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The impact of textiles in hotel décor

Textiles are more than just decorative elements in hotel interiors. They also influence indoor climate and well-being, affecting everything from acoustics and ambience to guest comfort and experience. Not to mention the brand values, textiles can communicate. With the right choice, hotels can achieve both functional and aesthetic benefits leaving a lasting positive impression.

Heavy curtains, colourful carpets, crisp linen napkins, airy fabric panels, soft lounge furniture, and patterned cushions. Regardless of target audience and style, textiles play a major role in hotel interiors.

“Studies show that texture, colours, and materials of a hotel’s textiles significantly impact guests’ perception of comfort. Aesthetics are, of course, important, but the feel of textiles and their effect on for example acoustics, humidity, and temperature also greatly influence the overall hotel experience,” says Lone, CEO at Dansk Wilton, one of the leading carpet specialists within the international hospitality industry.

Textiles as a brand communicator
Textiles also help communicate a hotel’s brand identity. Is it a luxury hotel, a modern city hotel, or a yoga retreat?

The choice of textiles reinforces this distinction, explains Corinna Kretschmar-Joehnk, founder of interior design consultancy JOI-Design:

“It’s essential to work with colours that match the philosophy of the hotel’s brand and, most importantly, transport the right ambience. Colours relate to different feelings. For example, a dark blue carpet can get you in the mood of an elegant night club setting whereas turquoise hues in a carpet can express a fresh atmosphere for activities and a sage green on the other hand is a colour to let us easily relax. A hotel lobby often welcomes guests with a certain energy, while the guestroom typically requires a different, often more tranquil, ambience,” she says.

A revival of soft materials
This emotional and sensory approach to textile design is becoming increasingly important. In fact, smoother surfaces and soft materials are seeing a revival in hospitality interiors.

“We feel a revival of soft materials in the interiors we create for the hospitality industry. Being a keen observer of our world and our society, I strongly believe that our designs should mirror the ever-changing social demands in order to give relevant and sustainable answers – especially in the creative process for hospitality projects,” explains Corinna Kretschmar-Joehnk.

“Nowadays a majority of hotel guests long for relaxation and a calm atmosphere, in a world that has become demanding and challenging. In times of overstimulation, smoother surfaces bring acoustic advantages and let guests calm down and relax. On top, natural textures can be associated with an ambience that serves as an opposite pole and a short escape of our daily lives. Of course, each project is different and here it is our goal as designers to find the right balance between hard and soft materials on every occasion,” she continues.

Four reasons to prioritise textiles in hotel interiors
Here, Corinna Kretschmar-Joehnk shares four key reasons why choosing the right textiles should be a high priority in hotel interiors.

Improving acoustics
Textiles are excellent at absorbing sound and reducing noise levels, which is essential in large lobbies, restaurants, and hotel rooms. Wall-to-wall carpets, heavy drapes, and upholstered furniture minimise echo and unwanted noise, creating a more pleasant auditory experience.

Creating comfort and cosiness
Unlike hard surfaces like wood, stone, and metal, textiles contribute to a more inviting and welcoming atmosphere. Carefully selected carpets, high-quality curtains, and comfortable furniture in the right mix with a piece of wood or stone help guests feel relaxed and at ease – enhancing their overall hotel experience.

A stay worth remembering
We know that the atmosphere of the interiors in combination with textiles has a powerful psychological impact on guests. Soft materials and well-chosen colours can evoke feelings of safety, luxury, and well-being. Natural fibres such as wool, cotton, and linen convey a sense of authenticity and sustainability, while velvet and silk add an exclusive touch of refinement. The right combination will make the hotel stay even more memorable.

Shaping brand identity
Colour selection plays a crucial role in hotel décor, and textiles are among the most flexible ways to introduce colours and patterns into a space. Warm, earthy tones can create a sense of cosiness and intimacy, while cooler hues evoke elegance and sophistication. Textiles can also help define areas within a larger space, for example by incorporating area rugs in varied colours or textures.