Texture is a subtle, yet important element in interior design that many people may often overlook. Texture refers to the surface of a material or object. Texture can be smooth or rough and can be perceived either visually or physically.

There are two main forms of texture, which are visual texture and actual texture. Visual texture, as the name suggests, is texture that is perceived through the eye. It gives the illusion of texture, usually achieved through lines, shading, colour or pattern. Then there is actual texture, perceived physically through touch. It is real and has 3D characteristics, such as the smoothness of a surface, or rough bumps on a wall.

Texture as a Tool to Add Depth

Texture does a really good job of adding more depth to an interior. Imagine a room with a lack of texture – let’s say, all the walls, floors and furniture are just smooth and straight surfaces. More often than not, you’d feel that the room may fall flat. Texture can add more visual appeal to a room, it can add different focal points, creating more contrast and emphasis that would prevent the room from looking, and feeling, boring.

Different Textures Exude Different Vibes

There are many ways to add texture to a room, and different textures can invoke a different mood or setting in the room as well. A smooth-finish plaster wall may look great in minimalist homes – but if you’re going for a more rustic feel, a stone or brick wall will be a more suitable option. The same goes for furniture. For example, a cotton or wool sofa is comfortable, and also looks comfortable. Soft textile is of course soft to the touch, but also just viewing it can create a sense of comfort which would be suitable for cosy and homey spaces. However, if you’re aiming for a more exquisite or luxurious vibe, a velvet or leather sofa serves as the perfect fit. The use of texture depends on the overall look that you wish to achieve for the room.

The Versatility of Texture

Texture does not always have to stick to a certain theme. Mixing and matching textures is a great way to add variety to a room – just be mindful of how you put together the textures, because too much contrast may look messy or overpowering. It takes skill to figure out which textures work well with each other, on what kind of furniture, accessory, etc.

Let’s take a look at the space in the picture above. The interior design looks clean and delicate, yet it has a sense of liveliness due to the added textures. The plain white wall by itself would be dull, but the two frames mounted on it add texture and definition. The soft and fluffy blankets placed askew on the sofa, complemented with a set of cushions. The ribbed lines on the otherwise smooth wooden coffee table, the woven carpet against the hard floor, and the added decorative plants – all of these add texture to the space, adding focal points and tiny yet intriguing details that can elevate the style of the room.

Adding a statement wall is a great way to add texture as well. The striking, face-shaped wall from the picture above is a decoration in and of itself, and goes well with the overall woody and warm theme of the room. It is all about finding balance. Finding the perfect combination to make sure the room looks and feels exactly how you want it to be.

Harmony with Light, Colour and Pattern

Texture is its own element, but it can also be enhanced through other elements, and in turn it enhances other elements as well. Starting with light, the way light shines on a surface can further enhance the visual quality of its texture, making it more pronounced. To play around with light, not only can you find different lamps for different types of illumination, but you can also use textures. Light-filtering textures such as sheer fabrics will influence how light shines inside a room, making it softer and more delicate. Light also influences colour, making it look either softer or harsher. It is clear that these elements intertwine and work together with each other.

Another element that greatly influences texture is pattern. As mentioned earlier, visual texture is texture that is perceived through the eye. This visual illusion of texture is achieved through pattern. For example, a wall patterned with seams and cracks gives the impression of unevenness along the lines, but upon touch, it is in fact just smooth.

There are many ways to play with texture. The world is your oyster, and you can experiment as much as you’d like until you achieve the ultimate look that you desire for your space.