Textile Trend Watch: How Hemp Is Shaping Sustainable Design

Lately, we’ve been noticing how hemp is popping up in more and more design conversations. What was once a niche fiber with a crunchy reputation is now showing up in chic, sustainability-minded interiors, beginning to earn its place alongside other go-to materials in the design world.

As more designers look for beautiful, low-impact options that also deliver on comfort and durability, hemp is stepping into the spotlight. From boutique hospitality spaces to eco-conscious commercial projects, this quietly hard-working fiber is gaining traction—and for good reason. It’s bringing fresh possibilities to sustainable interiors.

Why Hemp Makes Sense for Sustainable Interiors

When it comes to sustainable materials, hemp checks a lot of boxes. It’s incredibly good for the earth: fast-growing, low in water needs, naturally pest-resistant, and even beneficial for soil health. That alone makes it a standout in conversations around climate-conscious design. But the case for hemp doesn’t stop at sustainability.

It’s also incredibly durable. Hemp fibers are naturally strong, resulting in textiles that hold up well over time, even in high-traffic spaces. And while hemp may have a bit more texture at first, it softens beautifully with each wash, becoming more breathable and comfortable with use. Recently, we’re seeing hemp blended with cotton, a combination that marries hemp’s durability and eco-credentials with cotton’s softness. These blends offer a tactile, long-lasting solution for interiors where performance and comfort go hand in hand.

Where We’re Seeing Hemp in Interiors

Hemp is proving itself to be a remarkably adaptable material in both residential and commercial interiors. Designers are turning to it not just for its environmental benefits but for its tactile quality and quiet beauty. In textiles, hemp is showing up in curtains, upholstery, rugs, and bedding. Its natural breathability makes it a smart choice for warm or humid climates, while its texture adds a layer of visual and physical depth to a space.

Furniture designers are also embracing hemp, incorporating it into everything from upholstery to structural components and surface finishes. The fiber’s strength and durability make it particularly appealing for pieces that need to stand up to everyday use without compromising on style. Meanwhile, in the world of eco-architecture and construction, hemp is finding even more innovative applications. Materials like hempcrete, a blend of hemp fibers and lime, offer natural insulation and breathable wall finishes. Hemp-based composite panels are being used for interior cladding and partitions, giving designers sustainable alternatives to traditional building materials.

Why Hemp—Why Now?

Hemp’s path to popularity hasn’t been smooth. For decades, it was largely sidelined due to its association with marijuana, even though industrial hemp contains almost no THC. Legal restrictions made large-scale cultivation difficult, and it wasn’t until 2018 that it became legal to grow hemp in the U.S. That change sparked a new wave of interest, but the infrastructure to process hemp for fine textiles took time to catch up.

It’s only in the last few years that high-quality, design-ready hemp fabrics have become widely available. At the same time, hemp has undergone a bit of a rebrand. What was once seen as rough or rustic is now being reframed as refined and modern, thanks in part to better processing techniques and thoughtful design storytelling.

There’s also more pressure than ever to meet higher sustainability standards. Designers are being asked to go beyond “natural” and look for materials that are low-impact and long-lasting. Hemp fits the brief.

Looking Ahead

Hemp has always had the makings of a great sustainable material. What’s changed is the legal landscape, the processing capabilities, and perhaps most importantly—the narrative. Today, hemp is being embraced not just for what it is, but for what it can become in the hands of thoughtful designers.

At Kindly Woven, we’re excited about the new possibilities this fiber brings to interiors. If you’re working on a project that calls for beauty, durability, and a low footprint, it might be time to give hemp another look.

Curious about where materials like hemp are headed next? We’re always keeping an eye on emerging trends in sustainable interiors—and we’d love to keep you in the loop. Sign up for our newsletter to get thoughtful updates on design ideas, materials we’re excited about, and stories from the spaces that inspire us.