A Guide on How To Mix Style and Function When Choosing The
Right Finishes and Fabrics
Here at Apex, we believe that the best workplaces feel as good as they look. The right finishes and fabrics don’t just create a striking first impression; they also support comfort, durability and day-to-day performance. Here is our practical guide to balancing style and function when making your choices.
Start With How The Space Will be Used
Before you start looking at colours and textures, think about how each area of your office will actually work. Reception and meeting rooms usually call for a strong visual identity, reflecting both your brand and values.
In your open-plan work areas and breakout spaces you need to prioritise comfort, acoustic control and ease of maintenance. Fabrics and finishes should support focus and collaboration, standing up to constant use without looking tired.
Choose a Clear Palette and Material Story
A clear palette of colours and materials gives your office cohesion. We recommend choosing a small family of core finishes – for example, a warm timber, a neutral paint tone and a complementary metal, and repeating them consistently.
Accent fabrics and finishes can then be used more sparingly to define different zones. This approach allows you to introduce personality and interest while maintaining a professional, unified look across the space.
VIEW THE WORK WE DOBalance Aesthetics With Performance
When reviewing options, weigh up both visual appeal and technical performance. For most offices, the following considerations are key:
- Durability: Look for fabrics with high rub counts and finishes that resist scratching and chipping in busy areas
- Cleanability: Specify stain-resistant fabrics and wipeable surface, especially for breakout and collaboration spaces
- Comfort: Prioritise tactile, breathable textiles for seating to support longer periods of use
- Acoustics: Use softer fabrics, acoustic panels and textured finishes to help absorb sound in open-plan spaces
- Light and reflection: Consider how glossy or matte finishes interact with natural and artificial light to avoid glare and
visual fatigue - Sustainability: Where possible, choose finishes with recycled content, low VOC certifications and responsible sourcing
Use Texture and Pattern With Purpose
Texture and pattern can bring energy and depth to an office but they work best when they are used thoughtfully. Highly patterned fabrics are ideal as accents on focus chairs or small soft seating clusters, while larger surfaces then to suit calmer, more neutral tones.
Layering different textures, for example, combining smooth worktops with soft upholstery and natural timber, creates visual interest without overwhelming the eye. This is particularly effective in working environments where different tasks take place side by side.
Test, Sample and Sense‑Check
Finally, always review physical samples in your actual space. Colours and finishes can look very different under office lighting and against existing elements such as flooring and joinery. At Apex, we recommend assembling sample boards to test how fabrics and finishes work together, checking that they align with your brand, support your people and how they will perform in everyday use. Taking the time to sense-check these choices ensure that your office looks inspiring on day one and continues to function beautifully for years to come.
Get in touch with a member of our team and we’ll help you start your journey towards your ideal office space.