How to Choose Soft Furnishings for a Beautifully Layered Interior

Why Soft Furnishings Matter More Than You Think

Soft furnishings are often the element that transforms a room from something functional into something deeply comfortable and characterful. Curtains, cushions, blinds and upholstery bring texture, colour and warmth to a space.

But knowing where to begin can feel surprisingly overwhelming. Fabric choices, lining options, pattern scale, colour harmony and practicality all play a role. For many homeowners renovating a property, these decisions arrive at a moment when there are already countless other details to consider.

That’s exactly why we’ve created a new guide to choosing soft furnishings, in partnership with Closs & Hamblin.

The full guide is available to subscribers of the Design Digest newsletter, but I wanted to share a few key ideas here to help you approach soft furnishings with confidence.

Soft furnishings are often treated as the finishing touch to a project, but in reality they are central to how a room feels.

They influence:

Light control and privacy
Acoustics and warmth
Colour balance within a scheme
How comfortable and inviting a room feels

In period properties especially, textiles play a powerful role in softening architectural elements such as timber beams, stone floors and large sash windows.

Thoughtfully chosen fabrics also help connect the architecture of a property with the personality of the people living there.

Start With the Mood of the Room

Before looking at fabrics, I always encourage clients to think about the feeling they want the room to evoke.

For example:

A bedroom may call for calming tones, layered textures and gentle light filtering.
A drawing room might benefit from richer colour, pattern and heavier drapery.
A kitchen or family room often needs practical fabrics that still feel relaxed and welcoming.

Once the emotional tone is clear, the fabric choices become far easier.

Pattern, Texture and Scale

A well-designed room rarely relies on just one fabric. Instead, a successful scheme layers:

Patterned textiles
Plain or textured fabrics
Different material weights

Balancing scale is particularly important.

A large botanical print on curtains, for example, might be paired with smaller-scale patterns on cushions and a subtle woven texture on upholstery. This creates interest without overwhelming the room.

The Importance of Window Treatments

Windows are often the architectural focal point of a room.

Choosing the right treatment can dramatically change how the space feels. Options might include:

Full-length curtains for softness and elegance
Roman blinds for a tailored look
Layered curtains and blinds for flexibility

Working with specialists can make this process far easier. Our partnership with Closs & Hamblin, who have been advising homeowners on fabrics and window dressings since 1933, means we can offer interior design expertise and heritage craftsmanship. Between us, we bring decades of experience in bespoke soft furnishings, colour and design detail.

Practical Details That Make a Difference

Beautiful soft furnishings also need to work in everyday life.

Small details that can make a big difference include:

Choosing the right curtain lining for insulation and light control
Considering durability for family spaces
Selecting fabrics that age gracefully in older properties
Ensuring proportions suit the room’s architecture
Remember details such as cushions, seat pads, lampshades etc.

These are often the details that elevate a scheme from simply attractive to truly well-designed.

Download the Full Guide

To help homeowners navigate these decisions, we’ve created a comprehensive guide to choosing soft furnishings, developed in partnership with Closs & Hamblin.

Inside the guide you’ll find: