There’s one design dilemma that continues to elude many—mixing patterns. Using more than one pattern in a room seems intimidating but it can be easy to do once you know the tricks. It all comes down to coordinating and complementing patterns in a space.
Choosing Patterns
When decorating with patterns, first determine what kind of look you want your room to have. For example, florals give a room a feminine vibe while animal prints give it a glamorous or eclectic feel. Second, think about what types of patterns will fit into your room’s theme.
As a rule of thumb, use at least three patterns in a room. For example, group together a floral, stripe, and polka dot. Another pattern group that works well together is herringbone, stripes, and paisley. A third group of patterns could be two different size plaids and a floral.
1. Damask
Characteristics: Traditional, formal, and glamorous
Common uses: Wallpaper, side chairs
Pairs well with: Stripes and subtle florals
2. Floral
Characteristics: Romantic and feminine
Common uses: Wallpaper, draperies, bedding, pillows, and furniture upholstery
Pairs well with: Stripes, checks, polka dots, ikat, and damask
3. Polka dots
Characteristics: Playful and lively
Common uses: Toss pillows and upholstered accent pieces
Pairs well with: Ikat, and similar colored stripes and florals
4. Paisley
Characteristics: Bohemian with a hint of formality
Common uses: Curtains, throws, pillows, and upholstery
Pairs well with: Herringbone and stripes
5. Chevron/ Herringbone
Characteristics: Versatile based on size—large chevron is bold and energetic while smaller chevron is more formal and traditional
Common uses: Works best in small doses (curtains, throws, or accent pillows), but large scale chevron or herringbone floors look elegant
Pairs well with: All patterns as long as the colors work together
6. Toile
Characteristics: Elegant and timeless
Common uses: Drapery, wallpaper, bedding, and accent pillows
Pairs well with: Stripes and plaids; avoid using toile with other busy small scale patterns such as florals
7. Ikat
Characteristics: Boho, earthy, and global-inspired
Common uses: Rugs, pillows, curtains, and accent chairs
Pairs well with: Stripes, polka dots, florals, plaids, and chevron
8. Animal Prints
Characteristics: Wild and eclectic
Common uses: Rugs, ottomans, pillows, and statement pieces
Pairs well with: Other bold, graphic prints and even other animal prints
9. Plaid
Characteristics: Conservative, classic, sometimes masculine, sporty
Common uses: Curtains and upholstery
Pairs well with: Toile, ikat, florals, and other plaids of varying sizes and colors
