ILIV is at the forefront of innovative fabric design, blending inspiration from timeless archives with today’s evolving trends. Known for eclectic and diverse designs, ILIV’s Design Manager, Debbie Leigh, shares her insights into the interior fabric trends that will shape 2026. Discover more.
Craft & Storytelling – Interior Fabric Trends
We’re seeing a renewed appetite for fabrics that feel handcrafted and rooted in story with rich weaves, subtle irregularities, and heritage textures that speak quietly of craft. The 2026 trend toward interiors with a narrative means fabrics are more than just a background; they become part of the story.
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Colors – Red, Orange, Earthy, Warm, and Emotional
We expect to see fabrics moving beyond safe neutrals. Bold, up-toned terracotta, red, orange, and sun-kissed earth tones will appear in upholstery, curtains, and cushions, picking up on the optimism and human connection cues that designers highlight for 2026.
Pantone Color of the Year – Cloud Dancer
Pantone’s 2026 Color of the Year, Cloud Dancer, brings a serene, airy white with subtle warmth, perfectly complementing the earthy and vibrant tones we expect to see in fabrics this year. This shade encourages calm, light-filled interiors, offering designers a versatile base that pairs beautifully with textured weaves, rich velvets, and bold accent colors.
Related Article: 6 Expert Advice for Colorful Summer Decorating and Window Dressing
Pattern & Personalization – Interior Fabric Trends
We predict fabrics will become a canvas for personalization. Whether printed motifs, tailored upholstery, or accent cushions, homeowners will lean into pieces with a hint of the bespoke and fabrics that reflect ‘you’. It’s a design with personality.
Textile Materiality & Depth
The clients are starting to favor fabrics with a story, such as rich velvets and textured weaves. In a fast-moving world, texture can help to slow things down by adding gravitas and comfort. 2026 interiors feel more rooted, and fabric is central to that.
Tonal Depth & “Color Capping”
In textiles, this means we’ll be seeing subtle gradations, such as soft furnishings in the same color family, but richer and more layered. For example, this could be cushion fabrics that pick up the ceiling tone, or curtains that echo the wall pigment but in a deeper key. Fabrics will quietly enhance the scheme’s depth.
Text and Photos: Debbie Leigh, ILIV’s Design Manager / Bay Tree PR
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