How To Mix Patterns In A Room Like A Pro: 7 Tips For Perfection

Introduction
Whether you’re redecorating your home or simply want to give your space a refresh, mixing patterns is a great way to add visual interest and personality to a room. But if you’ve never done it before, the task can seem daunting. How do you mix patterns without making the room look like a chaotic mess?
Never fear – we’re here to help! Keep reading for our top 7 tips on how to mix patterns in a room like a pro.

 

Start with a clean canvas: remove all patterned items from the room

Before you start adding patterns to your room, it’s best to start with a clean canvas. This means removing all patterned items such as wallpaper, curtains, and upholstery. If you are working with a blank canvas, you can choose any type of pattern you like without worrying about clashing designs or colors. You may even find that you have more space to play with! It’s also important to take time to assess the size of your room – sometimes a layer of a subtle pattern can go a long way in making a small room feel larger.

Repeat Colors in Patterns

When mixing different patterns in a room, it’s a good tip to use colors in common. If a room has a lot of blues, for example, you could use that color as a thread throughout the room to create a cohesive space. Even if the patterns themselves are different, you can pull them together with a repeating color. For instance, you may combine a gingham patterned cushion with a striped armchair – these two different patterns can look great together as long as they both share the same color schemes. This way, the patterns don’t compete for attention and can work together to create a unified, sophisticated look.

Go for contrast: Choose patterns that are different in scale, color, and texture

When you’re starting to mix patterns, it’s important to find a balance between different scales and colors. Going for contrast will help to give a room an interesting, layered effect without being overwhelming. Large scale patterns, such as stripes, work well when combined with smaller, intricate patterns like a polka dot or paisley print. It also helps to pair patterns of different colors — for example combining a bold print with a monochrome pattern — as this can make the room appear brighter and more diverse. Additionally, mixing different textures such as jacquard and velvet or silk and linen will create a luxurious and stylish visual contrast.

Don’t be afraid to use wallpaper as inspiration

Sometimes a bit of inspiration can be just the thing needed to mix patterns in a room. Wallpaper is a great place to look for ideas – from subtle prints to bold geometrics. If there is a particular pattern that you like you can use it as a starting point for your room. Or why not go for two coordinating wallpapers — you can use the same fabric or two subtly different ones to avoid the room from feeling too busy. It’s also worth considering a wallpaper boarder for a neat, finished touch. Try three patterns in a range of scales, such as a narrow stripe, a midsize geometric, and a bold floral.

When mixing patterns it’s best to start off with a focal point

If you choose three patterns that complement each other, you can use them to create a look that is balanced and visually appealing. A great way to approach this is to use a range of scales — one large and bold pattern, one mid-sized pattern and one narrow stripe. The narrow stripe can be used to tie the other two together and add a bit of visual interest. Make sure there is a good contrast between the sizes of your patterns to ensure they don’t clash.

Consider the 60/30/10 approach

Stick to 60 percent of a favorite pattern, 30 percent of a second pattern, and 10 percent of a third as an accent. A good way to mix patterns is to use the 60/30/10 approach. This means you should stick to 60 percent of one pattern, 30 percent of a second pattern, and 10 percent of a third as an accent. This will ensure that your room doesn’t become too busy and overwhelming, while still making it interesting. Make sure that you blend the scale, color and texture of the patterns you are using to ensure a cohesive look. Include solids in supporting roles on a sofa or the floor.

It’s important to remember that when you’re mixing patterns, it’s not all about the patterns themselves

Solid-colored fabrics and textures can often be the missing link that bring all the pieces together. If you are using a lot of patterned items, try adding some solids in supporting roles – these can make all the difference in bringing the different patterns in a room together and creating a unified look. For instance, you could use a solid-colored throw to tie together a patterned sofa and curtains with accent cushions.

Following the tips outlined above you can learn to mix patterns. Remember to start with a clean canvas, go for contrast by using patterns in different scales and colors, and use the 60/30/10 approach when combining multiple patterns. It’s also great to make use of solids to complement the patterns and help tie the room together. With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to confidently and stylishly mix patterns in a room like a pro.

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