Natural fabrics: what they are, types, and advantages of including them in decoration

The use of natural fabrics in decoration has intensified as the demands for comfort, sustainability, and authenticity in interiors grow. Derived from vegetable or animal fibers, these materials stand out for their pleasant touch, organic look, and their lower environmental footprint.

Tapeçaria de Carolina Kroff no ambiente da Très Arquitetura, na CASACOR São Paulo 2021. (divulgação/CASACOR)

Applied in curtains, upholstery, throws, and rugs, natural fabrics offer versatile solutions for different project styles. In addition, they promote healthier and more ventilated projects, making them allies of both aesthetics and well-being.

Natural Fabrics vs. Synthetic Fabrics

Natural fabrics are those produced from fibers extracted from nature, whether of vegetable origin (like cotton and linen) or animal (like wool and silk). Because they are biodegradable and renewable materials, they offer a significantly lower environmental impact – especially when cultivated or extracted responsibly.

Márcio Corrêa - Meu Ryokan. Como o próprio nome indica, o projeto tem como referência um ryokan – tradicional hospedagem japonesa – com uma reinterpretação moderna. O espaço de 77 m² faz um convite à experimentação de sensações de maneira contemplativa e à forte ligação com a natureza. Para isso, utiliza cores e elementos gráficos suaves e materiais naturais. Destaque para a instalação com bambus logo na entrada composta por uma iluminação dramática, para os móveis em formato de pedras e para o piso e o teto revestidos com madeira certificada. (Edgard César/CASACOR)

In addition to sustainability, these fabrics stand out for their breathability, thermal comfort, and soft texture to the touch — characteristics that contribute to a richer sensory experience in projects. In comparison, synthetic fabrics, such as polyester and viscose, are petroleum-derived and tend to have greater durability and moisture resistance, but they usually heat up more and may accumulate static electricity.

Maria Alice Crippa e Gustavo Assis - Living Essências. O Living nasce do encontro entre a solidez da pedra e a leveza da luz, entre a força dos materiais naturais e a delicadeza dos detalhes. Cada elemento foi pensado como uma extensão da paisagem, como se o tempo tivesse esculpido cada peça com a precisão da natureza. É um convite ao SENTIR. O bloco de mármore maciço ancorado no espaço parece conter memórias antigas, enquanto a luz dança suavemente sobre as superfícies dos painéis de lâmina natural com cantos arredondados. (Eduardo Macarios/CASACOR)

In decoration, the choice between natural and synthetic involves more than aesthetics: it prioritizes values like well-being, efficiency, and respect for the projects. Therefore, natural fabrics continue to gain space in projects that value conscious design and comfort.

10 Natural Fabrics used in Decoration and their Applications

Each fiber brings a texture, a feeling, and a distinct possibility of use in the house. Here are the main natural fabrics and how they can be applied in decoration:

Daniel Ghizi e Carolina Zettermann de Almeida - Escritório Daniel Ghizi Arquitetura - Casa 15. Projeto da CASACOR Santa Catarina 2022 (Paulinho Selfon/CASACOR)

Cotton: Versatile, soft, and breathable, cotton is ideal for bedding, curtains, and cushion covers. It matches well with different styles and stands out for its ease of maintenance.
Linen: With an elegant appearance and rustic texture, linen is widely used in upholstery, table linens, and curtains. Its lightness favors well-illuminated and ventilated projects.
Silk: Of animal origin, silk brings sophistication and subtle shine. It appears in decorative cushions, shawls, and light curtains, especially in refined proposals.
Wool: Warms and adds texture to throws, rugs, and upholstery. Its variations (like merino or cashmere) offer different levels of softness and sophistication.
Hemp: Considered one of the most sustainable fabrics, hemp is sturdy, hypoallergenic, and durable. Ideal for upholstery and decorative accessories.
Bamboo: In fabric form, it has a soft touch and is antibacterial. Widely used in sheets, pillowcases, and throws, it favors thermal comfort.
Sisal: Natural from agave, sisal is firm and durable, perfect for rugs, panels, and structural details. It brings a striking visual identity and intense texture.

Espaço Kairós. Erica Salguero - CASACOR SP 2021 (Renato Navarro/CASACOR)

Pros and Cons of Including Natural Fabrics in Decoration

With undeniable sensory and aesthetic qualities, natural fabrics also have practical challenges that should be considered when making a choice.

Daniel Wilges - Casa Wabi Sabi. (Cristiano Bauce/CASACOR)

Aesthetic and Environmental Benefits

Natural fibers offer rich visual texture, thermal comfort, and timeless appearance. Additionally, they are biodegradable and have a lower production impact, especially if they come from certified sources.

Projeto de Octaedro Arquitetura. (divulgação/CASACOR)

Ventilation and Thermal Comfort

By allowing the material to breathe, natural fabrics ensure better temperature control, making them ideal for projects that prioritize well-being.

Fernanda Rubatino - Quarto La Vie. projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2021. (Renato Navarro/CASACOR)

Special Care

Some natural fabrics are more susceptible to stains or fading, especially when exposed to sunlight or moisture. In general, they require gentle cleaning and care in handling.

Joe Filho Arquitetos - Baño Tulum. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2022. (Renato Navarro/CASACOR)

Cost and Durability

While many have high durability, the initial cost may be higher than that of synthetic fabrics. However, the durability and lower environmental impact may offset the expenses in the long run.

Caio Bandeira e Tiago Martins - Lounge Universo Singular. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2022. (Renato Navarro/CASACOR)

CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creator agent, developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.