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The definition of a textile is any material woven from flexible fibers, either natural or artificial. People use textiles in every aspect of their lives for upholstery, linens, floor and wall coverings, as well as clothing. There are millions of varieties of textiles in millions of textures and thicknesses. One of the human race’s most intense senses is that of touch. There is absolutely nothing like the tactile sensations of running your fingers over the multitude of textures in fabric and materials. That being said, there is no reason not to use a wide variety of textured textiles in your living environment. They can add richness and depth, as well as color and comfort to any home.

The textiles that you choose to use in your home, and the way that you use them, makes the biggest impact on the atmosphere in your home. Textiles can make your home seem dark, warm and cozy, or light, airy and breezy. They can project elegance or sensuousness. They can make a home feel old-fashioned or modern. It is all in the fabrics you choose, the number of them that you use and the way that you display them.

Try layering textiles.

1. You can use more than one fabric on a single window or piece of furniture. This technique is especially helpful if you do not have an overly large amount of the same fabric.

2. This is also a good way to use rugs. If you have a new carpet, overlaying rugs can help to protect it, as well as add interest. If your carpet is older, layering rugs can hide a multitude of imperfections. This is also a good way to alter the color of the floor in order to refresh the décor in any room. If you do not have carpet, rugs are a great way to give yourself a softer flooring experience without purchasing expensive carpets.

3. Over laying a well-used sofa or chair with comforters in a satin fabric from Robert Allen fabrics in brilliant hues can add a plush feel and great color to an older piece of upholstered furniture. Old fashioned cotton print comforters layered can create a cottage style feel and look. Add some throw pillows in different fabrics, like Duralee fabrics, and coordinating colors for a totally new look.

4. You can apply this same idea to your bed or bathroom linens. Some types of fabrics will naturally complement each other to their best advantage. For example; silk or satin and velvet, cotton and corduroy, flannel and wool, and linen with almost any other fabric (such as Greenhouse fabrics), are always winning combinations.

There are no hard and fast rules for the combinations of textiles that you use. It is always a matter of please yourself first. Choose the types, colors and patterns of the textiles that most appeal to you. Then try them out here and there until you find the perfect combination to suit your style. No two people see things the exact same way, and when it comes to your home the only one you have to please, is yourself.

Paula Morris-Dungan attended Art Institute of Pittsburg for Residential Space Planning and Interior Design. She is a full-time freelance writer who writes for blogs about various topics including paint, funiture upholstery and outdoor fabric (including Duralee fabrics, Greenhouse fabrics, and Robert Allen fabrics), and interior design in general.