Monsoon home decor ideas: Why your choice of textiles matter in rainy season

Monsoon home decor tips: Block-printed cushion covers and light quilts, keep things breathable yet warm. Handwoven cottons add charm without trapping dampness, and they’re easy to care for too (Image: Canva)

The monsoon is much awaited for respite from heat but it also brings dampness. From clinging bedsheets to musty smells, the season can challenge even the cosiest of spaces. Thsts when your home needs a soft seasonal switch. Experts suggest breathable cottons, moisture-wicking linens, and airy layers that help your home breathe as much as you do.

"Textiles you choose decide not just the mood but also the atmosphere of your home during the monsoon,” says Shuchita Sancheti Garg, Founder, vVyom by Shuchita. “When chosen thoughtfully, they can turn a humid space into a sanctuary. Cotton, especially in a looser weave, is a go-to. It dries quickly, absorbs less moisture, and still feels soft and airy against the skin. Block-printed cushion covers and light quilts, keep things breathable yet warm. Handwoven cottons add charm without trapping dampness, and they’re easy to care for too," she adds.

Khadi and linen are also making a seasonal comeback for their temperature-regulating qualities. With natural fabrics, thoughtful layering, and a little care, your home can stay fresh and beautiful all season. “Good textiles let your home breathe with the weather, not against it. Plus, natural textures look elegant and also feels incredibly soothing on sticky days,” Garg says.

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Layering, she adds, is another big trend in monsoon. “Pair light cotton sheers with stitched quilts or throws so you can adapt to sudden breezes or stuffy afternoons. Practicality meets style here. Especially with dhurries replacing thick carpets, airy curtains letting the light in, and cushion covers that feel clean, dry, and effortlessly fresh,” she says.

Here's how to make your home monsoon ready with mindful textiles, suggested by Garg:

• Switch to quick-drying natural fabrics: Opt for handloom cotton, khadi, or linen for bedding, curtains, and covers, they breathe better and dry faster.
• Layer without weighing things down: Use thin quilts and cotton throws that provide light warmth while staying fresh and moisture-free even in humid weather.
• Let the sun do the drying: “Sun-drying is underrated. It removes odour, prevents mould, and keeps fabrics naturally fragrant,” Garg says.

• Store your extras the breathable way: Avoid plastic bags,canvas or cotton covers help prevent mustiness by allowing airflow around unused textiles.
• Rethink your rugs and curtains: Pack away thick carpets and blackout drapes. Go for flatweave rugs and sheer cotton panels that stay crisp and airy.