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 pretty feel 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.
Choosing the Color of Patterns
Now that you have an idea of what patterns you may want to mix, the next challenge is choosing the colors. There are a couple of directions you can take when it comes to mixing and matching the colors of different patterns.
Placing Patterns Around a Room
Keep in mind a couple of rules when mixing your patterns. Distribute patterns evenly throughout the room for balance. Keeping patterns to one side of a room makes can make a space look and feel unbalanced. In addition, it’s fine to show a bit of restraint when mixing patterns. The eye needs a place to rest so layering up too many patterns together will look and feel chaotic. Make sure you have a few solids to break up the expanses of pattern. For example, if your curtains are patterned, add in solid color shades or sheers. Patterns work best when they have plenty of room to breathe in a space. Here are the most common patterns you will find when decorating a room and what each pairs best with in a space. Common uses: Wallpaper, side chairs Pairs well with: Stripes and subtle florals Common uses: Wallpaper, draperies, bedding, pillows, and furniture upholstery Pairs well with: Stripes, checks, polka dots, ikat, and damask Common uses: Toss pillows and upholstered accent pieces Pairs well with: Ikat, and similar colored stripes and florals a-r-t-i-s-t / Getty Images Common uses: Curtains, throws, pillows, and upholstery Pairs well with: Herringbone and stripes 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 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 discan / Getty Images Common uses: Rugs, pillows, curtains, and accent chairs Pairs well with: Stripes, polka dots, florals, plaids, and chevron Common uses: Rugs, ottomans, pillows, and statement pieces Pairs well with: Other bold, graphic prints and even other animal prints Common uses: Curtains and upholstery Pairs well with: Toile, ikat, florals, and other plaids of varying sizes and colors
