Fabric and paper are the soft side of a room. They filter light, absorb sound and make a space comfortable to settle into. This page gathers pieces whose material listing names a textile or paper, from curtains and pillows to lamp shades. The textiles include blackout, thermal, sheer tulle and linen curtain panels, chenille and velvet pillow covers, knit and gauze throw blankets, floor cushions and poufs, cotton linen and jacquard table runners, shower curtains and bath mats. On the lighting side there are Japanese rice paper and Xuan paper lamps, a paper cylinder floor lamp, and bedside lamps and chandeliers with fabric shades.

Why paper and fabric shades glow softly

A paper or fabric shade spreads light across its whole surface instead of letting it out from one bright point. The result is an even, gentle glow with soft shadows, which is why paper lanterns and fabric shaded lamps feel so calm in a bedroom or reading corner. Thin paper and light fabrics let more light through, while thicker or darker shades send more light up and down. Use LED bulbs, which run much cooler than incandescent ones, and stay within the wattage listed for the lamp.

Choosing and caring for textiles

• Curtains: Sheer panels soften daylight while keeping a room bright. Blackout and thermal panels block light for sleep and help with drafts.
• Pillows and throws: Chenille and velvet feel plush in cooler months, while cotton gauze and linen blends feel lighter in summer.
• Washing: Follow the care notes in each product description. Wash covers inside out on a gentle cycle and skip high heat, which can shrink fibers.
• Paper shades: Dust with a dry, soft brush and keep them away from moisture, since water can stain or warp paper.

Explore curtains and drapes, throw pillows and floor cushions, or read our bedroom lighting ideas.