It really works! 10 ideas on how to change your interior using textiles

What types of fabrics are used in the interior?

Any textile design begins with fabrics, which in turn can be natural or synthetic.

Cotton

Eco-friendly composition, pleasant texture, durability, ease of care, and a huge selection of colors make cotton an ideal textile option for any room. Curtains, pillowcases, bedding are made from natural cotton, walls are decorated, and furniture is upholstered.

The photo shows the colors of natural cotton

Linen

As a rule, textiles made from linen fibers have natural shades - beige, gray, light yellow, yellow-green. Linen is used for sewing bedding, decorative pillowcases, tablecloths, and curtains.

Look at examples of using linen curtains in the interior.

Wool

An interesting texture has every chance of becoming an accent in the interior. Bedspreads, blankets and even pillowcases made from yarn will complement the bedroom or living room. And natural carpets last much longer than artificial textiles.

Gozhka

If your goal is to create a texture in textile design that is close to cotton or linen, but at the same time choose a more practical fabric, give preference to matting. Thanks to durable fibers, the fabric wrinkles less, is easier to clean and lasts longer.

Among the large selection of shades and textures, it’s easy to find one that suits your desired interior style. The matting is suitable for any purpose: from upholstery to sewing pillowcases.

In the photo the texture of the matting

Chenille

Unique fabric: soft and textured at the same time. Chenille is very durable, which is why it is most often used in furniture making. Although it is also suitable for curtains or bedspreads.

Jacquard

Durable but refined fabrics are preferred by fans of classic, palace styles. Both a jacquard sofa and complex curtains look equally good.

Velvet

In textile design, velvet occupies a separate place: its pleasant fleecy texture, combined with deep shades, has been used in interior design since ancient times.

In a modern apartment, velvet furniture, curtains, and pillows add a touch of luxury to the design.

Pictured is emerald velvet

Velours

Unlike velvet, velor has less of a touch of elegance, but a larger range of colors, including simple light, complex deep and bright saturated tones. The scope of application is the same: furniture, decor, curtains.

Flock

One of the few textile options in the interior, the texture of which is achieved not through weaving, but with the help of pile spraying. Thanks to this technology, flock is not afraid of snags and is often used in apartments with animals. Suitable for upholstery, accessories.

Tapestry

A special place in the list of textiles is woven fabric with a beautiful pattern. Tapestry was popular in the late 20th century, but today it is making a comeback in textile design as furniture upholstery or fabric for a variety of items (from pillows to bedspreads).

The photo shows a classic tapestry

Variety of fabrics and ways to use them

Textiles are varied. In each specific style, only certain types of material are used, which can look rich, sophisticated, elegant or modest and restrained. Fabrics can be pleasant to the touch or have a rough texture. Depending on the characteristics of the material, the scope of its application is determined. For example, durable velvet is suitable for sewing curtains, upholstery and canopies. It is not recommended to test thin silk for strength, since it is easy to put “puffs” on the material. All textiles are classified by origin into two large groups:

• Artificial;
• Natural. It, in turn, is divided into two types: animal and plant origin.

There is a third mixed group, which includes fabrics made from synthetic and natural fibers. Typically, this technique is used to reduce the cost of the finished material without seriously compromising quality.

Velor and velvet

Velor and velvet are pile fabrics. Their surface is densely covered with characteristic villi that can be smoothed by hand. Thanks to the special texture of the fabric, its shades acquire a special depth. Velvet and velor are considered the main materials for the classic style. The materials are made using two different pile weaving technologies. Velor is classified into three main types:

• Knitted;
• Fur;
• Leather.

In addition, there is another classification based on appearance:

• Embossed;
• Printed;
• Shaped;
• Smooth;
• Smoothly colored.

For the manufacture of upholstery, special furniture velor or jacquard fabric, which is its variety, is used. For car interiors, they use fabric made from synthetic fibers, which is characterized by increased strength and abrasion resistance. Velvet is used to make pillowcases, bedspreads, curtains, and furniture upholstery.

Both materials are considered hypoallergenic, but due to their texture they collect dust, which can still cause a negative reaction in humans. Velvet and velor are durable, they do not shrink, but fade in the sun. It is difficult for craftswomen to work with fabrics by hand. Both velor and velvet take a long time to dry after washing, which, by the way, can only be done in a delicate mode and using gentle products. Ironing the material is strictly prohibited. To bring it back to its previous form, you will have to “ruffle” the villi for a long time. This type of textile is considered a sign of wealth. Velvet symbolizes luxury and wealth. Just like expensive jewelry, there shouldn’t be too much of it. Otherwise, the interior faces the stigma of bad taste.

Many needlewomen use the so-called chenille. This reinforced thread is decorated with fluffy fibers along its entire length. In essence, this is velor, but intended for decoration.

Calico and ranfors

According to Russian standards, calico is a fabric made from 100% silk. In other countries, it is allowed to add up to 20% artificial fibers to the fabric. When purchasing, you should pay attention to the country of origin. It has a pronounced texture: the interweaving of fibers is visible to the naked eye. Calico is environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic. It appeared in our country back in the 16th century. Merchants from Arab states brought relatively new material. Calico is classified into four types:

• Harsh. Despite the “formidable” name, the severity of matter is manifested only in its increased strength. This calico is not dyed or bleached. It has a natural creamy shade. It is used for the manufacture of workwear and furniture upholstery.
• Smoothly colored. Plain calico, which is used for sewing towels, tablecloths, napkins and bed linen.
• Bleached. The fabric that is bleached is used only for sewing bedding sets.
• Printed. The fabric is decorated with bright, multi-colored designs. Used for sewing clothes and bed linen.

Ranfors is a super-strong material that is made using complex technology from yarn and Egyptian silk. The threads are additionally polished, combed and twisted. The result is a material that is several times denser than calico. Ranfors is characterized by hypoallergenicity, ease of care, reasonable cost, strength, durability and ability to absorb moisture. The material is used mainly for sewing bed linen and clothing. Occasionally, curtains are made from ranfors, which, by the way, “breathe” like other natural textiles.

Cotton

Cotton is based on short, slightly twisted fibers around its axis. The material perfectly resists fading and brilliantly withstands contact with aggressive household chemicals. Cotton can last a long time, but only with regular care. The most noticeable drawback of the material is the lack of ability to hold its shape for a long time, that is, the fabric wrinkles easily and can shrink. Depending on the production technology, ordinary light cotton and its more rigid variation are obtained. The first type is used for sewing clothes, tablecloths, napkins, bed linen and curtains. By the way, over time, the material on the windows will turn slightly yellow. Rigid cotton is used to make collars on men's shirts and upholstery.

Cotton in the interior is used not only in the form of finished fabric, but also as a “living” decor. The branches of the plant with characteristic lamb-like caps will last a very long time when dry and will delight the eye all year round.

Atlas

From Arabic “atlas” is translated as “smooth”. The fabric really has a pleasant texture and a slight glossy shine. The satin is very pleasant to the touch, and its appearance is associated with refined and elegant interiors. Common people often confuse satin and satin. The fabrics are indeed produced using similar technologies, but their characteristics are different. China is considered the birthplace of the atlas. The technology for producing matter was kept secret for a long time. The monopoly on the atlas allowed it to be sold to other countries (including Russia) at high prices. Depending on the type of coloring, matter is classified into four types:

• Plain.
• Trianon. Satin with contrasting pattern.
• Maintenon. A pattern is applied to a plain fabric background that looks more like a faint print.
• Pompadour. Dark satin is decorated with a gold pattern.

Satin is made from silk threads, but recently synthetic fibers, viscose and cotton have been added to them in order to reduce the cost of the material. The fabric is durable, does not shrink, retains colors for a long time, absorbs moisture, and does not wrinkle. If the edges of the satin are left untreated, they will quickly begin to disintegrate into individual fibers. Do not wash fabric in hot water. If the material contains synthetic fibers, then such satin can stretch with prolonged use. The fabric is quite heavy. Satin is used for sewing clothes, curtains, bed linen, tablecloths, and upholstery.

Silk

Silk is an expensive natural fabric that has a pleasant glossy shine and is soft to the touch. Silk is sometimes compared to the surface of water. China, as in the case of atlas, for a long time maintained a monopoly on its production. The material was supplied along the Great Silk Road. By the way, the Trans-Siberian Railway subsequently largely repeated the caravan route that connected Europe and Asia. Although the once secret technology has long been made public, China remains the leader among silk suppliers. The thread for the fabric is obtained from the tiny cocoons of silkworms. Silk is classified into many subspecies:

• Crepe. The fabric has a grainy texture and is rough to the touch. This effect is achieved by repeatedly twisting the threads when making crepe.
• Organza. A fabric that, despite its lightness, holds its shape perfectly.
• Atlas.
• Taffeta. Rigid fabric with good dimensional stability. Used for sewing petticoats.
• Chiffon. A very expensive fabric that belongs to the silk elite. It is mainly used to make clothing. Chiffon feels slightly grainy and rough to the touch. It may have a rare pearlescent color with characteristic iridescent shades.
• Toile. Fabric decorated with a pattern over a plain background. Previously, toilets were used to cover the walls of houses. A kind of first fabric wallpaper.
• Satin. Simplified version of the atlas.
• Chesucha. It is also called wild silk. The fabric is woven from the remnants of threads that vary in thickness. It has a rough appearance, but is very beneficial for human skin. It is most often used for sewing clothes, and in rare cases - for bed linen.
• Gas. A very light, airy fabric that is used for sewing tulle.
• Foulard. The finest type of silk, which is used for sewing veils and scarves.

Silk does not cause allergies, “breathes”, does not deform, but at the same time stretches easily. However, the cost of the fabric leaves much to be desired. Silk should not be exposed to regular sunlight. It can only be washed on a delicate cycle and will have to be ironed with extreme caution. Silk bed linen will give you a feeling of coolness in the hot summer, but at the same time it “slips” a lot, which many will consider as a disadvantage. The material is used to make upholstery for furniture, kitchen decor, curtains and curtains.

Linen and burlap

Linen has strength, wear resistance, and the ability to remove moisture and heat. This material is used to make clothes that are popular in the summer heat. Linen has a somewhat rough texture and is rough to the touch. The material wrinkles easily, does not hold its shape well, and sometimes shrinks after washing. Unlike cotton, linen does not turn yellow over time, but retains its original whiteness. The fabric does not pill and is used for sewing tablecloths, towels, hypoallergenic bed linen, curtains and for making furniture upholstery. Linen goes well with Provence and rustic styles, which are embodied in dachas and country houses. Burlap has a similar texture. This material is made from flax and jute in a 1:1 ratio. Burlap is strong, durable, does not stretch and is not afraid of contact with sunlight, water, and household chemicals. But due to the unsightly appearance of the fabric, it is rarely used in the interior. Rough burlap harmonizes with country, minimalism and eco style, that is, with trends that gravitate towards simplicity and naturalness. Fabric is used primarily to make upholstery for furniture.

Burlap and linen are often used to make bindings for books and notepads. The texture of the materials allows you to create original covers.

Felt

Felt is made from sheep wool by felting. For many years, material was obtained only through long and monotonous manual labor. Felt is very warm, it is not afraid of fungus and mold, and does not electrify. However, the material quickly absorbs moisture, weighs quite a lot, becomes a favorite “food” for moths and is prone to shrinkage after washing. Felt is used to insulate houses; it is used to make toys (including interior ones), bath accessories, felt boots, bags and mittens. Warm blankets and pillows made from this material will provide great warmth in the harsh winter.

Boucle

Bouclé is made from crepe or fancy yarn. The material has a rough texture: loose weaving, which is often decorated with protruding knots. Externally voluminous, it is light in weight. Most of all, bouclé resembles astrakhan. The material is obtained from wool, silk, cotton and viscose. Bouclized polyester is used to produce furniture upholstery. Bouclé retains heat well, does not wrinkle, does not stretch, and does not shrink. However, the edges of the material, if they are not processed with an overlocker, quickly crumble. Nodules on the surface contribute to the formation of puffs. Boucle is used for sewing upholstery and furniture covers. Warm blankets made of this material provide warmth and create additional comfort in the room.

Artificial/chemical fabrics

Chemical fabrics are made from synthetic and man-made fibers. This is a new word in the textile industry. Man-made fibers are made from organic matter. Seaweed, cellulose, and cotton are treated with acetone, acetic or nitric acid. Synthetic fibers are made from polymers that do not occur naturally. Chemical fabrics include acetate, polyester, lavsan, viscose, nylon and nylon. The development of new technologies for the production of synthetic fibers is ahead of projects to improve the production of artificial threads. Many say that synthetics are the future. However, no chemical fabric has yet managed to surpass the characteristics of natural fabric. To increase their wear resistance, strength and ability to retain shape, natural fibers are often added to the compositions in varying percentages. Chemical fabrics are used for sewing clothes, bed linen, curtains (including thread “icicles”), pillows, bedspreads and furniture upholstery. The popularity of these materials is largely due to their availability and low cost.

How is it used in decoration?

Surprisingly, textiles are not only carpets and sofa cushions. In some cases, fabric wallpaper and ceilings are used.

Wallpaper

Do you want to add some zest to your interior? Pay attention to textile wallpaper: fabric walls, of course, will not fit into any interior, but in the right environment they look very harmonious.

Due to the high price, such wallpapers are mainly chosen by wealthy people. In addition to cost, fabric wallpaper has other disadvantages - they require great care when gluing, require special care, and tend to accumulate dust (like any textile).

Stretch textile ceilings

Outdated interior design techniques

Monochrome interiors

Often cause heated debate. Some consider this interior to be strict, elegant and stylish, while others consider it boring, pale and reminiscent of a hospital ward. In 2021, there is a tendency to “revitalize” the interior with bright or warm colors . The Scandinavian style is also losing relevance. Monochrome lovers are recommended to add another color to it - a warm shade of textiles, or natural decorative elements - stone or flowers. They will give the design a cheerfulness that is relevant this year.

Ethnic patterns

In 2008-2009, decorating spaces in ethnic style was popular. African and Japanese motifs were especially popular. In 2021, it can be argued that this trend is outdated.

You should also avoid floral patterns, especially in a tropical style, and flowers that are simply too large or small.

Moroccan poufs

They can also be considered an outdated trend, since they belong to the ethnic design style. In addition, according to some designers, they do not decorate or relax the interior, but make it too careless and simplified. Although the “cozy home” trend is more relevant than ever this year, so are things that give coziness and relaxation.

Related article: [Plants in the house] Zamioculcas or dollar tree: care at home

Macrame

Wicker panels and lampshades, which previously fit perfectly into the boho style, are now an outdated design option.

Boho is a combination of many elements, and it is still in fashion, as it combines the most original, relaxed and effective of different styles, allowing the individuality of the homeowners to show. But in 2021 it is better not to use elements in the macrame style.

Carpets and rugs for the entire room

Today, carpets are relevant, but they are used primarily as a decorative element - they should not occupy the entire room. The best option is a small carpet in front of the sofa in the living room, beautiful colors and pleasant texture. The shape is not necessarily the classic square, oval and various original shapes are in fashion.

Beige interior color scheme

Beige shades in the interior have also been in fashion for many years. In 2019, such an interior should be refreshed with bright shades.

In 2021, mustard-gold, mustard-yellow, ultraviolet and other shades of purple are in fashion . Mustard gold will perfectly decorate the white, gray and blue shades of the interior. It is fashionable to make pillowcases for sofa cushions in the same shade as the curtains, or from the same fabric.

It is not necessary to radically change the furniture. It is enough to change the upholstery or sew covers from good fabric that meets modern design.

The trend of the year is eco-style, closeness to nature. Natural materials and fabrics are in fashion, everything is environmentally friendly and safe for the health of household members.

In any case, the main thing is that you like the design of the house so that you feel comfortable. Therefore, if you like everything about the textile design, there is no need to change it. Perhaps after some time, fashion will change and your interior will become relevant again.

ANTI-TRENDS 2021. CURTAINS and home textiles (1 video)

Related article: 7 chandeliers “from the future” in high-tech style

Textile interior design: what has changed over the last 10 years (14 photos)

Stylistic features

Textiles change from era to era, from direction to direction. Let's look at the most striking examples.

Small blue, pink, yellow flowers are mainly used in rustic styles (for example, Provence) or vintage. Textiles with large floral prints are characteristic of the classical, empire, and baroque styles.

Geometry, in particular the cage, is a favorite technique in rustic style. Dark checkered textiles (tartan, glenchek, argyle) are used in classic English interiors.

Retro style also gravitates towards geometry in textiles, but in addition to checks and stripes, you can find abstract designs here.

The photo shows a retro-style living room

The modern trend, in turn, uses a little bit of everything in textiles, skillfully combining stripes with floristry, and checks with monochromatic companions.

The photo shows a modern living room with a checkered carpet