When it comes to designing a truly captivating interior space, texture is just as important as colour or pattern. One of the most powerful — yet often overlooked — ways to bring depth, contrast, and sophistication into a room is by mixing upholstery textures. Leather, velvet, and linen are three of the most popular and visually striking materials used in furniture, and when thoughtfully combined, they can completely transform the look and feel of your home.

Why Mix Textures?

Mixing textures adds dimension and visual interest. While colour unifies a room, texture adds complexity. A sleek leather sofa next to a pair of velvet armchairs, anchored by a linen-upholstered ottoman, tells a richer design story than a room where all the pieces match perfectly. It gives the eye something to explore and creates a layered, curated aesthetic.

Leather: The Timeless Anchor

Leather is known for its durability, natural patina, and timeless appeal. It brings a sense of structure and masculinity to a space, grounding the room with its weight and clean finish. In a mixed-texture setting, leather works well as the main piece — such as a sofa or lounge chair — providing a strong contrast to the softness of velvet or the lightness of linen.

Velvet: The Luxe Statement

Velvet, with its plush feel and subtle sheen, brings luxury and drama. It reflects light beautifully, making it a fantastic choice for accent chairs, cushions, or even a statement headboard. In contrast to leather’s toughness, velvet introduces softness and warmth, creating an inviting atmosphere — especially in cooler months or cozy spaces like bedrooms or reading nooks.

Linen: The Casual Balancer

Linen is light, breathable, and slightly textured, giving it an easy, casual elegance. It’s ideal for slipcovers, accent cushions, or light chairs in dining or living areas. When placed alongside heavier materials like leather or velvet, linen helps balance the look, keeping the space from feeling too heavy or formal.

Tips for Mixing These Textures

1. Stick to a cohesive colour palette – This ensures the variety in texture doesn’t become chaotic.
2. Distribute textures evenly – Avoid clustering one texture in a single area.
3. Use accessories to tie it all together – Think throw pillows, rugs, or curtains that echo the textures or tones.

Combining leather, velvet, and linen in upholstery is a simple yet powerful way to elevate your interior decor.

Contact Mary’s Interiors today for a consultation and let us help you choose the perfect fabric for your next upholstery job!  You can call us on 011 268 0329 or visit our showroom for more information.