There are no rules when it comes to the type of materials you use in the world of interior design. You can use anything from leather and velvet, to metal and glass. Mixing different materials will make your home feel eclectic and well-loved. If you’re not sure where to start, read on to learn how to mix different material types in your living room to create a unique, stylish space.
Blend Industrial and Organic
As you think about how to mix and match different material types in your living room, consider bringing in a few natural elements. For example, a beautiful metal and glass coffee table placed over a natural woven jute rug is the perfect combination of industrial and organic textures. Place a large piece of driftwood on your fireplace mantel and bring in a velvet sofa for a nice contrast. Play around with different combinations, making sure that you incorporate some elements from nature. A sleek metal bookcase pairs beautifully beside a solid wood table or chair. This combination brings the best of both worlds together in stylish form.
Choose a Base Material
Learning how to mix and match different material types in your living room can be a bit tricky if you don’t have a good foundation. One easy way to mix things up without clashing is to start with a “base” material. Solid wood furniture is a good place to start, and it can easily go with a variety of textures like wool area rugs or velvet curtains. All of your furniture doesn’t need to be made of the same material, but it’s always good to pick out some basic pieces crafted of the same thing to start with. You can always add more components and materials later with new accent furniture or décor items. A soft fabric upholstered ottoman can pair nicely with a leather sofa, for example.
Find Pieces that Already Contain Mixed Materials
If you’re having some trouble mixing materials in your living room, look for pieces that do the work for you. A coffee table or accent table with a glass top and metal legs offers you a perfect combination. You can use two modern materials in one. Light fixtures featuring a metal shade with glass inserts bring a beautiful combo of two materials together. Even large furniture pieces can mix two materials in one. Look for a sofa boasting an exposed wood frame and arms with soft fabric cushions for a nice contrast. Start small by choosing decorative items that mix materials. Then slowly update your furniture and finishes to bring in even more unique pieces. With the right combination of materials, you can make any living space look and feel more modern and unique.