How Textiles Quietly Transform a Room

Design isn’t always about what you see first. Often, it’s what you feel—the texture of a throw, the weight of a curtain, the softness underfoot. In a space that’s already furnished, textiles offer the most immediate and flexible way to create visual cohesion, regulate light and sound, and set the tone of a room. These are six subtle but transformative textile choices that do more than decorate—they add a sense of depth, quiet, and care.

1. Floor-Length Curtains (In the Right Fabric)

Curtains are architectural as much as they are decorative. A room without them often feels unfinished or hollow. But fabric choice is key: linen softens the light with a relaxed, organic quality; velvet absorbs sound and creates a sense of intimacy; sheers layer in softness without blocking light.

Mount them high above the window frame and let them pool slightly at the floor. Even a modest room begins to feel more expansive—and more considered.

2. Layered Rugs (Not Just a Single Statement)

A good rug anchors a room, but a layered rug softens it. Placing a natural jute or sisal base with a smaller wool, kilim, or patterned rug on top adds both texture and warmth. It also lets you shift color and style over time without replacing the larger piece.