Thinking about jumping on the trend and creating a minimalist home but not sure where to start? You’re not alone! Minimalism isn’t just about getting rid of stuff—it’s about making smart choices that create a living space that feels calm, inviting, and stylish. One of the easiest ways to achieve that is by picking out the right fabric.
The fabrics you choose play a huge role in setting the tone for your home, no matter the style you’ve chosen. This guide will walk you through the best fabric choices for minimalist interiors. Everything from selecting the right fabric to incorporating it into your home.
What makes a fabric minimalist?
The right fabric can completely change the appearance of a room. In the case of minimalist home decor, simple, neutral tones and textures should be your focus. How about taking a closer look at the three top things you should look for when designing a minimalist living space?
Neutral Colors
Neutral tones play a fundamental role in minimalist design, also when it comes to selecting fabric. Shades of white, beige, gray, and soft pastels are minimalist furniture staples. These colors reflect light, make the space feel more open, and are a great basis for other design elements. Sticking to a neutral palette allows textures and subtle accents to take center stage without overwhelming the space.
Natural Textures
Contrary to what some might believe, minimalism doesn’t mean you have to eliminate all textures. It’s simply about using them subtly. Fabrics with delicate weaves, such as linen and tweed, add more character to the space without making it feel cluttered. In modern minimalist interior design, textures add warmth to otherwise airy and simple spaces.
Durability
Minimalism goes hand-in-hand with choosing long-lasting options and thinking about the environment. Choose fabrics that not only match your style but are also functional to create a timeless space. Durable fabrics such as cotton canvas, leather, and microfiber are very practical choices, making them the perfect fit for minimalist living spaces.
Top 7 fabrics for a minimalist interior design
The key is to keep things simple, stylish, and functional—without sacrificing comfort. Whether you’re decorating a cozy bedroom, a sophisticated living room, or even an outdoor seating area, the right fabrics can make all the difference. From natural textures to long-lasting solutions, here are the top seven fabrics for creating a delightfully minimalist house:
1. Linen
Linen fabric’s natural texture and breathability make it a go-to choice in minimalist interior decor. Linen is also highly sustainable and becomes softer with each wash. This makes it one of the most long-lasting and environmentally friendly choices.
Tips: Pair linen upholstery with wooden furniture for a rustic and natural feel, or use linen slipcovers for easy maintenance.
2. Cotton canvas
Cotton canvas is a strong fabric that can be found in many different colors and patterns. It’s a great choice for such minimalist furniture pieces as sofas and chairs. Its durability makes it perfect for everyday use. It is also easy to keep it clean—essential to minimalist homes. Cotton canvas is an excellent option for households with pets or children.
Tips: Opt for neutral shades like ivory, gray, or taupe to keep the aesthetic simple. Cotton canvas is durable, so it can easily handle the daily wear and tear of minimalist living room furniture.
3. Leather
Leather is an elegant and luxurious choice. For a timeless, understated look, choose matte-finish leather in neutral tones. Avoid overly glossy or textured surfaces, as they can clash with the clean lines of minimalist design. Leather is very long-lasting and durable—perfect for minimalist living room furniture.
Tips: Leather works well for sofas, lounge chairs, and ottomans. It is a staple in minimalist style interior design because of its timeless look and durability.
4. Microfiber
Microfiber is a practical option for minimalist interiors. It has a smooth texture, is easy to maintain, and resists stains. It works well for high-traffic furniture like living room sofas or accent chairs. Its tight weave keeps dust from building up, making it a great hypoallergenic choice for minimalist interior designs.
Tips: A simple microfiber sofa in a soft gray or beige tone will blend into a minimalist setting perfectly. It’s perfect for families with pets who want to follow minimalist interior trends because of its resistance to pet fur and scratches.
5. Polyester blends
Polyester blends are a great budget-friendly solution for minimalist furniture. The weaves of polyester create a smooth finish that fits perfectly in minimalist interiors. They are also resistant to fading and wrinkles, keeping their appearance over time.
Tips: Polyester blends work well for modern minimalist upholstery, drapes, and cushion covers.
6. Wool blends
Wool blends add warmth and texture while staying true to minimalist principles. When used sparingly—such as in throw pillows or upholstering an accent chair—wool blends are a very cozy element that doesn’t overwhelm the space. Even more, wool naturally repels dirt and moisture, making it quite low-maintenance.
Tips: Stick to soft, neutral shades for a harmonious look. Wool blends are an excellent choice for minimalist bedroom furniture, making it feel warm and cozy.
Check out our Perry Wool Bark—a soft yet extremely durable fabric at 100’000 double rubs that will last for many years even in the busiest households.
7. Velvet
Though traditionally associated with luxury, velvet fabric can be used subtly in minimalist interiors as well. Choose neutral-colored velvet and pair it with materials like metals or wood for a contemporary feel. Modern velvet is often made from durable synthetic blends, making it easier to maintain and more resistant to wear.
Tips: In modern minimalist interior design, velvet works best for accent chairs, throw pillows, or small decorative pieces. Use its texture as a focal point, and be careful not to overwhelm the simple aesthetic of minimalism.
How to design a minimalist space with fabrics
Creating a minimalist space is all about finding the harmony between simplicity, texture, and different materials. Are you putting together a minimalist bedroom furniture setup or designing a minimalist living room furniture layout? Knowing how to layer different textures, pick a cohesive color palette, and mix materials will be a great help.
Layer textures
Minimalism doesn’t mean flat surfaces—it’s all about balance here. Play around with smooth and textured fabrics to create layers. For example, try pairing a linen sofa with wool-blend throw pillows. Cotton canvas or microfiber upholstery can be complemented with a soft wool throw or a subtle tweed accent chair. You’ll see this approach very often in minimalist house interior design. Layering also helps to distinguish functional zones within open-concept designs while maintaining a cohesive feel.
Stick to one color palette
When you hear the term "minimalism," you probably think of neutral tones and patterns. Harmony and simplicity are the key notions of minimalist interior trends. This means that limiting color variations across fabrics is a key rule to follow. Prioritize colors like white, off-white, beige, soft gray, and muted earth tones. When selecting fabrics, choose varying shades within the same color family. Test out swatches before purchasing to see how different materials interact in your space. Consider incorporating different fabric finishes, such as matte linen paired with smooth leather.
Mix materials
Mixing fabrics with other materials like glass, metal, and wood is a great way to add contrast and keep things visually interesting. This concept is at the heart of furniture minimalist design, where different materials work together to create a unique yet harmonious look. Imagine a cotton canvas sofa paired with a sleek metal coffee table or a leather armchair set against a rustic wooden backdrop. Soft natural fibers like linen or wool look great when combined with polished concrete or brushed metal.
Conclusion: How to create a minimalist interior?
Minimalist interior design sticks to neutral colors, layers thoughtfully, and chooses durable, high-quality materials. For example, cotton canvas is a great option for families with pets since it’s durable and easy to clean. Wool blends can make a room feel warm and cozy without overwhelming it. Microfiber is another smart choice for high-traffic areas because of its stain resistance.
Beyond fabric, think about the overall vibe of your space. Let in as much natural light as possible, keep clutter to a minimum, and focus on quality over quantity. Minimalist spaces thrive on functionality. Consider multifunctional furniture like storage ottomans or modular sofas to maximize space. Create a home that is both peaceful and stylish by browsing the huge variety of fabrics at Fabric Mill.
FAQ
What is a minimalist style of interior design?
Minimalist interior design means simplicity, clean lines, and a neutral color palette. It focuses on combining functionality with uncluttered and airy spaces.
What materials are used in minimalist style?
Linen, cotton, and durable textiles like leather and microfiber are popular fabric choices in minimalist interior design. Meanwhile, for other pieces of furniture, materials such as wood, glass, and metal are a great choice.
What are the key features of minimalist design?
Minimalist house interiors feature clean lines, neutral colors, balanced textures, open spaces, and a focus on practicality and longevity.
How do I make my house look minimalist?
Focus on decluttering and choosing functional furniture with clean lines. Stick to a neutral color palette and use high-quality fabrics that will have a long lifespan. Keep the decor simple, and aim to create open, airy spaces.
What is the difference between modern and minimalist style?
Both styles keep things clean and simple, but modern design tends to have more contrast, bold details, and a mix of materials. Minimalist style is all about cutting out the extra stuff, creating a calm and clutter-free space, and sticking to neutral colors.
What are minimalist interior trends?
Linen and wool are popular minimalist interior trends right now for their cozy texture. Meanwhile, neutral tones keep spaces calm and balanced. Multifunctional furniture, like storage beds and modular sofas, maximizes space. Eco-friendly choices, such as sustainably sourced fabrics, are also gaining popularity.
What is Scandinavian minimalism?
Scandinavian minimalism combines minimalist design ideas with a focus on warmth and natural elements such as plants and wooden furniture. Light is also an important component of these interiors, as Nordic countries experience long periods of darkness, therefore, the amount of light available needs to be maximized.
