal. At home we have lots of textiles that have been made by friends, mixed with inherited family pieces, vintage pieces picked up on travels and odd pieces of my own work. Knowing a little more about the story behind a piece will make it much more valuable to you,” concurs Eleanor Pritchard.

Take care of your textiles

When it comes to our clothes, reading the care instructions goes without saying; we take our silk shirts to the dry cleaners and always hand-wash our cashmere sweaters. Yet, the textiles that live in our homes are often left untreated. Looking after our soft furnishings ensures they too will last for much longer.

“Regular use or interaction with a textile piece (especially a woollen one) in the home is a good natural moth repellent – don’t leave them hanging around for too long. Shake out blankets and fold throws to create different looks showing varied accents or details,” suggests Caterina Riccabona.

“Textiles will last much longer if you look after them well. Clean them appropriately; make sure pieces in direct sun are resistant to fading and store fabrics with care,” adds Eleanor Pritchard.

Layer textures

Contrasting textile elements serve to elevate a space, add depth and provide tactile cues for seating and relaxing areas of a room.

“Know that you can use any textile imaginable – colour, pattern, weave and composition: all should be considered to bring personality and depth to the space,” says Fran Hickman.

“In order to create a sense of contrast, do not be afraid to mix patterns or play with colours and scale. I would suggest textiles have a unifying element to keep the interior scheme coherent. Contrasting textures, colours and surfaces adds interest in a visual and tactile sense,” advises Souad Larusi.

Caterina Riccabona adds, “As a handweaver I make throws and I really like to layer them up and display them in a room as objects. They are essentially practical items but also have the power to make you feel good and uplifted if you like the design.”