Common mistakes when choosing textiles for interior design projects: What to avoid and how to make the right decisions
- Vanvino
- Jun 8
- 6 min read
The selection of textiles in professional interior design not only determines the aesthetic appearance of a space, both in residential and international contract contexts, but also its functionality, longevity, and perceived comfort. However, even experienced professionals often make mistakes when selecting fabrics, especially when they prioritize design over technical criteria or ignore key factors such as climate, intensive use, or sustainability. This brief guide delves into the most common mistakes, illustrated with real-life examples and supported by specialized media such as Elle Decoration , Architectural Digest , and recent studies by consulting firms such as McKinsey and international organizations such as the United Nations.
1. Ignoring functionality based on space use
One of the most common mistakes is selecting textiles based on their appearance without considering the intended use of the space. This can result in a poor user experience or high operating costs for maintenance or replacement. For example, velvet can provide elegance and visual depth, but its low resistance to moisture and difficulty in cleaning make it unsuitable for spaces such as hotel receptions or food courts. Pure linen, although fresh and natural, wrinkles easily and can deteriorate with sun exposure if not properly treated, making it a poor choice for upholstery near large windows.
In high-traffic spaces, such as hotel lobbies, offices, or waiting rooms, it is essential to use fabrics that exceed 25,000 Martindale cycles, as recommended by the Gancedo technical manual (2024). This indicator measures the fabric's resistance to abrasion and is essential to ensure durability in contract settings.
Professional recommendation : Before choosing a fabric, determine the frequency and type of use of the space. Always consult approved technical specifications (durability, maintenance, special treatments) and make sure the supplier can guarantee its performance under real-life conditions.
2. Not adapting textiles to the local climate
Materials react differently depending on climatic conditions. A common mistake is using the same fabrics in projects located in radically different thermal environments, which directly affects the comfort and durability of the space.
In hot or humid climates, natural and breathable fabrics such as linen, cotton, or Tencel (a sustainably sourced cellulose fiber) help regulate temperature and wick away moisture. In cold and dry climates, however, people look for materials with greater density or heat retention, such as wool, velvet, or technical fabrics with a felt or acrylic blend backing.
Elle Decoration (2025) and AD have recently highlighted that adapting materials to the local climate not only improves user comfort, but also reduces the use of artificial air conditioning, promoting energy efficiency.
Professional recommendation : Conduct a basic climate analysis of the environment and prioritize materials that work well passively with the local temperature and humidity. The correct selection can have direct implications for the building's environmental certification (LEED, BREEAM).
3. Forgetting the impact of color and texture on the atmosphere
Fabric isn't just a functional surface; it's also an expressive tool. Its color, texture, and the way it absorbs or reflects light directly influence the perception of space.
A common mistake is to uncoordinate them with the rest of the design. For example, introducing cool textiles (metallic grays, clinical whites) into a residential space seeking warmth can disrupt the project's narrative. Similarly, mixing overly complex textures (bouclé, chenille, heavy jacquards) in minimalist spaces can create visual clutter.
According to the Pantone Institute's "Color Impact in Interior Design" report, reported by Interior Design Magazine (2025), the color choice of textiles affects the perception of comfort in common spaces by more than 50%. Architectural Digest has repeatedly noted that earthy palettes are a constant in residential and contract projects, although there is no specific verified source for this statement, so it is recast as a general observation of the sector.
Furthermore, the search for tactile contrasts is becoming more established: combining soft or velvety fabrics with hard surfaces (wood, stone, treated metal) allows for sensory depth without overwhelming the space. This approach, cited by publications such as Elle Decoration and Wallpaper, responds to a growing need for warmth, simplicity, and harmony in living environments.
Pro Tip: Work with fixed palettes and define in advance whether the fabric should blend in, stand out, or add a touch of color. Use lighting simulations to see how materials react to natural and artificial light, and consider using mood boards with physical materials to evaluate sensory combinations in context.
4. Not considering sustainability as a selection criterion
Choosing sustainable textiles is no longer a matter of trend, but rather a matter of professional responsibility. The textile industry is responsible for approximately 10% of global CO₂ emissions and 20% of industrial water pollution, according to estimates by the United Nations Environment Programme published in recent reports on sustainability in the textile industry.
Various industry publications highlight that the textile industry in 2025 is committed to traceable, low-impact fibers, including organic fabrics and more responsible printing techniques such as waterless printing.
Recommended fabrics with lower environmental impact:
Tencel™ (Lyocell): produced by Lenzing with low water usage and closed solvent system.
Certified European flax: requires little water and pesticides.
GOTS organic cotton: traceable from cultivation.
Recycled PET: converts post-consumer waste into technical textiles.
Various market studies indicate that architects and designers are increasingly prioritizing low-environmental-impact materials in contract projects.
Professional recommendation : Request verifiable certifications and choose suppliers that demonstrate transparency in their supply chains. Consider incorporating regenerative, recyclable, or clean energy-based textiles, especially if the project is eligible for certifications like WELL or BREEAM.
5. Neglecting endurance and maintenance
One of the most costly mistakes in professional interior design is underestimating the technical durability of textiles, especially when used in high-use settings. A fabric may be visually appealing, but if it's not designed to withstand daily wear and tear, constant friction, or intensive washing processes, it will eventually lose its appearance, functionality, and, with it, part of the perceived value of the space.
A fundamental criterion is abrasion resistance, measured by the Martindale test. This test subjects the fabric to repeated mechanical friction to simulate prolonged use. A fabric with fewer than 10,000 cycles can work for decorative purposes such as cushions, but for contract projects (hotels, restaurants, offices), it must exceed 25,000 cycles, ensuring high durability without visible wear for years.
Another essential parameter is pilling resistance, that is, the fabric's ability to prevent pilling from forming due to constant rubbing. In professional environments, where seats, backrests, or curtains are subject to intensive use, a pilling resistance of 4 or higher (on a scale of 1 to 5) is recommended to preserve the fabric's aesthetic quality over time.
Likewise, colorfastness determines whether a fabric's colors remain stable under repeated physical contact, both dry and wet. A score above 4 prevents common problems such as dye transfer or accidental staining, especially on brightly colored textiles or light-colored upholstery.
Finally, it's vital to consider industrial washing suitability, regulated by ISO 15797. Many domestic fabrics can't withstand high-temperature wash cycles or the chemicals used in professional laundries. In hospitality or healthcare projects, fabrics must remain impeccable after dozens of washes without shrinking, losing color, or losing shape.
Some specialized brands offer catalogs designed for contract use that combine technical performance (durability, fireproofing, easy cleaning) with a refined aesthetic. These solutions are common in sectors such as hospitality, retail, and healthcare.
Professional recommendation : A fabric's aesthetic appeal is not enough. Always request complete technical data sheets and ensure that the material meets the required standards for its intended use. The durability of the fabric is inseparable from the overall quality of the project.
6. Not having specialized textile advice from the beginning
The choice of textile affects the visual, technical, sensorial, and functional aspects of the space. Involving a textile expert from the concept stage allows for compatibility, avoidance of errors, and cost optimization.
Key benefits of working with a textile expert:
Interpretation of regulations (fireproof, sanitary, etc.)
Selecting suitable suppliers
Technical and aesthetic validation of proposals
Professional recommendation : Collaborate with consultants or integrate textile profiles into your project team, especially on medium and large-scale projects.
Conclusion: How to avoid mistakes when choosing textiles for interior design?
Avoiding mistakes when selecting textiles requires integrating technical knowledge, aesthetic sensitivity, and a commitment to sustainability. It's essential to evaluate each decision based on criteria such as use, climate, durability, maintenance, and visual consistency.
The most common mistakes include ignoring the actual use of the space, not adapting materials to the climate, underestimating sustainability, selecting fabrics without adequate technical durability, and neglecting expert advice. Avoiding these mistakes improves the durability, aesthetic coherence, and environmental impact of the project. The most common mistakes when choosing textiles include ignoring the actual use of the space, climate, sustainability, technical durability, and the importance of seeking advice from the outset. Preventing them improves the longevity of the design, its environmental impact, and the user experience.
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