From Velvet Cushions to Table Runners:
Festive Fabric and Wallpaper Ideas for Your Home

The weeks before Christmas are a the perfect time to give your home an inviting, warm feel. While the tree is often the centre of attention, little things make a big difference in creating a Christmas feel. Things like cushions, curtains, table runners, creative gift wraping and stockings can change the vibe of a room. Good fabrics or wallpaper and some thought can make your home ready for the holidays while keeping its familiar charm.

At TM Interiors, we often help clients choose fabrics and wallpapers that bring that sense of magic into their homes. We love the transformation that happens when you introduce the right texture or colour. Velvet that catches the fire glow, silk that softens a table setting, linen that keeps things grounded – it all plays a part in creating that cosy balance between elegance and comfort. It doesn"t have to scream Santa and reindeer; subtle nods to winter and a texture you can"t help but touch are perfect. This season trend is all about 90"s nostalgia, Ralph Lauren aesthetic, monochrome details as well as bows and ribbons… everywhere!

Festive Cushions and Throws

People often ask how to start decorating for the holidays. We usually suggest starting with cushions since they"re an easy way to switch up a room"s feel. Think about swapping your everyday pillow covers for ones in dark green, burgundy, or midnight blue. Velvet is a great pick for this time of year; its soft, fancy, bounces light around and makes things cosy. Just putting two or three dark red pillows on a plain sofa can totally change how a room feels. Also, don"t forget your furry friend this Christmas and consider upgrading their beds with a festive cover.

Throws are a simple touch that could be easily put away when the season is over. We like to use them in layers, maybe a thick, woven one over a chair or a lighter one folded on the sofa. Fabrics from Pierre Frey, Sanderson, or GP & J Baker have a great feel apart from looking awesome and they"re the kind of things you"ll want to get out every Christmas. You could also consider a beutiful festive bedspread or bedding to add an extra charm to your more private rooms.

Want to spruce up your dining area? Fabrics can make a big difference. Changing curtains can seem like a project, but just switching to a slightly shinier material can make the space feel warmer. We"ve even seen ribbons or fabric strips used to tie back curtains for a pop of colour that doesn"t take much work. Or, a stylish burgundy tieback from Houles could also do the trick.

For a festive table, chair covers are designers" go-to moves. A basic slipcover in red velvet or gold can turn a regular chair into something special. You could check out Sanderson fabrics because they last and add a bit of subtle class.

For the table itself, a fabric runner is the piece that quietly ties everything together. We love a dark velvet runner with crisp white plates and a bit of greenery. You could use silk or satin napkins in a lighter shade to soften the look. It"s simple but feels thoughtful.

Smaller Decorative Touches

If you like to craft, Christmas offers a great chance to use leftover bits of fabric. We"ve seen people use it to make items like stockings, bunting, tree decorations and even a tree skirt that they would have otherwise thrown away. Bunting hung across a mantel adds cosiness and intimacy to a space. Plus, a nice tree skirt covers the stand and makes everything look complete. Even fabric bows on a christmas tree or key tassels used as ornaments bring a very unique, personal touch.

Stockings are lovely when you mix fabrics. Try using velvet on one side and cotton print on the other. Mind the Gap prints are fantastic for this – they have such character and add a bit of playfulness to the room.

Gift Wrapping with Fabric and Wallpaper

We"ve also noticed a trend in wrapping some gifts with fabric. It feels more personal and looks beautiful under the tree. Soft cottons, linens, or satins tied with a ribbon or a piece of twine give presents that extra charm. Wallpaper works well too, especially for wrapping boxes or lining drawers. A leftover piece of designer wallpaper from Sanderson or GP & J Baker can make a handmade gift look incredibly special.

The Best Fabrics for the Season

Every fabric tells a slightly different story. Here are the ones our clients reach for most around Christmas:

Velvet: Nothing beats it for winter. It"s soft, heavy, and immediately makes a room feel warmer.

Silk and Satin: Lovely for small accents like napkins or runners. They catch the light and bring a quiet kind of elegance.

Jacquard and Brocade: These have texture and weight, perfect for table settings or curtains where you want a little depth.

Cotton and Linen: Ideal for a relaxed look. I often use festive prints in these fabrics for table runners or bunting.

Metallic Finishes: A touch of shimmer is enough. I sometimes use cushions with just a thin border of metallic thread to add that little sparkle.