Mixing patterns in home decor can transform a dull room into a vibrant, personal space. Here's what you need to know:
- Stick to 3-5 patterns per room
- Use a consistent color theme
- Mix large and small scale patterns
- Include solid colors (40% of the room)
- Start small with throw pillows or accessories
Key pattern types:
- Floral: Adds nature vibes
- Geometric: Brings structure
- Stripes: Creates flow
- Checks/Plaid: Goes from cozy to chic
- Animal Print: Adds sophistication
Do's:
- Pick a main pattern
- Mix different pattern types
- Add solid colors for balance
Don'ts:
- Go overboard
- Use all same-sized patterns
- Forget about texture
| Pattern Size | Example | Good Match |
|---|---|---|
| Large | Floral wallpaper | Small polka dot pillows |
| Medium | Striped curtains | Large geometric rug |
| Small | Checkered throw | Solid-colored sofa |
Remember: There's no one-size-fits-all formula. Experiment and create a space that reflects your style.
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Types of Patterns
Let's dive into the main patterns you'll see in home decor and how they can spice up your space.
Basic Patterns: Flowers, Shapes, and Lines
Floral patterns bring the outdoors in. They can be subtle or bold, making them great for any room. Tess Newall Studio's floral prints add color without going overboard.
Geometric patterns use shapes to add structure. The House on Dolphin St. uses these prints to create a laid-back vibe, often drawing from old-school quilt designs.
Stripes are a classic. Tory Murphy Textiles is known for their cabana stripes - simple but eye-catching. Want to make a room look taller? Go for vertical stripes. Need to widen a space? Horizontal is your friend.
More Patterns: Checks and Animal Prints
Checks and plaids can go rustic or modern. Gingham, a type of check, screams sunny picnics. It's perfect for kitchen curtains or throw pillows to add some cheer.
Animal prints bring the glam. Leopard and zebra are go-to choices for accent pieces. Jess Blumberg from Dale Blumberg Interiors says:
"Animal prints can be a fun pop or act as a neutral - they pretty much go with everything."
Here's a quick rundown:
| Pattern | What it Does | Where to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Floral | Adds nature vibes | Living rooms, bedrooms |
| Geometric | Brings order | Accent walls, rugs |
| Stripes | Creates flow | Any room, really |
| Checks/Plaid | Goes from cozy to chic | Furniture, blankets |
| Animal Print | Adds sophistication | Statement pieces |
What to Do When Mixing Patterns
Want to spice up your space with mixed patterns? Here's how:
Pick a Color Theme
Start with colors that work together. This ties your patterns into one look. For example, use Schumacher's Indian Arbre as your main pattern. Then, pull colors from it for your walls and furniture.
Mix Big and Small Patterns
Pair a large-scale pattern with smaller ones. Try a leopard print chair with a classic check pillow. Or mix a small floral with wide cabana stripes.
Choose a Main Pattern
Pick your star pattern. Use it for your rug, curtains, or wallpaper. Let this guide your other choices. Love a bold floral rug? Use it to inspire your color palette and other patterns.
Mix Different Pattern Types
Combine florals with stripes or geometrics. This adds depth. Keep at least one color consistent across all patterns to tie everything together.
Add Solid Colors
Break up patterns with solids. This gives your eyes a rest. White walls or solid throw pillows can balance busy prints.
"Layering patterns is an art form. Start with one you love, and add contrasting prints from there." - Toussaint Derby, Interior Design Expert
Quick guide to mixing patterns:
| Pattern Type | Pair With | Where to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Large Floral | Small Geometric | Curtains or Rug |
| Wide Stripes | Small Polka Dots | Pillows or Chair |
| Bold Plaid | Subtle Herringbone | Blanket or Ottoman |
What Not to Do When Mixing Patterns
Mixing patterns can spice up your home, but it's easy to mess up. Here's what to avoid:
Don't Go Overboard
Too many patterns? Your room might look like a circus.
"Too many patterns thrown together can simply end up looking hectic." - Ingrid Weir, Interior Designer
Stick to 3-5 patterns per room. Less is more.
Skip the Same Sizes
Patterns of the same size? Boring. Mix it up:
| Pattern Size | Example | Good Match |
|---|---|---|
| Large | Floral wallpaper | Small polka dot pillows |
| Medium | Striped curtains | Large geometric rug |
| Small | Checkered throw | Solid-colored sofa |
Remember the Room's Job
A busy pattern might work in your living room, but could give you a headache in the bedroom.
Don't Forget Texture
Texture adds depth. Think velvet, linen, or wool.
Take Your Time
Rushing leads to mistakes. Be patient.
"It's easy to overwhelm a space if you aren't thoughtful about pairings." - Audrey Scheck, Founder of Audrey Scheck Design
Mix patterns like a pro, and your home will thank you.
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Helpful Tips for Pattern Mixing
Want to mix patterns like a pro? Here's how to nail the look without turning your room into a circus.
Start Small
Build your pattern-mixing muscles with:
- Throw pillows in different patterns
- A patterned blanket on a solid couch
- A patterned lampshade on a plain base
Don't like it? Just swap them out. Easy.
The Rule of Three
Stick to three patterns. It's the sweet spot for balance. Try this:
| Pattern | Example | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Floral/Organic | Wallpaper | Large |
| Geometric | Curtains | Medium |
| Stripe | Throw pillow | Small |
Mix in solids and textures for a well-rounded look.
Match Your Room's Vibe
Your patterns should fit your room's style:
- Modern room? Bold, graphic patterns
- Traditional space? Classic prints like florals or stripes
- Eclectic style? Global-inspired patterns
"Layering patterns is an art form. Start with one you love, then add contrasting prints." - Toussaint Derby, Interior Design Expert
Remember: patterns should enhance your room's style, not fight it.
Fixing Common Pattern Problems
Mixing patterns can be tricky. Here's how to fix common issues:
When Patterns Don't Match
If your patterns clash, try these:
- Pull out recurring colors to create a cohesive look
- Find a unifying element like art or a rug
- Use throw pillows to anchor the room
"If all of your pillows match, they make the room feel like it matches, too." - Maggie Griffin, Maggie Griffin Design
When the Room Looks Uneven
Balance is key. Here's how:
- Spread patterns evenly throughout the space
- Layer and edit with pillows, throws, and accessories
- Stick to three patterns for a balanced look
| Pattern Type | Example | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Floral/Organic | Wallpaper | Large |
| Geometric | Curtains | Medium |
| Stripe | Throw pillow | Small |
When One Pattern Takes Over
To tone down a strong pattern:
- Add neutral elements or textures
- Mix in subtle, smaller-scale patterns
- Limit the number of patterns
"Embrace a 'less is more ethos.'" - Emily Brown, Emily Lauren Interiors
Stick to 3-4 patterns max, depending on room size.
Wrap-up
Mixing patterns in home decor is an art that can transform your space. Here's what you need to know:
1. Color is key
Stick to a color theme to tie different patterns together. This creates a cohesive look.
2. Scale matters
Mix big and small patterns. Large floral curtains can work with smaller geometric throw pillows.
3. Rule of three
Use three patterns in a room. It keeps things interesting without overwhelming the space.
4. Balance with solids
Include solid colors to give the eye a rest. Aim for about 40% solid colors in the room.
5. Start small
Begin with throw pillows or small accessories to get comfortable with pattern mixing.
Nancy Evars, a professional interior designer, says:
"Think of it as more like layering, as opposed to mixing."
This approach can help you build confidence in combining patterns.
There's no one-size-fits-all formula. F&P Interiors puts it well:
"Mixing patterns is a voyage of discovery that will evolve over time, and taking risks is a big part of the journey."
Don't be afraid to experiment. If something doesn't work, you can always change it. The goal? Create a space that reflects YOU and makes you feel at home.
FAQs
Can I mix patterns when decorating?
Absolutely! Mixing patterns adds depth and interest to your space. Here's how to do it right:
- Stick to 3-4 patterns max
- Use solid colors to break things up
- Spread patterns throughout the room
What's the secret to mixing patterns?
It's all about scale. Pair big, bold patterns with smaller, detailed ones. This creates contrast and keeps things interesting. Think large floral curtains with small geometric pillows.
How do I match patterns in my room?
1. Pick one big pattern as your star
2. Add smaller patterns to fill in
3. Use a consistent color theme
4. Mix different pattern types (like florals with stripes)
Which patterns play nice together?
Some winning combos:
- Florals + stripes (a classic)
- Beach vibes + jungle prints
- Geometric + pretty much anything
"Newbie to pattern mixing? Try florals with stripes. It's charming and energetic", says Interior Designer Ingrid Weir.
How many patterns should I use in one room?
Aim for 3-4 patterns. It's enough for variety without chaos. Remember:
- Odd numbers (3 or 5) look best
- Include solid colors for balance
- Consider your room's style and purpose
"15 patterns can work if it looks great. 3 can be too much if it looks awful. It's all about balance", says Design Expert Kristina Wolf.