4 Soft Furnishing Rules to Live by

Cristi Middag
3 min readMay 16, 2018

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Soft furnishings are the soul of any room and play an essential role in the feel of your space. From the cushions you choose to decorate your sofa to the throws you casually throw on the bed, each item immediately adds character to any room. Choosing the right fabrics for your soft furnishings can make all the difference when creating the perfect luxurious look. Here are 4 soft furnishing rules to live by when creating an effortlessly elegant home look.

Photo by Breather on Unsplash

Transforming Textures

Texture is a powerful, yet subtle design element that adds depth to your space and gives it a multi-dimensional feel. No matter what style, it’s the use of texture that’ll create an admirable interior like the ones you see in design magazines. When designing your own space, think carefully about the textures of your soft furnishings. Texture is key when it comes to adding visual weight to the room. If you’re looking for a cosy, country feel, rough textures are the way to go, whereas smooth textures create a sleek and modern look. Try using a combination of two or three different textures and play around with different layers, such as with cushions on a sofa or throws and linen on your bed.

Playful Patterns

You know how sometimes you can just look at a room and know that something is missing? Patterns are the most evocative of design elements, immediately bringing any space to life by infusing colour, shape and movement. Whether you are looking to create a calming oasis or adding excitement to your space, a well-placed pattern looks stunning in any interior. There are many ways to incorporate patterns into your design and the key is to find the right pattern and tone for your style. Play around with two or three different patterns around the room. Let your patterns work together by subtly repeating similar colours and tones, rather than using the same pattern over and over. Use small items, such as cushions, to explore what works for you.

Photo by Orlova Maria on Unsplash

Complementary Colours

Colour creates continuity and soft furnishings are an easy way to bring colour in your space. Using natural colours and neutrals will bring balance in your room, while bold, vibrant colours add a dramatic touch. Make sure to evenly distribute colour and pattern around the room to avoid making it overwhelming. Use lively patterns to bring a solid colour scheme to life or us less prominent colours to tone down big and bold patterned areas to keep your room in harmony.

Luxurious Layers

Create a sense of instant luxury in any space by mixing and matching different textures, patterns and colours. Layering your soft furnishings easily achieves an effortlessly elegant look that works with your style. Find out what works for you by playing around with different items until you created a look you love. For example, go for a look that inspires long and lazy Sunday mornings in bed, with a beautifully made bed with crisp linen, natural colours and soft pillows and cushions.

Photo by L&M Home

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Cristi Middag

Owner & Founder of Afternoon Writings // Content Counsellor