When it comes to design and art, the material can be as essential as the artist in the act of creation. The power of materials in design is real, and we love it! From the timeless elegance of brass and marble to the whimsical allure of feathers and felt, materials, techniques, and artists meet, and new designs come to life. In interior design and fashion, many materials are used to achieve specific aesthetic, functional, and tactile qualities. Read on for a comprehensive list of the most common materials across both industries! Note that while we separated this list into Interior Design Materials and Fashion Materials, the two fields have endless crossover.
INTERIOR DESIGN MATERIALS
Materials play a crucial role in interior design. From fixed finishes like marble counters and ceramic tiles to furniture finishes like textiles and metals, the list of material types and uses in interior design is wonderfully long and full of inspiration.
Wood
Wood is perhaps one of the most common and historically used materials in interior design, from oak, walnut, and pine to teak, maple, mahogany, reclaimed wood, and beyond. The number of ways that designers and artisans have crafted wood into different forms is countless. Further, with techniques like veneer, inlay, marquetry, carving, and more, wood takes on many forms.
Metal
Steel, aluminum, brass, bronze, copper, wrought iron, gold, silver, platinum and so on, the numbers of metals and ways they can be used are abundant to say the least! Metal in interior design goes beyond just decor, it plays a major role in structural and functional elements as well.
Stone
Another one of our personal favorite materials in interior decor is stone. From marble, granite, limestone, and travertine to slate, quartz, agate, and the most precious of stones, this material is vastly used in interiors and always while adding an heir of elegance and style.
Glass
From table tops to window panes and so much more, glass is an essential interior design material. Available tempered, frosted, etched, stained, mirrored, and cut to pretty much any size or shape you like.
Ceramic
Tiles, pottery, and porcelain all play poignant roles in interior design materials. From fixed finishes to tabletops and even some creative takes such as porcelain for lighting, ceramics bring sophisticated class to interiors around the world.
Leather
Upholstered on a chair or a wall or cut in the shape of a decorative flower, genuine leather, faux leather, and suede are timeless interior design materials.
Textiles
Textiles are a key player in interior design. They come in a vast number of materials and finishes, suited for different uses and adorned with seemingly endless patterns. Cotton, linen, silk, wool, velvet, polyester, chenille, and canvas are a few textile materials. Technique also plays a key role in textiles, such as woven, embroidered, moire, and so on.
Concrete
Perhaps not the sexiest of interior design materials, concrete is for sure a crucial one. Beyond its structural uses, concrete in polished, stained, and raw forms is a great way to create an industrial feel.
Acrylic and Plexiglass
Innovative artisans have created beautiful acrylic and plexiglass creations for home design. From acrylic accessories to plexiglass furniture, the interior options for acrylic and plexiglass are vast and worth exploring!
Plastic
Perhaps not the best choice given its lack of eco-friendliness (unless it is being recycled, of course!), nonetheless plastic is used in countless interior design products.
Bamboo and Rattan
These two materials are often found in interior design. Loved for both their natural aesthetic and their often sustainable options, bamboo and rattan are great materials for interior design.
Wallpaper
Well, perhaps not a material in the sense of its makeup, considering it can come in oh so many materials (think vinyl, fabric-backed, textured, natural fiber, even feathers!), but wallpaper is on this list as it is a major element in the world of interior design materials.
Paint and Finishes
Again a bit off the list guidelines of materials given the variety of materials available for the materials, paint and finishes felt necessary on this list! From latex and oil-based to matte, satin, gloss, paint and its various finishes offer up countless interior design options.
Mirror
Mirror, mirror on the wall—this material exists in just about every home on the planet. Beveled, antiqued, decorative, in a square, a circle, or something more abstract, a mirror instantly brings light and glamour.
Mosaics and Tiles
Crossing material categories from ceramic, glass, metal, stone, mosaics, and tiles are most often found in bathrooms and kitchens but can certainly be used throughout interiors.
Resin
Often finding its place in innovative and creative interior designs, epoxy and polyester resin are most often used for surfaces and décor.
Fiberglass
Thanks to its durability and versatility, fiberglass furniture rose in popularity during the 1960s and 1970s. It remains a favorite interior design material today.
Natural Fibers
While many of the materials on this list are from nature, natural fibers such as jute, sisal, coir, seagrass are frequently used in rugs and textiles and are worthy of their own category.
Lacquer and Varnishes
Oh how we love a perfectly smooth and shiny lacquer surface! Varnishes and lacquers bring rich depth to interior designs of all styles.
Vinyl
Easy to clean and available in a wide range of colors and patterns, vinyl is found in flooring and wall coverings. The choices for wood vinyl flooring are impressive to say the least.
Recycled Materials
In honor of trying to keep our world a beautiful place it is important to note the use of receyled materials in interior design. Interior finishes can be repurposed and there are tons of eco-friendly products on the market.
Mother of Pearl
Maybe it is more of a fashion material than an interior design material, but we love Mother of Peral in home decor, so we are adding it to the list here!
FASHION DESIGN MATERIALS
Separating this list was not straightforward, as many of the materials used in interior design are also used in fashion. And it is so fun when the two intersect in unique and innovative ways!
Fabric
The material that comes to mind first when considering fashion is surely fabric. But the category is vast! From cotton, silk, wool, and linen to polyester, rayon, spandex, nylon, satin, tulle, and more, fabric is fashion design material number one. When discussing fabrics in fashion, it’s also important to mention all the techniques used, from woven to felt and more.
Leather
A genuine leather handbag, suede boots, an eco-friendly faux leather jacket—the list of leather products in fashion is long and oh-so edgy and sophisticated.
Denim
Cotton denim, stretch denim, dark denim, light denim, or maybe you prefer frayed denim. This durable twilled fabric, typically blue, is a trademark fashion material.
Knits
Knitting is an age-old technique for creating textiles and a beloved fashion material, from jersey and ribbed to interlocked.
Velvet and Velour
Lush, oh-so-soft, and cozy, velvet and velour rule the world of comfort clothing. The velvet track suit needs no explanation.
Lace
From French Chantilly lace to 3D lace, this delicate and sheer textile easily transitions from traditional to x-rated. And while we have it on the fashion materials side of this list, it has often appeared as drapery.
Synthetic Fibers
Natural materials are great, but synthetic materials like nylon, polyester, and acrylic have their place in fashion.
Fur
Whether you prefer natural or faux fur, fur makes a design statement. Elegant, regal, and, of course, warm fur is fashion fun.
Metallic Fabrics
Well deserving of a material category of their own, metallic fabrics like lamé and foil print make for exquisite fashion designs.
Canvas
Simple, durable, and functional, canvas’ heavy-duty weave and innate water resistance make it a favorite material for shoes and bags.
Sequins and Beading
Fashion embellishments like sequins and beading bring the bling at every level of fashion from costume to haute couture.
Plastic
Less popular due to environmental concerns but still very much a player, plastic in fashion comes in the form of vinyl and PVC and is often used in bags, shoes, and accessories.
Wool Blends
Wool is a material with so many great natural qualities. It is sustainable, warm, breathable, and resilient, and it is used in tweed, flannel, and cashmere blends.
Feathers
From insulating down coats to embellishing haute couture gowns, feathers are one of fashion’s most exotic and functional materials. While feathers are only on the fashion materials section of this list, we also love it when feathers appear in interior design.
Rubber
Used in accessories and footwear, rubber is another fashion material with its own unique look and feel. Elastic, strong, and flexible, rubber is a highly versatile material.
Fringe
This ornamental border consisting of short, straight, or twisted threads hanging from cut or raveled edges or from a separate band brings whimsy and charm to fashion designs.
Jute and Hemp
Natural materials like jute and hemp often appear on fashion labels. Beautifully raw, light, and durable, jute and hemp are well-loved in fashion.
Cork
Resilient, natural, breathable, eco-conscious, and with a unique rustic appeal, cork is a fashion (and interior design!) material to love. We especially adore cork for its ties to our home in Portugal!
Metal
Metal is a special material in fashion thanks to its versatility and beauty. It is used in accessories like buttons, zippers, chains, embellishments, and, of course, jewelry.
Glass and Crystal
Seen mostly in embellishments, jewelry, and sequins, glass and crystal offer up so many fashion design options.
Embroidered Fabric
The art of embroidery is one of fashion’s most beloved crafts. From simple logos to full-on embroidered haute couture, the allure of this fashion material is undeniable.
Neoprene
One of fashion’s more innovative materials, the synthetic rubber neoprene is best known for its use in wet suits, but the material is also widely used in activewear and swimwear.
Recycled Materials
Similarly to interior design, recycled materials are essential in today’s fashion world. Plastics into purses, denim into more fashion, and so on; not only is using recycled materials good for the greater good, but they also offer wonderful opportunities for inspiration and innovation.
Wrapping Up
Both fashion and interior design see a crossover, with materials like leather, metal, and natural fibers frequently shared between design applications for unique textures and durability. In luxury and couture design, the crossover is even more extensive, and so the power of materials in design shows its full force!
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