Learn How You Can Mix Fabric Patterns Like a Pro

Sunshine Drapery sliding glass doors window treatment

The age-old way to decorate with patterns was to use them on the curtains, couches, lampshades and even decorative throw pillows all in the same pattern. In the past, this was the only way to use patterns in your home. Now it is all about coordinating, complementing, and mix fabric patterns with solids.

How to Choose Patterns

The best thing to do first when redesigning a room or creating a design in a new home is to decide what you want that room to convey. Floral patterns made a room feminine, while animal prints are eclectic and glamorous. Think about the overall look you are going for first.

5 Rules to Pattern Mixing

Choose a minimum of three patterns to include in a room with a varying scale in size. Choose one large, one medium and one small pattern or one large and two medium patterns.
Choose colors with the same intensity. You don’t want to mix pastels with jewel tones. That will look odd in a room; instead, make certain your patterns are in the same hues or palette.
Distribute your patterns evenly through the room. If you place all the patterns on just one side of a room, space will become unbalanced.
Break up your solid patterns with some solid colors. If you place too many patterns in a room, it will be too busy and look like chaos.
Your patterns don’t have to be full of different colors, but you should use different tones to give a room character and depth while remaining elegant at the same time.

How to Use Some of the More Common Patterns

There are literally millions of fabric patterns, which can be overwhelming. Here are some of the most common patterns and how you use them in your space:

Animal Prints

Characteristics: Eclectic and wild
Common uses: Pillows, statement pieces, rugs, ottomans
Pair it with: Any other graphic prints

Damask

Characteristics: Formal, glamorous and traditional
Common Uses: Side chairs, dining room chairs and wallpaper
Pair it with: Subtle florals, solids and stripes

Floral

Characteristics: Feminine and romantic
Common Uses: Bedding, pillows, furniture upholstery, wallpaper, draperies
Pair it with: Stripes or other geometric patterns such as polka dots and checks in the same color or hue

Herringbone or Chevron

Characteristics: Large sizes are bold and energetic while smaller sizes are traditional and formal
Common Uses: Use in small doses on curtains, throws and pillows, however in a large scale it works well on custom rugs
Pair it with: Any other pattern as long as the colors compliment each other

Ikat

Characteristics: Earthy, globally inspired, exotic
Common uses: Pillows, rugs, custom draperies, accent chairs
Pair it with: Stripes

Paisley

Characteristics: A hint of formality, Bohemian
Common Uses: Pillows, upholstery, draperies, throws
Pair it with: Stripes and herringbone

Plaid

Characteristics: Classic and conservative
Common Uses: Upholstery of any type and custom curtains
Pair it with: Florals

Polka Dots

Characteristics: Outgoing and playful
Common Uses: Accent pieces on draperies or pillows
Pair it with: Stripes and florals in similar colors

Toile

Characteristics: Timeless and elegant
Common uses: Wallpaper, bedding, accent pillows, custom draperies
Pairs it with: Plaids and stripes but not with other busy patterns in a small scale such as florals

The most important rule to remember is to balance your patterns with solids for a healthy mix in a room. These tips and tricks will give you a starting place for creating a beautiful living space that suits your personality.