From Bouclé to Saddle Leather, These Textures Will Transform Your Home

A mainstay of warm-weather decorating, rattan is a material derived from palm trees and vines. (It's often confused with wicker, which is a weaving pattern.) Thanks to its warmth and strength, rattan is a great choice if you like a coastal or boho look. It's also a nice option if you live with kids, but cat parents should take precaution — kitties just love to sharpen claws on this natural fiber. This Scallop Side Table ($598) is a sturdy, pretty piece that could work as a side table or nightstand.

Not to be confused with another soft fabric, bouclé, chenille is very soft and fuzzy — like snuggling up with a baby blanket. It's a popular upholstery material thanks to its marriage of coziness and durability; you'll also find it in decor accents such as pillows and throws. It's often used to "warm up" traditional or mid-mod furniture silhouettes that might feel too formal otherwise. For example, this Caladeron Loveseat ($483) is covered in textured chenille with a subtle chevron pattern. See how it freshens the traditional silhouette?

Flokati had a huuuuuge moment a decade ago when thick, shaggy rugs were all over the place. Since then, this material has shifted into upholstery, making it easier for many people to live with. (Crumbs and shag rugs don't mix so well.) Traditional flokati is made of wool from Greece, but synthetic flokati is often more affordable. We love this Galice Oversized Accent Ottoman ($590), which is available in crisp white and an icy light gray.

Bouclé is the soft, nubby textile you've been seeing everywhere — sofas, pillows, beds, etc. — for the past couple of years. This looped-yarn fabric is usually made from a mix of materials; wool blends are more luxurious, while polyester-based bouclé is more budget-friendly. Both can add soft texture to a room, and while ivory bouclé is trending, the material is perhaps more unexpected in dark colors. This Turoy swivel chair ($699) is offered in ivory, light gray, and an unexpectedly rich deep blue. One thing to consider: although bouclé can be durable, pet claws can become snagged in its loops.

Everyone knows velvet — its sheen and softness are unrivaled. Originally, velvet was made from silk at great expense. These days, most velvet upholstery is a polyester/cotton blend that's smooth as well as durable. Performance velvet fabrics are excellent for folks with kids or pets, but even untreated velvet retains its beauty for years. That's why it's a perennially popular choice for bedding, sofas, pillows, and anything else that needs a little bit of luxury. This Valencia bedframe ($1,495) is a great way to elevate the bedroom — it comes in three neutral colorways and has a regal look.

Leather is a highly durable choice for covering furniture, and it works with modernist silhouettes just as well as it does with rustic pieces. Saddle leather is frequently used in furnishings because of its thickness and smoothness — it's simply more durable than many other premium leathers. Over time, it will develop a patina that brings character to a piece. This Palermo Tripolina Chair ($675) is hand-dyed and will become more beautiful with age.

Linen can be crisp and clean, or it can be relaxed and casual; it's all dependent on the frame it surrounds. Linen has a summery vibe, but it pairs beautifully with richer fabrics like velvet — so its elegance translates to almost any environment. Available in natural linen, this Silva Bench ($1,599) is the perfect size for an entryway. One thing to remember: linen wrinkles, so if you want a perfectly smooth surface every time, this isn't the right upholstery choice for you.

Many types of textiles fall under the "performance fabric" heading; there are performance velvets and performance linens, among others. What do they have in common? They clean up real nice. Special fabric treatment allows these materials to repel spills and dirt, making it possible to serve lasagna next to beige dining chairs — hello to this gorgeous Dame Dining Chair ($648) — without worry. One caveat: PFAS, a group of chemicals often found in performance fabrics, are linked to health hazards, so be sure to look for PFAS-free fabrics.