Styling and Inspiration: Materiality and Texture Play

Different materials and textures come into their own when styled just right. Softer textures add tactility and warmth while harder materials offer strength and structure.

Bringing these together makes a room feel complete; much like a final accessory finishes off an outfit, a linen runner draped across a wooden dresser can add a touch of finality.

Mixing up materials is an easy way to play with texture and can add much-needed contrast and personality to a space.

Here, we explore some of our favourite ways to have some fun with texture.

How to style… wood

It comes as no surprise that wood is our favourite material to play with, here at Tom Raffield. Our sustainably sourced timber makes a statement all on its own once it's steam bent into our wonderful, coastal-inspired designs.

But, that doesn't mean that the look can't be elevated further with the help of other materials and textures.

Wood naturally adds a sense of warmth, so if you have a cooler toned material such as concrete or marble on a kitchen worktop, instantly lift the space with a touch of timber. Our Skipper Pendant adds a playful touch, with the loops offering a softer contrast against the worktop. The drop-down pendant style keeps the different textures within the same eyeline without appearing too overwhelming.

How to style… ceramic

Ceramics are popular in home design thanks to their smooth, cool surfaces, offering a sense of quiet calm to a space.

Whether they cover a large expanse — in the way of floor or wall tiles — or smaller accessories are peppered throughout a room; vases, decorative trays or treasured ornaments, ceramics bring a sense of timeless elegance while also adding a pop of colour.

An easy way to naturally complement the material is by mixing up the textures nearby. A touch of brushed brass or copper creates an interesting contrast for a contemporary look. Or, experiment with other natural materials such as wood to create a warm, organic feel.

Timeless and serene, style our Bue Pendant with contrasting textures like marble, wood, or colourful ceramics to highlight the smooth finish of its ceramic lampshade. Or look to our Bue Spire Wall Light, with its contrasting brass arm, proudly standing out from a round wooden base to showcase its minimalist ceramic shade, which diffuses a serene glow upon its surroundings.

How to style… glass

Glass can easily elevate a room. The simple act of having glass accessories brings a touch of luxury to a space, whether it's a hand-blown vase or part of a bigger design piece. Interacting with light in a playful way which changes throughout the day, glass also offers a visual lightness to a space, bringing design presence without adding to clutter.

Sometimes, styling different materials together can be about keeping things simple. Rather than overcrowding a space so it becomes a life-sized mood board, pick one or two elements to create a fully formed look.

Our Loer Lighting Range offers weightless illumination to any area it reaches. Inspired by the elliptical orbits of the planets and moons, the simplicity of the design does all the talking. In the Loer Pendant, beautiful translucent glass is combined with our trademark sustainable steam-bent ash wood and a touch of brushed metallic brass, bringing together a trio of materials.

Loer — which means moon in Cornish — is a contemporary collection with the materials and textures perfectly balancing one another to create an eye-catching feature whether or not the lights are switched on.

Whether you opt for a chandelier, table light or floor light, there are different ways of incorporating a touch of glass to your interiors. Clean, functional, beautiful.

Posted: 09.04.26
Updated: 09.04.26