4 Ways to Enhance Ambiance With Earthy Fabrics (Besides Upholstery)

If you are looking for a creative and innovative way to bring nature into your home, then you are at the right place. Earthy fabric can do wonders to your home. They can instantly add warmth and texture to any space. From framed fabric art to custom room dividers, an earthy fabric can make any room feel more grounded and inviting.

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What is An Earthy Fabric?

As the name implies, earthy fabrics are those that are made from fibers available in nature earth. They may derive from organic fabric cotton grown in a field, silk produced by a worm, or wool sheared from sheep. The array of sources for earthy fabric underscores that many functions they can serve in your home. Earthy fabrics are a great choice for design elements in any room.

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Here’s how four design experts are transforming spaces with earthy fabrics in the most unexpected ways.

Create DIY Framed Art Pieces
Develop Custom Fabric Room Dividers
Use Natural Materials for Ambiance
Incorporate Piñatex and Cork Fabric

1. Create DIY Framed Art Pieces

“Incorporating earthy fabrics beyond traditional upholstery can be done through creative elements like woven wall hangings, textured linen drapes, or jute light fixtures. In one project, I used burlap-and-cotton–blend fabrics to create DIY framed art pieces, adding natural warmth and texture to the walls. Additionally, I introduced a hemp rug and linen table runner, which complemented the room’s neutral palette. These fabrics softened the space and brought an organic, grounded ambiance without overwhelming it. Earthy fabrics, when thoughtfully placed, create a cozy, inviting atmosphere that connects the indoors to nature.” – Liga Rudzite, Content Editor, The Traveler

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2. Develop Custom Fabric Room Dividers

“We have developed custom room dividers using sturdy, textured fabrics such as hemp, linen, or wool. These aren’t your typical dividers because they have hand-textured surfaces and can even feature pockets of moss or dried flowers inserted into them for a literal wild side. This way, the fabric is both functional and central in the room, dividing rooms and giving them a sculptural effect.

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For one particularly excellent project, we set up our customized fabric room divider in a study room that ran from floor to ceiling and was made of densely woven wool. This partition visually separated the office from the rest of the room and was also more soundproof. The natural sheen of the wool went perfectly with the wooden furniture and the leather-bound books, complementing the already earthy tone of the room, making it a well-formed space. And the reception was overwhelmingly good, as it’s a function that would seamlessly blend utility and natural beauty—a distinctive design detail that goes beyond traditional fabric uses.” – Jay Soni, Marketing Specialist, Founder and CEO, Yorkshire Fabric Shop

3. Use Natural Materials for Ambiance

“I frequently use natural materials to improve the ambiance of spaces. For an eco-friendly home, I incorporated seagrass wallpaper, reclaimed wood beams, and bamboo flooring to reflect the client’s values in a warm, textural way.

The seagrass wallpaper added subtle depth to the walls, while the reclaimed wood beams reinforced the home’s rustic style. The bamboo flooring provided a durable yet renewable surface underfoot. Together, these elements created an inviting space that felt connected to nature.

Another client wanted their open-concept kitchen and living room to feel cozy yet modern. I recommended installing linen Roman shades, a jute area rug, and upholstering barstools in a neutral woven fabric. The result was a bright, airy space grounded by natural textures.

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Using fabrics and accents in creative, unexpected ways transforms spaces into soothing environments reflective of personal style or place. These textural elements soften transitions between spaces, crafting a cohesive flow between indoors and out.” – Aaron Alway, President, Black Label Design Group

4. Incorporate Piñatex and Cork Fabric

“Piñatex, or pineapple leaf fiber, is a fantastic, sustainable and biodegradable alternative to leather. I’ve helped clients put it to creative use by helping them create wall panels and framed art. Piñatex has a very striking texture that gives any space a distinctive, eco-friendly vibe. It’s a great way to add a luxurious, earthy feel that complements a variety of interior design themes. It’s also a fantastic way to start a conversation about sustainability!

Another excellent material that’s sometimes disregarded is cork fabric. Although cork is typically thought of for flooring, it works really well for upholstery as well. It is ideal for anyone with allergies because it is hypoallergenic, soft, durable, and water-resistant. I’ve used cork fabric to upholster headboards and accent chairs, and the result is a beautiful, modern look that’s sustainable and practical.

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Most people are unaware of how effective jute is in absorbing sound because of its rough texture. I’ve used it in a different way by padding the undersides of furniture like coffee tables and large planters. This easy tip enhances the acoustics and reduces echo, particularly in spaces with hard flooring. It also adds a natural, grounded feel to the room, making it cozy while keeping the design sleek and modern.” – Louis Luo, Co-founder, nabisfabric

Conclusion

Adding earthy fabrics into the interior designing of your home is like bringing a small piece of the outdoors inside. These natural textures have a way to make your space feel cozy, warm and a bit more connected to nature.

And the best part? You don’t have to completely overhaul your decor. Just a few creative and thoughtful touches like a seagrass rug, a hemp room divider or even a DIY art piece can change the whole vibe of a room.

So, go ahead and experiment! Layer the fabrics, mix in different textures and find the ones that speak your style. Before you know it, you’ll have a home that feels not just decorated but truly lived in.

If you love these tips, don’t forget to pin the above image to your “Home and Garden” board.