How To Style Faux Fur This Winter
Few textures do as much work in a room as faux fur. It adds softness, depth and a little bit of drama whilst also making the space feel instantly warmer. Modern faux fur has come a long way since the shiny, scratchy fur of the past, today’s upholstery-grade options are dense, supple and surprisingly hard wearing. Here’s how to pick the right one and make it look intentional in your home.
Why Faux Fur Works So Well in Interiors
Faux fur brings what designers call tactile contrast. Set against smooth leather, crisp linen, glossy tiles or matte painted walls, a plush surface makes a room feel layered rather than flat. It is also one of the most efficient ways to add warmth to a space without introducing more colour.
Surprisingly, faux fur can be practical. Good faux fur is animal free, comes in a range of colours and pile lengths, and costs a fraction of real fur. Many upholstery grade versions are also treated to resist pilling and shedding.
Know Your Fur
Not all faux furs are the same, they range in density, pile length and overall look. Short pile faux furs are arguably the most practical choice for upholstery as it holds shape under pressure, resists matting and is easier to keep clean. This makes it a better choice for high traffic areas and main pieces of furniture.
Long pile fur, whilst luxurious, is more prone to mat and needs regular brushing.This style of faux fur is best reserved for accent pieces, like blankets and cushions.
Sherpa and teddy fabric has a looped, curly texture that looks more like sheep’s wool. It is cosy, forgiving and very on trend for boucle adjacent schemes. It works beautifully on ottomans and accent chairs.
Short shear faux fur is sleek and almost suede like. It is a great choice if you want the warmth of fur but with a more tailored finish.
Things to Consider
Martindale Rub Count: For upholstery, look for a fabric that has at least 15,000 rubs for light domestic use and 25,000 or more for something that will be sat on daily.
Weight: Heavier fabrics generally wear better and drape more luxuriously.
Care Label: Some faux furs can only be spot cleaned, so consider this when choosing your faux fur’s colour.
How to Style Faux Furs
The easiest way to introduce new texture into your space is by starting small. Upholster a foot stool, a poufee or a single armchair. A faux fur ottoman at the end of the bed or in front of a sofa gives you the look with much less commitment. The trick to making faux fur feel sophisticated is to pair it with contrasting textures. Try it with: smooth leather, boucle, raw wood, or dark metals.
Consider Your Colour Palette
Natural shades and soft grey faux furs suit calm, neutral rooms and Scandinavian inspired interiors. Deeper shades like chocolate, charcoal or forest green feel moody and dramatic. If you are looking to make a bolder statement then consider colours like blush, terracotta or rich burgundy, it is these colours that will turn something into a focal point.
Use it to Add Comfort
Faux fur earns its place in spots where you actually want to feel cosy: a reading chair by a window, a bedroom bench, a snug corner or a bedroom headboard. Whereas a kitchen or a high traffic hallway is usually less practical. One or two faux fur pieces is usually plenty. A fur covered chair plus a throw is a great pairing and ensures that the room remains balanced.
Overall, faux fur is one of the easiest ways to make a home feel warmer, richer and more lived in. Choose a short pile, high rub count fabric for anything that gets daily use and save the long, dramatic pile for accents, paired with contrasting textures. Get the balance right and it wont just look good, it'll be the piece everyone ends up sitting on.