I Asked Interiors Designers What 'Layering' Actually Means in Interior Design — Here's Why They Said It's What Stops a Space "Feeling Flat"

Throughout the time I've spent musing, debating, and writing about interior design, layering has consistently been at the center of the discussion. 'Layer textures throughout your space,' and 'layer complementary colors within your scheme,' are phrases I hear a lot. But despite its significance, layering in interior design can often feel quite vague and abstract. Which made me wonder: What does it actually mean to layer different elements of design? And why do designers rely on layering so much?

First and foremost, layering in interior design is not simply about adding more 'stuff'; it's about what you put together with intention and purpose. Every layer should be there for a reason — whether that's functionality, comfort, warmth, contrast, or storytelling. And, as interior designer Jen Baxter of Baxter Hill Interiors tells me, "Designers rely on it because it creates emotional depth: a layered room feels lived-in and intentional when done well."

Layering is certainly not a trend, but rather a foundational design principle that should inform how you build the design of a room and your own personal style. When you pay attention to these details, "layered" becomes more than just a catch-all adjective — layering in interior design brings intention without needing 'more'.

Why Is Layering in Interior Design So Important?

It's easiest to think of layering as a guiding light — something that should always be in the back of your mind as you add to and edit your space. It may not be an obvious design element upon first glance, but it will be your roots.

"Layering is what gives a space depth, warmth, and most importantly, personality," explains Camilla Masi, interior designer at Otto Tiles & Design. "Without it, interiors can either feel very flat and cold or, in contrast, overly styled and sometimes even chaotic."

Thoughtful layering in interior design allows a room to unfold visually over time so that you notice material contrasts, tonal shifts, and subtle details rather than everything shouting for attention at once. "It's also what makes a space feel lived-in rather than showroom-perfect," adds Camilla.

But more importantly, when layering, each layer should feel like it complements the others, through elements such as a shared color palette, repetition in interior design of shapes or patterns, and proportion. So, whether you need to apply a bit of layering to your lighting scheme, materials, or color palette — here's how the experts do it.

Why Layering is Important With Lighting

Lighting is one of the most overlooked ways to make a space feel more dynamic. Many rooms rely too heavily on the big light rather than overhead lighting alternatives, which flattens everything it touches.

How to fix this? You guessed it: a layered lighting scheme. "Add at least two other light sources at different heights," says interior designer Nina Lichtenstein. "A floor lamp near seating, a table lamp on a side table, or even a small accent lamp on a shelf can completely change the mood of the room."

Basically, lighting should never be one-note. "I always look for a mix of ambient lighting for general use, task lighting for function, and accent lighting for warmth and mood," explains Scottsdale-based luxury interior designer Lauren Lerner. "This prevents harsh lighting and makes a room feel livable, not clinical."

Think about how you interact with your space — "Lighting isn’t just functional. It shapes how a room feels emotionally, especially in the evening when spaces like the living room or bedroom do most of their work," says Lauren.

Pro tip: Warm bulbs matter here. They soften edges and make spaces feel more human.

Nina Lichtenstein

Nina Lichtenstein is a residential interior designer who strives to showcase her in-depth construction and design expertise in her projects. Nina believes that home design should capture a homeowner’s uniqueness by how it serves the person. She has been celebrated for designing, renovating, and building elegant living spaces. 

Why Layering Is Important With Materials

With layering materials, contrast in design is key. Think smooth surfaces paired with rough, matte finishes with subtle sheen, and structured furniture elements balanced with something organic. "This is especially important in neutral spaces, where materials do the heavy lifting," says Lauren.

As always, when planning the material of your furniture pieces, consider how they will interact. "Mix materials with intention," adds Jen. "Combine wood, metal, stone, fabric, and glass so that each material brings its own weight, warmth, and visual rhythm."

Where a lacquer dining room table brings a sleek, futuristic aesthetic, natural dark woods paired next to it will ensure a more complex visual. If there is too much of one material in a room, it can quickly become flat. A chrome decor lamp in a cabin or mixing stones, like a colorful marble countertop next to natural slate, is more dynamic and therefore more interesting.

"Even within the same material family, such as tile variations in finish or scale, adds richness," says Camilla. And when in doubt, always lean on natural materials. "They work especially well throughout different rooms because they carry inherent texture and tonal variation," she adds.

Why Layering Is Important With Texture

Texture, when layering in interior design, will follow many of the same principles as material layering. In many ways, the two go hand in hand — materials have an inherent texture, and texture often comes through varying materials.

However, texture translates more commonly to smaller decor items rather than large furniture pieces or structures. Think woolen throw blankets, bouclé pillows, aged brass vases, and wooden side tables. "Pair something soft with something structured," recommends Jen. "Place a velvet pillow on a linen sofa, or a curved brass lamp beside a rustic wood tray."

Textiles and fabrics play an especially important role when adding dimension to texture design (jute, faux fur, wool, linen, etc.). "Textiles work best when they respond to their surroundings," says James Gomez, co-founder and creative director at Yarn Collective. "Textiles soften architectural surfaces like timber, stone, or plaster, while those harder materials give structure and grounding to softer layers."

Think about contrast in weight and structure, too. "Combine finer, lighter fabrics with more substantial, denser textured weaves so each layer has a role to play," adds James. Upholstery, curtains, and cushions should feel related, but not matched — small differences in weave, finish, or scale are what create interest.

Try to source textiles and textures that will catch the light in different ways and grow the connection between hard and soft elements. "It's this balance between the two which creates a space that feels both considered and comfortable," says James.

Why Layering Is Important With Patterns

Pattern layering is also essential to a more dynamic design space. But, as you can imagine, mixing patterns is a fine line to walk. Multiple prints in a room can quickly become chaotic when not layered with intention.

Successful pattern pairing is going to mainly mean paying attention to the color palette and scale of each print. Meaning, if you're decorating with animal print or dainty florals on your sofa or rug, then you'll want to pair it with a print of a bigger scale, like a large check. Learning how to properly pattern clash is the best way to dive into pairing patterns.

For the easiest way into layering patterns, try first to mix the types of patterns in a room — stripes and geometrics with florals. Then, apply your pattern in unexpected places — wallpapering the backs of bookcases, a ceiling, or applying a patterned trimming to the edge of an ottoman. Creativity and confidence will be your guiding light when layering patterns.

Layering is truly the bread and butter of good interior design. It's fail safe guide for both beginners and experts, and the easiest way to make your home feel new without necessarily buying anything.