Top 9+ Most Popular Interior Materials Today

Interior materials are a combination of materials used in living and working spaces to meet both aesthetic and functional factors. 

According to statistics from the Vietnam Association of Building Materials in 2024, the interior materials market is growing at a rate of 12.5% ​​per year, reflecting the increasing demand of consumers for quality living space. 

Commonly used interior materials today include: 

  • Wood (natural wood, industrial wood).
  • Tiles (ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, granite tiles, cotto tiles).
  • Plastic (PP plastic, PE plastic, PVC plastic, Acrylic plastic, PC plastic, ABS plastic).
  • Metal (Steel, aluminum, copper, iron, stainless steel).
  • Glass (tempered glass, heat-resistant tempered glass, frosted glass, colored glass).
  • Stone (natural stone, artificial stone).
  • Gypsum (Ordinary gypsum, water-resistant gypsum).
  • Bamboo and rattan (natural bamboo and rattan, processed bamboo and rattan).
  • Concrete (Normal concrete, decorative concrete, lightweight concrete).
  • Fabrics (Natural fiber fabrics, synthetic fiber fabrics, blended fabrics, coated fabrics).

To better understand the characteristics of each material, refer to the following article!

The most popular interior materials today
The most popular interior materials today

The wood

Wood is one of the most popular materials used in furniture production. This material brings a sense of closeness, familiarity but still luxurious and sophisticated.

There are two main types of wood used in interior design: natural wood and industrial wood, which are widely used to make furniture from living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, office, etc.

Wood material.
Wood material.

How many types of wood are used in furniture?

There are two main types of wood used in furniture:

  • Natural wood: 

This is a type of wood that is directly exploited from natural forests. Natural wood has many advantages such as high durability, beautiful wood grain, high aesthetics... However, the price of natural wood is quite high and the supply is gradually limited. 

Some types of natural wood commonly used as interior materials today include: Walnut, oak, mahogany, etc. 

  • Industrial wood: 

This type of wood is produced from raw materials such as wood chips, tree branches, etc. Industrial wood is cheaper than natural wood, has a variety of colors and designs, and is water-resistant and termite-resistant. However, the durability of industrial wood is not equal to natural wood. 

Common types of industrial wood used for furniture include: Particle board, MDF, HDF, plywood...

What kind of wood is used to make furniture?

Wood is used to make a wide variety of furniture, including:

  • Living room furniture: Sofa, tea table, TV shelf…
  • Bedroom furniture: Bed, wardrobe, dressing table…
  • Kitchen furniture: Kitchen cabinets, dining tables, dining chairs…
  • Bathroom furniture: Lavatory cabinet, mirror, shelf...
  • Office furniture: Office desk, office chair, filing cabinet… 
Wood is used for tables, chairs and cabinets.
Wood is used for tables, chairs and cabinets.

Brick

Tiles are materials used to cover and decorate indoor surfaces such as floors, walls, kitchens, bathrooms, etc. Tiles are hard, durable, waterproof and easy to clean.

Brick material.
Brick material.

Based on material, bricks are divided into the following types:

  • Ceramic tiles: The most popular type of tile, made from fired clay. Ceramic tiles are durable, have good load-bearing capacity, are waterproof and easy to clean. Ceramic tiles come in a variety of colors and patterns, suitable for many different design styles.
  • Porcelain tile: Made from white clay. This high-end tile line has better hardness, load-bearing capacity and water resistance than ceramic tiles. The surface of porcelain tiles is smooth, glossy and luxurious, suitable for high-end spaces.
  • Granite tiles: Made from natural granite, with the highest hardness, best load-bearing and waterproof properties. Granite tiles have beautiful, luxurious natural stone grain, suitable for classy spaces.
  • Cotto tile: Made from baked clay, has a characteristic red terracotta color, bringing a rustic, classic beauty. Cotto tiles are often used for flooring, creating a highlight for the space.

Brick material is widely used in interior design, including: Flooring, wall, kitchen... 

Ceramic floor tiles.
Ceramic floor tiles.

Plastic

Plastic is a popular furniture material among the general customer group because it is cheaper than traditional materials such as wood, metal, and stone. In particular, this material is lightweight, diverse in color, waterproof, termite-proof, and easy to process. However, the lifespan of plastic is relatively low compared to natural materials. 

Plastic material.
Plastic material.

Common types of plastic used in furniture production:

  • Synthetic plastic (Polypropylene – PP): PP plastic is commonly used to produce chairs, tables, cabinets and other interior materials. This material is durable, abrasion resistant and easy to clean.
  • Polyethylene (PE) plastic: PE is a flexible and lightweight plastic, commonly used to make chairs, tables, beds and other interior materials. PE has good water resistance and is easy to clean.
  • Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic: PVC is a versatile plastic, commonly used to manufacture water pipes, ceiling materials, windows and other interior materials. PVC is durable, moisture resistant and fire resistant.
  • Acrylic Plastic: Acrylic is a transparent and hard plastic, commonly used to manufacture tables, chairs, cabinets and other interior materials. This material is durable, impact resistant and UV resistant.
  • Polycarbonate (PC) plastic: PC is a hard and durable plastic, commonly used to manufacture chairs, tables, partitions and other interior materials. PC has good strength and impact resistance.
  • ABS plastic: A plastic that combines three main components: Acrylonitrile, Butadiene and Styrene. This type of plastic is often used to produce chairs, tables, lamps and other interior materials thanks to its high durability, good fire resistance and easy processing.
Plastic kitchen cabinet interior.
Plastic kitchen cabinet interior.

Metal

Metal is a material that is malleable, conducts electricity and heat well. This material is cast, forged or machined to form furniture products.

Metal material.
Metal material.

Metal Classification:

  • Steel: High durability, good load-bearing capacity, low price, often used for frames, chair legs, and supports.
  • Aluminum: Light weight, anti-rust, easy to process, often used for windows, doors, partitions.
  • Copper: High flexibility, easy to bend, beautiful color, often used for decorations, door handles.
  • Iron: High hardness, low price, often used for high-strength parts.
  • Stainless steel: Rust-proof, easy to clean, often used for kitchen cabinets and sinks.

Metal is durable, strong, not warped, termite-proof and has a long service life. In addition, this product also has good heat resistance, suitable for use in hot or cold environments. 

Metal is a recyclable interior material, contributing to environmental protection. However, interiors made from metal are often heavy, prone to rust, conduct heat well and are expensive. 

Sofa table made of metal.
Sofa table made of metal.

Glasses

Glass is a hard, transparent material. It is made by heating zinc silicate (salt) and other ingredients at high temperatures until they melt, then cooling rapidly to form a hard, transparent material. 

Glass has the ability to allow light to pass through without creating major distortions and is commonly used in applications such as glass doors, windows, decorative lighting, mirrors, tables and many other artistic products.

Glass has special properties such as transparency, hardness, durability, easy cleaning and the ability to withstand high temperatures. This material can also be crafted into many different shapes and sizes, meeting the design and usage needs of many different applications.

Glass material.
Glass material.

Glass can be classified based on the following factors:

  • Tempered glass: Has better impact resistance than regular glass. In case of breakage, the glass will break into small pieces and is not dangerous.
  • Heat resistant tempered glass: This is a type of tempered glass that can withstand higher temperatures.
  • Frosted glass: Possesses an opaque surface, creating a frosted or translucent effect.
  • Stained Glass: Stained glass comes in different colors and is used to create accents and color blends in interior design.

Applications of glass materials in interior design: tables and table tops, shelves and cabinets, doors and partitions… 

Glass for interior mirrors.
Glass for interior mirrors.

Rock

Stone is a natural or man-made solid material widely used in construction, decoration and art. Stone material brings unique beauty with its distinct patterns, colors and structures. Each piece of stone has its own differences and characteristics.

Stone material.
Stone material.

Other features:

  • Hardness and durability: The stone has high hardness and durability so it is scratch resistant and can withstand impact.
  • Heat resistance: Most types of stone have good heat resistance, suitable for use on kitchen and oven surfaces.
  • Easy to clean: The stone has a waterproof and easy-to-clean surface, making cleaning and maintenance easy.

There are 2 types of stone commonly used for interior decoration: 

  • Natural stone: Is a material formed naturally through the synthesis of minerals and other materials in nature over a long period of time. Some prominent types of natural stones for interior decoration include: Granite, marble, travertine, quartz, slate...
  • Artificial stone: Is a material created by processing natural materials or a mixture of artificial materials. Artificial stone is designed to simulate or reproduce the characteristics of natural stone. Types of artificial stone used for furniture include: Artificial quartz stone, Solid Surface stone, artificial granite, artificial marble... 

Applications of stone for interior decoration include: kitchen countertops, washbasin countertops, floors, walls, decorations... 

Stone for kitchen countertops.
Stone for kitchen countertops.

Plaster

Gypsum is a building material made from calcium sulfate salts. It comes in a fine powder form and when mixed with water, it can harden and form hard, flat surfaces. 

Gypsum material.
Gypsum material.

Gypsum is a popular material in interior design because of its good heat insulation, sound insulation, fire resistance and durability. Furniture made from gypsum has smooth and aesthetic surfaces and is easy to use. However, ordinary gypsum is not water resistant and is prone to cracking.

Gypsum materials can be classified into two main types:

  • Ordinary plaster: Has good fire resistance, easy to construct and install, so it is often used for ceilings or flat surfaces.
  • Water resistant plaster: Has effective waterproof and mold resistance, often used in bathrooms or kitchens.  

Applications of plaster material: Partitions, ceilings, moldings, furniture, sculptures... 

Flat plaster ceiling.
Flat plaster ceiling.

Bamboo

Rattan is a material made of rattan and bamboo, commonly found in tropical and temperate regions. Rattan brings a natural, cozy and intimate look to interior spaces. This material has unique natural colors and patterns, creating elegance and sophistication.

Bamboo is versatile in its ability to be created in a variety of shapes and styles, from flat panels to curved pieces and more complex decorative items. Using this material for furniture helps protect the environment thanks to its rapid regeneration. 

Bamboo material.
Bamboo material.

Bamboo and rattan can be classified into two main types based on characteristics and processing:

  • Natural bamboo: This is rattan and bamboo that is used without much processing or treatment. This material retains the natural and rough features of rattan and bamboo.
    Bamboo and rattan processing: This grade has been processed and treated to increase strength, hardness and rot resistance. Treatment may include greening, drying or heat pressing.

Bamboo and rattan materials are also widely used to make furniture (chairs, tables, shelves, beds, etc.), partitions, decorative lights, floors, sunshades, decorative accessories, etc. 

Use rattan material to make chairs.
Use rattan material to make chairs.

 Concrete

Concrete is a building material made by mixing cement, sand, gravel and water. When concrete hardens, it becomes a very hard and durable material. In interiors, concrete is often used to make surfaces, structures and accessories.

Lightweight concrete panels.
Lightweight concrete panels.

Concrete classification: 

  • Regular concrete: This is the most common type of concrete, made by mixing cement, sand, gravel and water in certain proportions. Regular concrete has high hardness and durability.
  • Decorative concrete: To create decorative concrete, additives and blends are often added to enhance its aesthetic appeal. Decorative concrete can have special colors, patterns, and surface effects.
  • Lightweight concrete: Lightweight concrete is a type of concrete made by adding air-entraining additives during the mixing process. It has better sound and heat insulation properties than regular concrete.

Concrete applications in interior design: Floors, tables and chairs, kitchens, sinks, bookshelves, decorative shelves... 

Polished concrete floor.
Polished concrete floor.

Fabric 

Fabric is a woven, knitted or bonded material made from various fibers such as cotton, wool, synthetic fibers, etc. Fabric can be dyed in many different colors and can have a variety of patterns, from traditional motifs to modern and abstract designs.

The fabric feels pleasant against the skin, creating a warm and comfortable feeling in the interior space.

Popular fabrics used in interior design: 

  • Natural fiber fabric: Includes fabrics made from cotton, linen, wool, silk and animal fibers such as sheep's or goat's hair. Natural fabrics often feel soft and breathable.
  • Fabric from artificial fibers: Is a fabric made from synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, rayon and acrylic. Synthetic fabrics are often more durable and stretchy than natural fabrics.
  • Blended fabric: Is a combination of natural and man-made fibers. Blended fabrics can combine the characteristics of both types of fibers.
  • Cover fabric: Is a fabric with a surface coating such as polyurethane (PU) or vinyl. The coated fabric has high durability and effective water resistance.

Applications of fabric in interior design: Sofas, curtains, wall decorations, carpets, bedding...

Questions About Interior Materials

What interior materials are suitable for modern style?

Suitable interior materials for modern style: Metal, glass, plastic, concrete, marble, natural wood with simple, delicate lines.

What interior materials are suitable for neoclassical style?

Suitable interior materials for neoclassical style: Natural wood with warm colors, elaborate patterns, marble, gold-plated metal.

What interior materials are suitable for minimalist style?

Suitable interior materials for minimalist style: Natural wood with light colors, concrete, metal, simple fabric. Refer to beautiful interiors for minimalist style in the article Top 10 Beautiful Simple, Minimalist Interior Designs.

What interior materials are suitable for vintage style?

Suitable interior materials for vintage style: Natural wood with old color, leather, rusty metal, rough fabric.

What interior materials are suitable for bohemian style?

Suitable interior materials for Bohemian style: Colorful patterned fabric, rattan, bamboo, natural wood with natural colors.

What material should the sofa be made of?

Sofas should be made of felt (especially Linen or synthetic cotton) for softness, breathability and ease of cleaning, or leather for luxury and durability, especially if you have small children. Wood is also a good choice for sofa frames for durability and sturdiness.

See more articles Should choose leather sofa or fabric sofa?? to have the right choice for your needs.

What material should I choose for my bed?

Beds should be made of natural wood (such as oak, mahogany, walnut) for durability, strength and longevity, and adapt well to all weather conditions. In addition, beds upholstered with fabric (cotton, felt) also bring softness and comfort.

If you want to learn about other materials, refer to the article What Material Should Beds Be Made Of? Wood, Iron Or Plastic??

What are the criteria to consider when choosing interior materials?

When choosing interior materials, consider durability, longevity, water resistance, moisture resistance, size, weight, budget, and ease of cleaning and maintenance. 

  • In terms of durability and longevity: Choose durable materials suitable for the intended use to ensure long life.
  • Pay attention to water and moisture resistance: For areas that are frequently exposed to water such as kitchens and bathrooms, materials that are water and moisture resistant should be chosen.
  • Size and weight of the material: Choose materials with sizes and weights suitable for the interior space to ensure aesthetics and safety.
  • Budget friendly: Determine your budget before choosing materials to avoid waste. There are many types of materials with different prices, you can look for options that suit your financial ability.
  • Easy to maintain and clean: Choose materials that are easy to clean and sanitize to save time and effort.

Which unit should I hire to design and construct the interior to ensure quality, aesthetics and functionality?

With many years of experience in the industry, SmartDecor Confidently providing interior design and construction solutions that are aesthetic, high quality and fully functional. Coming to us, customers always receive the best service at competitive prices on the market. Refer to the price list updated in January 1. 

Write comment here... Reference cost
Interior design service
Interior design for room 12m2 – 15m2 About 3.750.000 VND
Interior design for room 15m2 – 20m2 About 5.000.000 VND
Interior design for room 20m2 – 25m2 About 6.000.000 VND
Full package design for luxury apartments About 250.000 VND/m2
Full package design for townhouses About 300.000 VND/m2
Interior construction services
Interior construction of room 12m2 - 15m2 About 55.000.000 VND
Interior construction of room 15m2 - 20m2 About 75.000.000 VND
Interior construction of room 20m2 - 25m2 About 90.000.000 VND
Completed construction of 2-bedroom luxury apartment, area 70m2 From 210.000.000 VND
Complete construction of 120m2 townhouse From 480.000.000 VND

Reasons to choose SmartDecor for interior design and construction:

  • The interior works have high aesthetics, fully meet the functions and feng shui requirements and bear the homeowner's own mark.
  • Ability to combine many different colors, materials, and furniture in a harmonious and aesthetic way.
  • Owning our own furniture factory, meeting the requirements of custom-made furniture with specific drawings.
  • Interior design and construction time is fast and on schedule.
  • Thoughtful warranty, support editing until customer is satisfied.
  • Transparent, reasonable and competitive prices.

Contact SmartDecor for more details!

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