If you wish to undertake interior design, it can be a difficult task as there are tons of materials available in the market, each with distinct properties in aesthetic or functional, and durable aspects. Whether it is a new space that you are creating or the renovation of an old one, the materials that you use must match the budget as well as functional and aesthetic requirements. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most common materials used in interior design, their types, and provide tips on how to choose the best ones.
Overview of Materials in Interior Design
Some of the most important aspects to look for in materials for use in interior design are:
- Acoustic Performance: Usually, the selection of materials is the main factor for the quality of sound in a room. For example, carpets absorb sound, whereas materials like wood and tiles provide less sound insulation.
- Thermal Regulation: Some materials may be used to enhance thermal comfort, while others may be sources of irritation. Materials such as concrete and tiles can hold onto the heat inside the building, whilst insulating panels will lower the use of energy by cutting down on heat exchange.
- Comfort: Most light and soft materials enhance the room’s comfort and make it more attractive, helping a more relaxing atmosphere to be formed.
- Safety: Choosing only non-toxic and fire-resistant materials is a way to be sure that no unexpected dangers or harm to the lives of the occupants happen during usage.
- Durability and Maintenance: Durable materials lower long-term maintenance costs and effort, while hard-to-clean materials result in the accumulation of dirt and disorder.
- Aesthetics: The different elements of a space must blend with each other harmoniously to create a uniform or balanced aesthetic.
Types of Materials for Interior Design
Material choice is a crucial part of interior design as it can enhance the functionality and aesthetics of a space. Here are some of the common materials used for the design of different interior elements:
Flooring Materials
Marble
Marble is a majestic and scratch-resistant natural stone with which any place can look beautiful. Marble flooring comes in a variety of finishes such as polished, honed, and tumbled. But it is quite expensive and requires significant upkeep to prevent staining and harm. For its luxurious aesthetic quality, it is mainly used in sophisticated residential and commercial spaces.
Granite
Granite is a sturdy, tough, and scratch-resistant stone, making it the best choice for areas that have a lot of foot traffic. Granite flooring is available in different colours and finishes such as polished, flamed, and leather. Moreover, it is very resistant to heat and moisture. Its use is common in both exterior and interior floor finishes, owing to its extensive durability.
Quartz
Quartz is an artificial stone that is famous for its long life, easy upkeep, and the property of not getting scratched or stained easily. It is available in various colours and patterns, resulting in it being very adaptable to any aesthetic. As opposed to natural stones, it does not require sealing, thus being a low-maintenance option for both the kitchen and bathroom.
Ceramic Tiles
Considering that ceramic tiles are extremely cheap and come in a multitude of sizes, colours, and even glazed and unglazed finishes, it may be a good idea to use them in kitchens, bathrooms, and foyers. They are water-resistant and flexible, but still somewhat fragile. Besides, they still have cracks or breakage as a bugging issue when a heavy piece of furniture falls on them.
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are made of a denser and tougher material and are less porous than ceramic, thus making them durable and resistant to moisture. Their use can be implemented in different types of dwellings and even in business places. It is advisable to limit them to those places that are exposed to moderate foot-traffic and make use of matte, glossy, and textured finishes. They are usually more expensive as compared to ceramic ones.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is one of the cheapest alternatives to wood or stone and can be used in the form of sheets, planks, or tiles. It is easy to install, water-resistant, and has several available designs. It is perfect for home use, especially in the case of high water exposure. However, it may lose robustness and become worn out in the case of heavy traffic or wrong handling.
Terrazzo
Terrazzo flooring is made of small pieces of marble, granite, and/or glass set in a cement or resin base. It is one of those materials that can be customised in any way desired and can also make use of waste materials. Because it is so resistant to stains and moisture, it is used extensively in commercial spaces and places with a lot of people walking through. Even though it is quite sturdy, terrazzo can be somewhat expensive and requires the work of a professional to be installed.
Cork
Cork has the advantage of being an environmentally friendly, clinically sound, and comfortable flooring material. Cork flooring can be finished in natural, stained, or patterned varieties. In addition to being very foot-friendly, cork also has the property of heat insulation and thus can be used in houses, office spaces, and green design. Nevertheless, cork is vulnerable to scratches and dents from heavy furniture.
Wood
Wood flooring never goes out of style, and it adds warmth and gives a natural look that can be very adaptable with different interior styles. Wood flooring can be made of solid wood, engineered wood, or even laminates and can be stained and finished in any way you like. On the other hand, solid wooden floors can easily be scratched and even get moisture damage if one does not take care of it properly. The cost of wooden flooring is also relatively higher.
Laminate
A laminate floor is one of the least expensive choices that can still give wood floors a run for their money as far as aesthetics is concerned. The main advantages that it has are high durability and easy maintenance. Laminate is available in various designs, including those that imitate wood and stone. It can resist staining and scratching, but can’t be refinished like real wood.
Tile Adhesive, Mortar & Grout
Tile adhesive, grout and mortar are basic requirements in the installation of tiles and tile joint filling. They play a very important role in water resistance and in ensuring the stability of a floor. Grout comes in a wide variety of colors, and its main tasks are to stop water from getting through the gaps between tiles and to create seamless-looking joints. There are different kinds of tile adhesives, such as thin-set, epoxy, and mastic, depending on the place of use and the condition of the environment. Cement mortar is generally the type of mortar used to fix flooring.
Cost of Flooring Materials
| Material | Cost (per sq ft) |
| Marble | ₹100 – ₹10,000 |
| Granite | ₹50 – ₹2000 |
| Quartz | ₹80 – ₹700 |
| Ceramic Tiles | ₹35 – ₹150 |
| Porcelain Tiles | ₹50 – ₹800 |
| Vinyl Flooring | ₹30 – ₹200 |
| Terrazzo | ₹50 – ₹800 |
| Cork | ₹150 – ₹600 |
| Wood | ₹80 – ₹1500 |
| Laminate | ₹40 – ₹250 |
Wall Materials
Paint
Paint, the most popular wall covering, is accessible in both regular and textured versions (with the latter being suitable for different types of emulsion paint). It can be very cheap and also be easily adjusted to fit with any decor of the room. Multiple finishes are also now available in the market, including satin, polished, matte and rough textures.
Wallpaper & Wall Decals
Wallpaper is both a charming and practical wall covering that makes it possible for an easy remodelling, especially of the feature walls. It gives a room an exclusive visual feel by providing endless colour, patterns, and texture options for the walls. Wall decals are temporary, extremely convenient decorations that can be quickly altered or taken off. They are perfect for the introduction of unique designs in spaces and also for rooms to get instant makeovers. Thus wallpapers and wall decals are both easy-to-install, cost-effective options for beautifying interior walls.
Wall Cladding Panels
Wall cladding panels are used to give the surface of the walls texture and depth; thus, they are usually found in modern and commercial buildings. They are made using various metals or different types of plastic and with different designs, allowing an elegant look that is durable. 3D wall panels grab attention by the interaction of shape and colour in vivid figures and sensory finishes; thus, even the most boring walls are able to change into visual masterpieces.
Plaster of Paris (POP)
Due to its simple texture and easy mouldability, POP is mainly used for creating decorative designs that can be customised as required. Moreover, its smooth finish makes it perfect for tiny designs and it is the first choice for enhancing interior beauty.
Gypsum Board
Gypsum boards are lighter and cheaper versions of concrete walls; they provide a beautiful surface, and they are really easy to install. They are perfect for creating lightweight partition walls in interior spaces and can be finished with plaster, paint or other decorative coatings.
Exposed Concrete
Exposed concrete can give you an industrial-style with a modern and rugged look that is suitable for feature walls or for creating an urban ambiance. Besides being durable and customisable, it also adds a raw, minimalist edge to the interior spaces.
Exposed Brick
Undressed brick walls give a rustic, raw look with a natural finish. Generally, they are the highlight of the room, and with their woody and rusty tones, they lend an earthy, industrial vibe to the space. Exposed brick cladding is generally adopted instead of solid exposed brick walls, as this is much easier to maintain.
Veneer
Wood veneer is a very thin layer cut or sliced from solid wood and is applied on surfaces to give the impression of being made of solid wood. It is a product that marries the beauty of nature with a cost-effective approach to interior design. However, it can be difficult to replace if damaged by scratches or abrasions.
Acrylic and PVC Panels
Acrylic and PVC wall panels are contemporary, easy-to-care-for products that offer a polished, shiny surface. Both materials are very resistant to any kind of rips and tears, moisture and stains, thus making them popular components of both residential and commercial interior spaces.
Glass
Glass is a light, airy, and reflective material, ideal for creating unimpeded views and open space designs. A partition made of glass has the benefit of looking chic, contemporary, and bright while the natural light is coming in. Glass blocks can also be used to provide privacy while still allowing transmission across partitions.
Cane, Bamboo, Rattan and Jute
These are natural elements that can brighten and enrich the space and make it look stylish and rustic. Through the use of these materials, the interior is effortlessly transformed into a stylish and comfortable space that also happens to be eco-friendly. Jute wall coverings offer a rough and textured surface, which is both environmentally friendly and adaptable. Jute can be found in different shades and patterns and is the perfect material for nature-loving and earthy interiors.
Cost of Wall Materials
| Material | Cost (per sq ft) |
| Paint | ₹30 – ₹150 |
| Wallpaper | ₹20 – ₹600 |
| Wall Decals | ₹20 – ₹200 |
| Wall Cladding Panels | ₹150 – ₹1500 |
| 3D Wall Panels | ₹50 – ₹1500 |
| Plaster of Paris (POP) | ₹70 – ₹75 |
| Gypsum Board | ₹12 – ₹100 |
| Exposed Concrete Finish | ₹15 – ₹350 |
| Brick Cladding | ₹80 – ₹150 |
| Veneer | ₹50 – ₹1500 |
| Acrylic & PVC Panels | ₹150 – ₹2500 |
| Glass | ₹52 – ₹170 |
| Cane, Bamboo, Rattan & Jute | ₹30 – ₹1,800 |
Furniture & Decor Materials
Wood
Furniture styles from times past and those yet to come are often centered around wood work. Wood is not only beautiful, but also durable and recyclable. With different types of wood available in different finishes, sizes, and textures, the options are endless. It can be used for making furniture, cabinetry, and decorative items. However, wood needs frequent servicing and is vulnerable to moisture.
Plywood
Plywood is an engineered wood product made by gluing together different layers of wood veneers. It has the character of being lightweight, cheap, and adaptable, and is most popular for structural framing in furniture or storage products. The different thicknesses in which it is available allow it to offer both strength and stability. Though it can lose its shape over time if it gets wet, it still offers an affordable method for furniture design.
MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard)
The composition of medium-density fiberboard is a smooth and tightly packed board made of wood fibers that are pressed. MDF is the board of choice when it comes to painted finishes and complex shapes. It is quite easy to shape and is highly multipurpose, but it is less tough than solid wood and can be harmed by water.
Veneer
Veneer can be obtained from low-quality wood material to satisfy the consumer’s demand for a natural wood finish at a fraction of the price while still maintaining strength. It helps to complete the desired refined look and is usually utilized in furniture and cabinetry. Still, it has a high vulnerability to any kind of water damage.
Laminate
Laminate is a synthetic material mainly known for its durability and ability to be cleaned easily, and comes in different textures and colours. It is a fraction of the price that furniture and kitchen tops can be made from, though it can be worn out in the long run by some small parts, which may sometimes still look cheap compared to natural wood.
Metal (Steel, Brass, Aluminum)
These metals introduce stability and strength to interior spaces, thus making them a good contributor to modern furniture. With numerous finishes, such as matte or polished, metal can be found in the frame, legs, and decor of furniture products. Metal is strong but may have the disadvantages of being heavy, easily scratched and vulnerable to corrosion (unless sealed or coated).
Glass
Glass, when combined with wood, creates a modern and elegant style, and is widely applied in furniture to create tabletops, shelves, and decorative elements. Glass can draw and reflect natural light in a room, although it is susceptible to various smudges and requires a thorough cleaning regularly. It is also restricted in terms of its usages because of its fragility and risk of breaking.
Acrylic
A non-breakable and negotiable material, acrylic is the main component of contemporary furniture design. It is marketed with a high-gloss surface and is available in several colours and styles. On the contrary, it scratches easily and can also turn into a yellowish shade or lose its original colour when exposed to UV light over a long period.
Resin
Resin is a material that opens up design possibilities for decorative furniture items and artworks, away from standard formulas and towards more customisable and innovative creations. It is characterised by its unique look; however, it can be quite a pain to carry large items, and it is priced very high for such work.
Fabric
Fabric is beautiful and versatile, and is designed mostly for upholstery and the making of soft parts of furniture. It has a wide palette of textures, patterns, and colours, which makes it highly adaptable in terms of aesthetics. Fabric is a highly permeable material with which staining and tearing are common; hence, cleaning must be frequent to maintain it.
Leather & Faux Leather
Leather is sturdy, high-end, and comfy, while the imitation is a more economical, earth-friendly option. Both materials are widely used for upholstery. The advantage of leather is longevity; conversely, it is quite expensive. Faux leather is cheaper but not as sturdy.
Cane, Bamboo, Rattan
These are three natural and environmentally friendly materials that are also cost-effective. They are sustainable, non-polluting, and recyclable, and are used in particular to make chairs, tables, and wall decor. They must be treated with the right anti-fungal and anti-bacterial products as well as periodic conditioning and waxing to retain their beauty.
Jute
As an environmentally harmless material and found in a myriad of textures and colors, jute is most likely used for wall coverings and furniture upholstery. It offers a cosy, traditional ambiance typical of the countryside, but is very susceptible to fraying and tearing.
Cost of Furniture & Decor Materials
| Material | Cost (per sq ft) |
| Wood | ₹250 – ₹2500 |
| Plywood | ₹50 – ₹220 |
| MDF | ₹30 – ₹300 |
| Veneer | ₹100 – ₹1000 |
| Laminate | ₹50 – ₹350 |
| Metal (Steel, Brass, Aluminum) | ₹60 – ₹4000+ |
| Fabric | ₹700 – ₹2500 |
| Leather & Faux Leather | ₹800 – ₹4000 |
| Glass | ₹40 – ₹1850 |
| Acrylic | ₹40 – ₹100 |
| Cane, Bamboo, Rattan | ₹140 – ₹450 |
| Resin | ₹1800 – ₹2500 |
| Jute | ₹35 – ₹500 |
Tips to Choose the Best Material for Interior Design
Here are the main points to look for when choosing the best material,
- Functionality
The first requirement is to determine how the material will be used. Accordingly, tiles and vinyl, which are easy to clean and resistant to scratches, suit busy corridors and kitchens, whilst softer substances like carpet or wood may be more practical for living rooms and bedrooms.
- Design Style
Reflect your materials based on your design theme. Rustic or traditional areas can be enhanced with natural elements such as wood and stone, while sleek and cold materials like metal and glass will fit well with modern or industrial design.
- Durability & Maintenance
Longevity is a major factor when choosing materials. Stone covers are not only durable but also practical, whereas low-budget alternatives can be found in MDF. The best would be to go for materials that are easy to maintain, particularly for the kitchen and bathroom. You can carry out porcelain tile work and clean stainless steel faster.
- Sustainability
Bamboo has been proposed as an ecologically sustainable material for unpretentious constructions. Buying bamboo, cork, and recycled materials is a way to go green in style.
If you bear in mind the above factors, you will certainly achieve a smoothly functioning interior.
Conclusion
The selection of appropriate materials for the purposes of interior design is a crucial and vital phase if the resultant space is to be used for functional as well as visually pleasing ends. Through the process of comparing aspects like utility, the form of the items, their permanency, the necessary cleaning level, and the “green” aspect, you can end up with suitable materials that reflect your design ideas and the requirements of the space. The wise use of the most suitable materials means the space will not only be aesthetic but also functional, resistant, environmentally friendly, and will have a good lifespan.
Apoorva H P Achar