The Power of Patterns: Mastering the Art of Mixing Colourful Prints

Patterns, prints, patchworks and how to mix them.

The art of mixing patterns in home decor is not just about throwing different textiles together; it’s about careful planning, balance, and uniqueness. Patchworks, a delightful blend of various patterns such as stripes, dots, and florals, offer a unique opportunity to introduce multiple patterns in a cohesive way. When mixing such diverse elements, consider their scale, colour, and texture to achieve a balanced look.

 

Three key steps in finding balance

First Step: Choosing the Main Pattern and Its Colour

Selecting the main pattern is your foundational step. This pattern will influence the entire room, so it's essential to choose something that resonates with your personal style. This pattern should appear in key areas and be complemented by similar colours or smaller-scale patterns to create a sense of continuity. For example, a green floral-striped accent chair could inspire the use of green in other decor elements like curtains or sofa cushions.

Second Step: Finding Auxiliary Patterns and Colours

Your secondary patterns should complement, not compete with, your main pattern. Select auxiliary patterns that at least partially share the colours with the main pattern but vary in scale or style. This approach ensures a visually engaging space without overwhelming the overall look. A good idea is to offset strong colours with some neutral ones; for example, pairing one of our Gold Patchwork Abigail Accent Chairs with beige patterned rugs and accents ensures the chair stands out without being drowned in too many patterns and strong colours throughout the room.

Third step: Creating a Colour Scheme

The overall colour scheme should support the patterns chosen. Identify a primary colour from your main pattern—like green, for example —and introduce it throughout the room in both patterned and solid forms. Then, choose a secondary accent colour, present in your main pattern if possible, to use in smaller accessories. Your main and auxiliary patterns can share a common background colour to tie the entire room together. This background colour can be echoed in other elements of the room, such as curtains, cushions, or wall paint. Alternatively, you may decide to introduce two differently coloured patterns, and add accents of both throughout your room.

Mix big, medium, and small patterns

An important rule is to introduce differently-sized patterns to give the room space to breathe and not look too cluttered. When choosing to introduce patterns on big pieces of furniture like the bed, sofa, or chairs, it’s a good idea to introduce a similar pattern on a smaller scale around the room and alternate. Introducing a plain non patterned furniture piece with a similar background colour works wonders too, to keep it in the same colour scheme but not clutter it too much visually. For example, a large floral patchwork on an accent chair can be balanced with medium-sized patterns on throw pillows and small, subtle prints on a rug.

Introducing patchwork upholstery to your space

Patchworks are a great introduction to mixing patterns. Our patchwork upholstery comes with a mix of stripes, dots, flowers, and more. Our bestselling Fabric Patchwork Mary Recliner comes with various patches of different patterns and colours, and makes for a great starting point in introducing patterns around your room. Introducing even one or two patchwork items into a room can help greatly with choosing the main colour, and adding any of further flower, striped, or dots patterns will not clash. Although keep in mind the colour rules and the small-medium-big advice.

Repeat patterns for cohesive look

Repeating the same patterns or similar ones in close proximity can create a focal area that draws the eye and anchors the room. For example, positioning two gold floral-stripped patchwork chairs side by side enhances the visual impact and establishes a cohesive aesthetic. Offsetting it with beige and plain or patterned gold accents ties up the room perfectly.

Choose a background colour

Our main patchwork colors—green, gold, black, and purple—offer versatile options for foundational themes. Deciding on one of these as the primary colour can simplify your decorating process, such as matching purple patchwork chairs with complementary purple curtains or decorative rugs. Introduce related floral patterns on accessories and contrast with brighter colours to make the patchwork stand out.

Front and center or accent patterning

Decide whether you want your patterns to dominate the room or serve as subtle accents. Patterned furniture can act as a bold centrepiece or coordinated accents when used sparingly. Consider how each piece contributes to the overall aesthetic and balance of the room. Even a single addition, like our Green Patchwork Lydia Chaise Lounge, can transform the feel of your room thanks to the unified background colour and various patterns.

Tying the patterns and colour scheme together

Look for inspiration in the existing features of your space, such as wood grains, brickwork, or architectural lines. These elements can serve as a natural guide for choosing complementary patterns and colours. Dark bricked walls or dark wooden floors will go well with the darker black patchwork, although make sure to add some brighter elements throughout the room. As our black patchwork fabric includes splashes of orange, red, and pink to name a few, these would serve as great accent colours to add to your room to brighten it up.

Positioning

Strategic placement of patterned items can maximise their impact. For instance, placing two identical gold patchwork recliners side by side can transform them from simple furniture pieces to the centrepiece of your room.

Mixing Patterns in Accessories

Don’t overlook smaller elements like lamps, curtains, and lampshades. These items offer an opportunity to incorporate secondary patterns and colors, helping to balance and tie the room's design together. Remember, the main and accent color groups should complement each other without blending into one.

Summary

Mastering the mix of patterns and patchworks in home decor involves understanding balance, colour coordination, and the interplay of scale. By choosing a dominant pattern, complementing it with auxiliary designs, and tying the space together with a unified colour scheme, you can create a vibrant and cohesive living space. Remember to experiment with placement and repeat designs to emphasize a cohesive look that reflects your unique style.