How To Use and Mix Patterns
Patterns can be a very bold choice in decorating: different colours, shapes, and textures can really add to or overwhelm a space. But, never fear, just like mixing colours, patterns, and prints in your wardrobe, it can be done in home decorating and be beautifully successful. Let’s start with the basics.
Different Types of Patterns:
Animal Print: Any type of pattern that resembles the skin or fur of an animal.
Stripes: Horizontal or vertical lines that are parallel. There are numerous kinds of stripes including: balanced stripes, completely symmetrical pattern of stripes that radiates from a center point; barcode, a series of lines of varying widths, seemingly without symmetry; and bengal stripes, alternating light and dark stripes of the same width.
Basketweave: An allover pattern that looks woven; similar to the structure of a basket.
Check: A symmetrical pattern of squares
Chevron: Repeated zigzag patterns in an either horizontal or vertical stripe layout.
Fleur-de-lis: A stylized lily, typically with three petals.
Floral: Any combination of flowers or natural elements including leaves and seedpods.
Paisley: A stylized teardrop shape originally from Scotland.
Plaid: A series of bands that intersect, almost always, at right angles.
Polka Dots: A series of filled, coloured circles that are usually the same size and are arranged at equal distance from each other.
Toile: Sketch-like images of people and animals typically associated with provincial life.
Mixing and Matching Patterns:
Alright, now that we’ve got the basic types of patterns out of the way, let’s talk about ways you can mix and match them. While you can, of course, only use a single pattern, adding multiple patterns to a single room really adds visual interest and elevates the aesthetic of your space. you can combine as few or as many patterns as you’d like, but make sure you keep in mind these helpful hints:
- Find Patterns from the same colour family. By combining patterns that are from the same colour family you will instantly created cohesion in your room.
- Large and small patterns. When you’ve decided on a large pattern you like, supplement it with similar patterns that are smaller. Scale is key when it comes to decorating with patterns.
- Start from a single coloured canvas. If you’re new or a little scared of adding patterns, try adding them in small pops against large solid coloured pieces.
- Odd numbers are best when you’re grouping. Using three patterns looks both intentional stylish. Try one that is large, one that is half the scale, and the third that smaller and neutral.
Which Patterns Go Together?
Now we’re ready to start bringing this to life… but you’re still a little unsure. You can, of course, mix any patterns you wish, but here a few are tested and true combinations that work really well together:
Small Polka Dots, Stripes, and Florals
Plaid, Floral, and Paisley (pictured)
Toile and Stripes
Give them a shot! We know that patterns can be a little overwhelming to begin working with, but their aesthetic value completely outweighs the tiny bit of anxiety you may have. You'll be a pattern-using pro in no time!
