7 Easy Ways to Add Texture to Your Space

August 19, 2024

When it comes to designing a space that feels layered and rich, texture is key. It’s not just about color or pattern; it’s about bringing in materials that you want to reach out and touch. If you’re looking for ways to add texture to your home, here are seven easy strategies to get you started.

1. Pillows: The Simplest Starting Point
Let’s start with the easiest option: pillows. Adding texture to your space can be as simple as swapping out your basic, flat pillows for something with a little more depth. Look for pillows with different materials—something fluffy, suede, or even a little worn-in leather. The key is to go beyond just color and pattern. A pillow with a crackly texture or a soft, inviting feel can instantly elevate the coziness of your room. They’re easy to swap in and out, so they’re a great starting point if you’re new to textural layering.

**Lincoln Park Wonderland** with diversely textured pillows.

2. Rugs: Add Warmth from the Ground Up
Rugs are another accessible way to layer in texture, but don’t just go for the standard, run-of-the-mill variety. Look for something that has a bit of personality—maybe a knotted wool rug, or something that’s a little fuzzy or fluffy. You could even explore rugs made from unique materials like hair-on-hide or leather tiles, which add a totally different vibe. Rugs help ground your space, and their texture adds warmth that invites you to sink your feet in.

3. Accessories: Chunky and Bold
Accessories are one of the easiest ways to introduce texture into a room. Think about incorporating chunky, bold pieces—like a large coral sculpture or a striking geode stone—that command attention. You can also add plants for some organic texture, or even something a bit more unusual like animal skulls if that fits your style. The idea is to mix in objects that not only bring visual interest but also invite touch.

**Vibrant Ravinia Residence** with a fun textural rug and chunky, bold accessories vases.

4. Vertical Elements: Add Depth to Your Walls
Once you’ve tackled the low-hanging fruit, think about adding texture vertically. This could be in the form of artwork—like a piece made from metal mesh or a wrought iron grate. Or you could use decorative screens. I have twig-based screens in my own home that add a natural, layered look to the space. Even panels of rattan or other textured materials behind furniture can create a striking visual effect while adding depth to your walls.

**San Francisco Bachelor Pad** textural metal mesh for art wall hangings.

5. Paint: Beyond Flat Color
Paint is often overlooked as a textural element, but it can make a big difference. There are all sorts of options, from Venetian plaster to suede-finish paints that add a tactile element to your walls. You can even play with metallics, like gold or copper paints, to create a shimmer and depth that changes with the light. Texture doesn’t always have to come from physical objects—it can come from the surface of your walls as well.

6. Wall Coverings: More than Just Wallpaper
If you really want to take your textural layering up a notch, look into wall coverings. Grasscloth wallpaper adds a natural, fibrous feel, while stucco-like materials bring a hand-applied, artisanal look. There are so many handmade wallpapers out there that offer a variety of textures—if you really dig into it, you’ll find a world of possibilities. Don’t just settle for flat, printed wallpaper; go for something with dimension and texture.

**San Francisco Bachelor Pad** with wood paneling wall coverings.

7. Throw Blankets: Cozy Layers Everywhere
Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of a simple throw blanket. It might seem like a small addition, but a blanket made from a thick knit, faux fur, or even a unique textile can add a layer of warmth and texture to your sofa or bed. It’s an easy, flexible way to add that little extra something without committing to a larger change in the room.