Material Nature of Compatibility

To add more texture to a room, there’s only one rule: If you like it, do it.

But if you’re more comfortable with a little guidance, keep the textures compatible with the ambience of the room.

“A sisal rug and linen upholstery fabric will be fine together because both are informal,” says Karol DeWulf Nickell of Traditional Home magazine. “You can put burlap and brocade together too, but it’s more problematic.”

If you do mix unconventional fabrics, it’s safest to keep them in the same color family. Look at fairly large samples of the two fabrics together before you buy so you can see if they work well.

Linda Jones of North Carolina furniture maker Masco Corp. suggests starting slow with texture. Begin, she says, by embellishing what you already have. It can be as simple as adding fringe to the edge of throw pillows and around the skirt of a chair. A chenille throw on the back of a sofa or easy chair softens the piece and the room too.