Texture is one of the four elements of design along with line, form, and color. There are two types of texture - tactile texture that can be felt and visual texture that can only be seen. Texture can communicate different feelings in a room and affect the visual size and color of a space. Both natural and applied textures should be considered when designing interior spaces. Students are assigned a project to collect and display tactile texture samples from around their home.

2. ELEMENTS OF DESIGN
Elements of design are
“tools”. Just like the
carpenter has a hammer and
saw, the designer has the
elements.
There are 4 elements of
design: Line, Form, Color, &
TEXTURE.

3. Texture is the
appearance or
feel of a surface.
Textures can
create variety and
interest in a room.

4. There are two types
of texture:
1. tactile
2. visual

5. Tactile Texture:
Texture you can
“feel” by rubbing
your hand over it

6. Visual Texture:
Texture that you
can see, but you
cannot feel.

7. Texture can
communicate different
feelings in a room:
Rough, hard, or coarse textures can create
a more casual feeling in a room.
Smooth, soft, or fine textures can create a
more formal feeling in a room.
Too many different kinds of texture in
one room may cause confusion.

8. Texture affects visual size…
When furnishings with heavy or rough textures are used, they
absorb more light than smooth textures. They do not reflect light
throughout the room, so the room appears smaller.
Using smooth textures, therefore, reflects more light and gives the
illusion of a larger room space.

9. Texture affects color…
The color of a surface is the result of some light waves being
reflected from it, while other light waves are absorbed by it.
A rough surface absorbs much of the light that strikes it. The
light that is reflected is cast off in various directions, creating
shadows. The surface, therefore, appears darker.
A smooth surface reflects much of the light that strikes it.
The light is reflected in straight, orderly lines, and the
surface appears lighter.

10. Applying texture to smooth
surfaces…
Decorative painting and faux finishes can give a
flat surface a 3-dimensional, textured look.
Most techniques use
paints and glazes with
various types of
brushes, sponges, rags,
masking tape, plastic
wrap, combs, feathers,
etc.
Faux finishes
include surfaces
that resemble
stucco, antique
metal, brick, stone,
leather, granite,
and marble.

11. Terms used to describe textures:
Can you think of words that accurately
describe texture? Imagine you are trying to
describe the following items to someone who
cannot see or touch them…
Sandpaper
Bricks
Velvet
A knitted blanket
Glass
Satin
A pleated lamp shade

13. Texture Project Assignment…
1. Find 10 interesting/dramatic tactile textures
on surfaces around your home interior.
2. Lay a piece of paper over each surface and
rub it with a pencil, crayon, or colored
chalk . Use firm, even strokes until the
pattern or texture shows through.
3. Creatively display your 10
textures on an 8 x 10” piece
of paper, used horizontally or
vertically.
4. Title your project: TACTILE
TEXTURES IN THE HOME
5. Put your name on the front of
the project, and label each
texture sample with it’s
source. (i.e. soleplate of a
steam iron or kitchen floor
linoleum)
TACTILE TEXTURES IN THE HOME
BY YOUR NAME
Source
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