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July 18, 2025

How to Choose the Right Fabric Style for Your Home: Minimalist, Bold, or Classic?

Choosing the right fabrics for your home isn’t just about picking the right colour or texture; it’s about expressing your style while balancing comfort, durability, and practicality. In a city like Zurich, where design meets function and sophistication, textiles play a vital role in creating a living space that feels personal and intentional. Whether you live in a modern apartment near the lake or a classic villa in Zollikon, the fabrics you choose for your space will define the overall atmosphere of your home.

In this short guide, we’ll walk you through three popular fabric styles: Minimalist, Bold, and Classic and help you decide which is right for your lifestyle, your home, and your taste. We’ll also suggest what kind of visuals and fabric combinations you can showcase to bring each style to life.


1. Minimal & Timeless Fabrics

Minimalist design is all about simplicity, clean lines, and calming tones. The fabrics that support this style are typically understated but can be richer in texture.

  • Patterns: Subtle weaves, tone-on-tone, fine textures
  • Colors: Soft neutrals, greys, beiges, warm whites
  • Popular Materials: Linen, cotton, wool blends, lightweight sheer fabrics

Best for: Scandinavian, Japanese, or modern Zurich flats where space, light, and calm are valued. If you are unsure what your interior style is, feel free to browse through our Pinterest style boards or discover your style with our 2-minute style quiz for free.

Pro tip: Use layered neutrals to add depth without clutter. For example, you can combine a warm white linen curtain with a colder shade of wool sofa.


2. Bold & Expressive Fabrics

Bold fabrics are for those who love to make a statement. These textiles often feature strong patterns, vibrant colours, or unusual textures.

  • Patterns: Geometric shapes, florals, abstract designs
  • Colours: Emerald green, royal blue, mustard yellow, fuchsia, anything that sparks your fantasy!
  • Materials: Velvet, jacquard, printed cotton, performance fabrics

Best for: Artistic homes, Glam interiors, eclectic interiors, or family spaces where creativity is welcome.

Pro tip: Start with one focal piece, a bold armchair or dramatic drapes, and build around it with more subtle, neutrally supporting fabrics.

3. Classic & Elegant Fabrics

Classic interiors never go out of style. These fabrics lean toward refined patterns and luxurious textures that create a sense of tradition and comfort.

  • Patterns: Herringbone, damask, stripes, paisleys
  • Colors: Navy, burgundy, green, ivory
  • Materials: Heavy cotton, silk blends, chenille, high-quality wool

Best for: Traditional villas, townhouses in historic Zurich city or luxury homes.

Pro tip: Don’t be afraid of layering textures, a striped curtain paired with a velvet finish armchair can feel both timeless and fresh.

Bonus: Mixing Patterns Like an Interior Designer

Yes, you can mix styles and patterns, you just need to find a balance. As a help you can use the "rule of three": combine one bold pattern, one subtle texture, and one solid color throughout the space. An example could be: pairing a floral cushion with a solid linen sofa and a geometric rug. Stay within a coordinated color palette to unify the look.


Choosing Fabrics by Room Function

  • Living Room: Go for comfortable, durable fabrics that can handle daily use. Performance/High-durable fabrics are ideal for sofas, ottomans, and throws. Please note that sometimes it’s best to use a special kind of treatment for protection, for easy cleanup.
  • Bedroom: Soft textures like brushed cotton or velvet add cosiness. Choose blackout curtain fabrics for privacy and better sleep.
  • Dining Area: Opt for easy-to-clean materials like treated cotton or indoor-outdoor fabrics that are stain-resistant.
  • Home Office: Acoustic fabrics or thick curtains can improve focus and absorb noise, especially in shared apartments or city flats.

Final Tip: Always Test Fabrics at Home

Light changes everything. A fabric that looks beige in the showroom may appear golden in your home. Besides natural light, your wall colour and the surrounding space should be considered.
If you have an option to order fabric swatches or a fabric sample, observe them in different lighting throughout the day.

If you're unsure, consider booking a personal consultation with an interior designer. Our Zurich-based interior design team can help you find the right fabric sample and guide you in selecting textiles that elevate your space.

Ready to Transform Your Home with the Perfect Fabric? Contact us for a consultation or visit our Zurich office to explore our curated collection of designer fabrics, sourced from leading Swiss and European textile brands..

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