5 Ways to Style Your Sofa By Mixing Textures
A sofa is at the heart of any living space, but how do you turn it from straight-out-of-the-box to effortlessly styled? Even the most beautifully designed sofa can benefit from textural contrast. Combining soft furnishings in materials like plush velvet and tactile bouclé, or crisp linen and buttery leather adds instant depth, creating a living area that looks visually interesting and considered.
Here are five simple yet impactful ways to mix textures and elevate the look of your sofa.
1. Contrast a smooth leather sofa with chunky textures
A leather sofa is a timeless focal point in almost any interior style, from pared-back Japandi to eclectic maximalism. Whether you prefer buttery soft leather or smooth faux leather, which is virtually indistinguishable from the real thing, there are endless ways you can dress your sofa to achieve the look you’re going for. If a warm, inviting place to curl up is your goal, try bouclé and shearling cushions, a woollen throw, and a thick pile rug for the ultimate cosy spot.
For a sleeker approach, go for cushions in velvet and linen, paired with a light cotton or soft wool throw, such as Swyft’s 100% Merino Wool Milan Throw, for a match made in mid-century heaven.
2. Make bouclé the focus for a luxe-but-liveable look
The looped yarn of a bouclé sofa provides effortless interest if you’re after detail but don’t want a patterned fabric. Make an ivory or dark green bouclé sofa the centrepiece of your living room by combining it with different materials while keeping your colour palette calming.
If you want to embrace 2025’s Biophilic design trend, choose organic materials and earthy colours for a grounded yet sophisticated feel. Go for Swyft's Model 01 Sofa in Fern Bouclé and style it with a warm-toned linen cushion and a cotton or wool throw in a warm neutral hue, such as mushroom grey, sand, or oatmeal. Complete your living area seating setup with Swyft’s Model 02 Armchair in Mottled Ochre Velvet for a relaxed finish, or the Occasional Chair 01 in Maple Leather, which features a curved solid wood frame. Tie the area together with a brown jute rug to contrast the polished look of the bouclé sofa, and a warm wood coffee table.
3. Create a minimalist yet cosy space with tonal layering
The key to creating a minimalist space in neutral hues that feels welcoming, rather than clinical and flat, is to layer different textures. For a light, calming aesthetic, start with Swyft’s Modular Model 03 Sofa in Pearl Sherpa. This ultra-soft fleece-like fabric is as cosy as it looks and is perfect for curling up on after a long day. Style it with soft velvet and linen cushions in warm neutral tones and a sheepskin (faux optional) or chunky wool throw with an eye-catching weave.
Pair with a rug that has a texture distinct enough from the Sherpa sofa, so the two don’t blend into one another. Try Swyft’s Horizon Rug in Ivory, which combines high and low pile wool, or the Olsen Glide Rug in Cream Wool, which contrasts flat weave and high pile textures. Add a light wood coffee table, or choose one in marble, cement, or stone for an organic modern flair. Place a rustic ceramic vase on top and fill it with foliage or a dried bouquet in muted white and straw-toned hues for a finishing touch that’s elegant and long-lasting.
4. Add details like fringing, tassels, and visible stitching
A linen sofa is the pinnacle of simple, laid-back charm. Introduce character and visual variation through textural details, like a fluffy mohair throw with delicate fringing and cushions featuring tufting, tassels, piping, or visible stitching for a tactile effect. Select just one or two cushions with detailing to create a layered, lived-in look that still appears curated. Swyft’s linen sofas come in neutral stone, grey, and blue hues, allowing you to keep your colour palette tonal or add fun pops of colour. Add further depth and contrast by pairing your linen sofa with a leather or faux leather ottoman.
5. Balance sleek velvet with woven fabrics and wool
The smooth, light-catching surface of a velvet sofa brings instant elegance to a living room. Whether you prefer the thicker pile and visibly woven design of royal velvet or the classic flat finish of standard or eco recycled velvet, it’s a material that offers dimension.
Contrast velvet's sleek sheen by adding a woollen throw that has a slightly coarse finish, and complement it with woven cushion covers made from wool or cotton. These will soften the sometimes formal look of velvet and add a homely finish.
For a sofa that resembles velvet but with a more casual edge, consider a chenille sofa. Its plush and subtle texture pairs beautifully with slubbed cotton or crisp linen accessories for a look that strikes a balance between relaxed and refined.
Looking for more style inspiration? Find out how to mix or match chairs around your dining table, and discover different ways to style a bedroom bay window.
