Texture is honestly the most underrated element in both fashion and home decor. You can have the perfect color palette and the right pieces, but if everything’s the same texture, it falls flat. I learned this the hard way when I decorated my first apartment in all smooth, sleek surfaces and wondered why it felt so uninviting despite looking “nice.” Now I’m obsessed with mixing textures, and it’s transformed how I approach both my wardrobe and my space.
Let’s start with the classics that always work together. Linen and leather are a match made in heaven—the soft, slightly rumpled quality of linen against smooth leather creates such a sophisticated contrast. I pair linen throw pillows with a leather sofa, and I wear linen shirts with leather jackets. Both pieces feel elevated but the combination keeps it from being too precious.
Chunky knits with smooth surfaces is another foolproof pairing. A cable knit throw over a velvet sofa, or a chunky sweater with sleek leather pants—you’re balancing that cozy, tactile element with something refined. In my living room, I keep a thick knit blanket draped over my streamlined modern chair and it makes the whole corner feel so inviting.
Velvet is having such a moment because it adds instant luxury and warmth. Mix it with rough textures like jute or raw wood to keep it grounded. I have velvet dining chairs around a reclaimed wood table, and the combination is perfection. In fashion, a velvet blazer with denim jeans gives you that high-low mix that feels current.
Natural fibers like jute, sisal, and rattan bring in organic texture that works with almost everything. A jute rug under a glass coffee table, rattan baskets next to ceramic vases, or a sisal rug in a space with lots of soft textiles. These materials add visual interest without competing for attention. I’m wearing more raffia accessories with my smooth cotton dresses lately for the same effect.
Metal finishes are technically a texture too, and mixing them adds so much dimension. I used to think you had to stick to all gold or all silver, but mixing brass, copper, and matte black creates such a collected, layered look. Same with jewelry—I’ll wear gold and silver together now and it feels way more interesting.
Fuzzy or bouclé textures are trending hard right now and I’m here for it. A bouclé chair or coat has this nubby, dimensional quality that photographs beautifully and feels amazing. I pair these with sleeker textures to balance out the volume—like a bouclé armchair with a smooth glass side table.
Don’t forget about the contrast between matte and glossy finishes. Matte ceramic next to glossy lacquer, or matte leather shoes with a glossy patent bag. This play between light-absorbing and light-reflecting surfaces creates visual interest even within the same color.
Wood grain adds warmth to any texture mix. Whether it’s a rough-hewn coffee table or a smooth wooden bowl, bringing in wood tones prevents spaces (and outfits with wooden accessories) from feeling too synthetic or cold. I always make sure there’s wood somewhere in view—it grounds everything else.
My rule of thumb is to mix at least three different textures in any outfit or room vignette. For example, on my coffee table: a smooth ceramic vase, a chunky woven basket, and some glossy books. Or an outfit: soft cashmere sweater, structured wool pants, and smooth leather boots. It’s that variety that makes things feel intentional and elevated instead of flat and one-note.
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