Softening Your Space with Textiles

By Jonelle Tannahill, Designer at Impressions ReDesign • June 6, 2025

Why Textiles Matter

There’s something about a home filled with soft, inviting textures that instantly makes you feel at ease. It might be a cozy throw tossed over the back of a chair, linen drapes catching the light just right, or a vintage rug that feels like a soft landing pad underfoot.

Textiles are the heart of a cozy, lived-in space. They add warmth, comfort, and personality. Whether you’re redecorating or simply refreshing a room, textiles are one of the most impactful and affordable tools in your design toolbox.

Textiles engage all the senses. They soften harsh lines, dampen sound, bring in color and pattern, and give your home a distinct personality. A room filled with only hard surfaces can feel sterile. Add a few fabric elements, and suddenly it feels grounded and welcoming.

Here’s what textiles bring to a home:

  • Warmth and comfort: A soft throw or a pile of pillows instantly makes a space feel lived in and cozy.
  • Color and character: Textiles are a great way to experiment with patterns and colors without permanent changes.
  • Acoustic softness: Curtains, rugs, and upholstery help reduce echo and make a room sound as inviting as it looks.
  • Seasonal flexibility: You can easily swap out textiles to reflect the time of year—light cottons for summer, velvets and knits in cooler months.


Twelve Ways to Use Textiles in Your Home

  1. Pillows – Use on sofas, beds, and benches. Mix patterns and textures for a layered, curated look.
  2. Throws – Drape over chairs or beds, or fold in baskets for accessible comfort.
  3. Rugs – Define spaces, add softness, and bring in pattern. Layering rugs adds visual interest.


Curtains and Drapes – Use to soften windows, create height, and control light and privacy.

Table Linens – Runners, placemats, and cloth napkins make everyday meals feel special.

Bedding – Layer quilts, coverlets, and decorative pillows to create a restful retreat.

Upholstery – Refresh a bench or chair with new fabric for an instant update.

Wall Hangings – Fabric art, tapestries, or vintage textiles bring softness to large wall spaces.

Shower Curtains – Use fabric options to bring beauty to bathrooms, where most surfaces are hard.

Window Seats and Cushions – Custom or ready-made cushions can turn a nook into a destination.

Lampshades – Fabric shades add warmth and help connect color schemes in a subtle way.

Seasonal Swaps – Change textiles throughout the year to reflect the mood of each season.

Real-Life Examples

In one recent bedroom project in a primary bedroom, trading plain bedding for richly layered coverlets, pillows, drapes, and a textured throw makes a striking difference. It turns a functional room into a calming retreat.

✦ Where to Find Great Textiles

Shopping for textiles is like treasure hunting. Here are some of my favorite sources:

  • HomeGoods or TJ Maxx: Great for budget-friendly throws, towels, and pillows.
  • Etsy: Incredible handmade finds—think vintage Kantha quilts or hand-loomed Moroccan rugs.
  • Peruvian Connection: Their alpaca throws and garments are both luxurious and ethically made. (Bonus: It’s where I shop for clothing too!)
  • Spoonflower: If you’re a DIYer, try their wide array of custom printed fabrics and peel-and-stick wallpaper.
  • Target & Amazon: Reliable and accessible—look for Hearth & Hand, Threshold, or Rivet lines.
  • Antique Stores & Thrift Shops: You’ll be amazed what you can find—vintage linens, tapestries, or even handmade quilts.


The Finishing Touch

Textiles are more than just decorative layers. They are what make a room feel alive, personal, and comfortable. Whether you’re staging a home for sale or settling in for years to come, thoughtfully selected textiles bring your space to life.

Interested in adding softness and style to your home? I’d love to help you design a space that feels as good as it looks.

You can see photos from real homes and projects featured in my work throughout this blog. These are not showroom setups—they are real homes, filled with comfort, personality, and thoughtful design choices.

Until next time!  Jonelle'


Let’s make your home a place you love even more.

Visit www.ImpressionsReDesign.com
Email jonelle@impressionsredesign.com
Call or text 916.833.7807
Follow @ImpressionsReDesign on Instagram for more decorating inspiration

Thanks for joining our insiders group!


Whooo Hoo! I'm so excited you are hear!


Our newsletter comes out at the beginning of each month and is another medium through which you can track the trends, get inspired and discuss design styles.


It’s a colorful, fun update that contains links, blog posts, favorite creative “pins”, and exciting design ideas from Facebook. In addition, you will be the first to hear about our "Date With Design" monthly webinars, promotions, speaking dates, and our Home Decorator Club events.


By signing up you make sure you won't miss a thing!

Sign UP!
By Jonelle Tannahill January 5, 2025
Let's Celebrate!
By Jonelle Tannahill November 21, 2024
10 Ways to Make Christmas Eve Unforgettable with Impressions ReDesign
By Jonelle Tannahill November 1, 2024
Celebrate America Recycles Day with Impressions ReDesign!
By Jonelle Tannahill October 5, 2024
For anyon e aiming to enhance their Halloween décor check out these tips
By Jonelle Tannahill September 5, 2024
This is a subtitle for your new post
By Jonelle Tannahill September 4, 2024
Brighten Up Your Space:
By Jonelle Tannahill July 30, 2024
Update ideas for the breakfast room, nook, dinette or whatever you call it
At Impressions ReDesign we care about your curb appeal.  
10 Quick and Easy Ways to Boost Your Home
By Jonelle Tannahill July 26, 2024
Discover ten simple tips to enhance your home's curb appeal, from seasonal planting and fresh mulch to inviting outdoor furniture and clean windows. Transform your exterior and create a lasting first impression with these easy steps. Let Impressions ReDesign bring your home up to date. Impressions ReDesign can help you with: Curb Appeal Home Improvement Home Staging Landscaping Tips Exterior Design Real Estate Tips Seasonal Planting Home Maintenance Outdoor Decor Property ValueInterior Decorating
By Jonelle Tannahill June 28, 2024
Whether you have a spacious garden or a cozy yard, there are endless possibilities to create a beautiful and functional outdoor space.
By Jonelle Tannahill May 16, 2024
Do you appreciate a cozy, inviting home as much as I do?
More Posts