Layering is one of the most effective ways to make your home warm and inviting, and an art in and of itself. Layering refers to over lapping textures, colours, patterns, and furnishings to give your space depth and character. There are life hacks that allow you to make any room cozy and useful at the same time. So here’s how to master the art of layering your interiors.
- Start with a Neutral Base
Neutral base is the foundation for good layering. Start with neutral color walls, within a neutral color floor and neutral color large items of furniture like white, beige, grey or soft pastels. These are clean canvases which you can then build layers of texture, color, and pattern without feeling overwhelming in the space.
For example:
Layering colorful throws and patterned cushions over a beige sofa is enough to create that cozy backdrop.
Bold art and decor can easily do with neutral walls.
- Mix Textures for Depth
Textures layered add tactile and visual interest to your space. Materials of wood, metal, glass and fabric are combined to create a rich and cozy environment.
Ideas for texture layering:
Match a chunky knit throw with a nice plush velvet couch and smooth silk cushions.
Pair a soft shag rug, a sleek coffee table and a woven basket.
If you want a laid back, earthy feel, use natural materials such as jute, rattan or linen.
- For Comfort and Style Layer Rugs!
In open concept layouts, rugs are also a great way to insert texture and define space.
Tips for rug layering:
Start off with a large neutral rug as your base layer, then add on top of it a smaller rug with a pattern or some texture.
Differing materials, for instance, a flatweave rug beneath a full sheepskin, are easy to experiment with.
Rugs lay slightly off center to make an organic, layered look.
- Include Variance of Multiple Light Sources
Layering is important, and it’s also a crucial element of lighting, which can change the whole ambiance of the space that you are working with. Instead of sticking with one overhead fixture, layer different types of lighting. Take this to create a cozy functional environment.
Layered lighting options:
Ambient lighting: General illumination from fixtures over or recessed in the ceiling.
Task lighting: Or floor lamps for reading or working.
Accent lighting: A tree to occlude the view of a large window, or hang a string of lights, set up wall sconces to highlight features, or candles that can be used as a dramatic effect or to provide a little extra heat.
- Somewhere we want you to add layers of soft furnishings.
New interiors would remain incomplete without the essential soft furnishings such as cushions, throws and curtains for a cozy inviting ambience.
Tips for layering soft furnishings:
Mix patterns and solids: For balance, combine solid colour patterned cushions.
Play with sizes: Then you can also add depth to your sofa or bed, using a variety of pillow sizes and shapes.
Layer curtains: Layer a sheer pair of panels for a luxurious window treatment with heavier drapes.
- Include Personal Touches
The layer concept goes far beyond the textures and materials involved. It’s about adding personality. Show your style and tell a story through display items.
Examples of personal touches:
Create a mix of art, photo’s and memorabilia to curate a gallery wall.
Books, plants and collected objects make for great style shelves.
Add in heirlooms or finds along your travels to make this space yours.
- Try Patterns and Colors Experiment.
Good ways of layering your space visually are patterns and colors. Use a consistent color palette and think out patterns when mixing it all together to keep it cohesive.
Pattern layering tips:
If using a bold floral rug keep in mind that smaller scale patterns should be used to complement them such as stripes or polka dots.
Bring texture patterns or repeat patterns of texture, such as a quilted cushion with a woven throw.
Keep it to a palette of three to four colors to keep harmony.
- Incorporate Greenery
Plants and flowers are great: they bring life and vibrancy to your interiors and are a natural layering element.
Ideas for layering greenery:
Plant varieties in different heights and shapes for an organic layered garden.
Use different decorative pots in different materials, such as ceramic, wicker or terracotta.
Place layer plants on shelves, windowsills, and planters hung from a hook or planted in a pot.
- Layered Decor Arrangements
Layered arrangements will help to style your surfaces and add to the visual interest in your arrangements.
Tips for arranging decor:
Use the rule of three: Align group decor items in sets of three which vary in sizes or heights.
Frame or mirror overlap on mantel for a more casual layered effect.
Make a styled look: stack books and top with a small vase or candle.
- Keep It Balanced
Layering is the idea of adding things, however never quite a lot that you crowd. Next step is to edit your layers to maintain balance, and to ensure there’s a purpose for everything.
Final Thoughts
Layering is the art of using different parts — a rug here, a lamp there, an upholstered chair somewhere else — thoughtfully combined to create a space that’s both inviting and yours. The great news is you can achieve this by mixing textures, playing with multi panel art , adding personal touches, and creating a cosy haven out of any room.
Experiment with different layers, start small, love the process of curating a home that looks as it should and that also makes you feel comfortable within it. Layering gets your interiors to the next level with just a little bit of creativity and attention to detail.
