To create high-quality 3D visualizations, you need to know how to configure materials. In this difficult task, high-quality seamless textures in high resolution are half the battle.
When creating 3D models for sale, it is important to use your own original textures or textures distributed under a Creative Commons CC0 license.
This license gives you maximum freedom because:
- the files are completely free
- no attribution is required
- they can be used in commercial projects
- you can distribute the files in their original form as part of your work (e.g., textures for a 3D model)
Standard set of textures in the archive: diffuse, reflect, bump, normal maps, etc.
You can draw textures yourself. Scratches and scuffs are easy to create with various brushes in Photoshop. I also draw some patterns in vector myself if I can’t find anything similar. Normal maps can be created in online editors, such as this one.
The beauty of HDRI is that they can be used as a map for a light source (sky dome), as a background, and also for reflections (for example, in studio visualization).
I always use HDRI because they give consistently good results.
For studio visualization, it is better to use black and white HDRIs or desaturate them using a Color correction map—this is, by the way, the only way to change the color/saturation of an HDRI.
In addition to the well-known 3ddd, there are many websites with good models. If the project gives you freedom in choosing models, there is nothing wrong with using free ones.
It is better to be careful with free models from furniture manufacturers’ websites: I only use them in real interior projects where the furniture will actually be purchased.
P.S.: Terms of use
Always check the terms of use for free (and paid) materials. Licenses may vary: some files can only be used for non-commercial purposes, some only with attribution and a link to the author.
That is why I urge you to use materials available under a CC0 license, as this is the safest legal option.