Key Takeaways
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Summer layering is all about breathable fabrics like linen and cotton.
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Glass pieces create a light, airy look while reflecting natural light.
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Ceramics add character and grounding without visual heaviness.
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Open textures like rattan, seagrass and woven baskets keep spaces breathable and a nod to the season.
When you think of layering, your mind might jump to fall. And we get it! Chunky throws, cozy knits and deep, rich colors are made for layering. But this design trick is just as important in the summer, and when it’s done right, it creates a home that feels fresh, breathable and effortlessly inviting. The secret? It’s all about lighter fabrics, airy textures and breezy materials that make your home feel cool and comfortable, even on the warmest days. Here’s how to master the art of summer layering—with a little help from Third & Main’s curated home decor boxes and carefully chosen shop finds.
Start with Light, Breathable Fabrics
Summer is all about comfort and ease, and your textiles should reflect that. This is the season to play with fabrics that feel light against the skin and airy in the room. Try casually draping throw blankets over the back of a sofa or the foot of a bed. Mix in cotton or gauze pillows, which are soft, breathable and ideal for warm weather lounging. We also love neutral slipcovers. They’re a simple way to brighten your space and make it feel seasonally fresh.
Incorporate Glass for an Airy Feel
Glass is a summer styling staple. It reflects light, keeps arrangements visually open and instantly adds a fresh, breezy vibe to any room. Glass vases and hurricanes showcase fresh or faux stems, sand or candles, while translucent bowls or dishes are perfect for summer fruit displays or open shelving. We also like clear candleholders to keep surfaces from feeling cluttered or heavy. Our decor shop is brimming with versatile glass pieces that can work just as well in summer as in winter—truly a year-round styling essential!
Add the Cool Touch of Ceramics
Ceramics offer a grounding element in summer layering. Light glazes, matte whites and hand-thrown textures add character without feeling heavy. Need a little inspiration? Picture a white ceramic vase filled with airy faux eucalyptus, a ceramic pitcher as a dining table centerpiece (even when it’s just holding fresh cut flowers), or handmade ceramic bowls styled with lemons, limes or seashells.
Embrace Open, Airy Textures
Summer styling is about letting your home breathe. Instead of dense weaves and closed storage, think open textures that create space and movement. We love rattan trays and baskets to corral summer essentials in an airy way. Woven placemats add subtle texture to summer tablescapes without overwhelming, and open shelving is a great spot to style your favorite seasonal decor pieces for a light, curated look. Third & Main’s boxes often include textural pieces that work across seasons—perfect for transitioning from cozy winter to breezy summer with minimal effort.
Keep the Color Palette Soft & Light
Color plays a huge role in how “light” a space feels. Summer layering works best with soft neutrals, airy whites and pops of natural greens or muted blues. These shades not only feel seasonal, they transition seamlessly into early fall.
Layer Light, Live Easy
Summer layering is all about creating a space that feels just as refreshing as an open window on a breezy day. By swapping heavy fabrics for lighter ones, adding airy textures, and bringing in glass and ceramics, you can create a layered, lived-in home that feels perfectly seasonal—without adding weight or clutter.
With Third & Main’s home decor boxes and shop collections, effortless summer layering is built in. Every item is curated to work across seasons, so your home always feels fresh, stylish and uniquely yours.