Pattern mixing is one of the most fun and rewarding aspects of interior design, but it can also feel intimidating if you don’t know where to start. Whether it’s stripes with florals, geometric prints with animal prints, or plaids with polka dots, mixing patterns successfully can elevate your space, giving it depth, personality, and a sense of movement.
The key to mixing patterns like a pro is understanding how to create balance, harmony, and contrast in a room. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the art of mixing patterns and provide easy-to-follow tips for bringing bold prints into your home with confidence.
1. Start with a Neutral Base
The first rule of mixing patterns is to establish a neutral base. Neutral colors—like white, gray, beige, or soft pastels—act as the backdrop that allows the patterns to shine without clashing.
Why a Neutral Base Works:
- Creates Calm: Neutrals provide a visual resting place, making the space feel grounded.
- Allows Flexibility: A neutral background gives you more room to play with bold patterns and bright colors.
- Prevents Clutter: Without a neutral base, patterns can overwhelm the space and make it feel chaotic.
How to Use Neutrals:
- Use neutral-colored walls, furniture, and rugs as your foundation.
- If you’re working with patterned fabrics (like throw pillows or curtains), pair them with neutral furniture to create balance.
2. Stick to a Color Palette
The most important thing when mixing patterns is ensuring that all your patterns share at least one common color. This creates a sense of unity between the various prints, preventing them from feeling disjointed.
How to Choose a Color Palette:
- Pick a Dominant Color: Choose a color you’ll carry throughout the room. For instance, if you’re mixing a floral pillow and a striped throw, ensure they share a color—say, a warm terracotta.
- Use Two to Three Main Colors: A smaller, more cohesive color palette prevents things from feeling too busy or overwhelming.
- Add Accents: Use contrasting colors as accents, like a pop of deep blue or mustard yellow in small details like vases or lampshades.
Pro Tip:
Keep the background of your patterns (like the color of your rug or curtains) in neutral tones to anchor the bolder prints.
3. Mix Pattern Scales
One of the easiest tricks for mixing patterns successfully is to combine different pattern scales (i.e., large, medium, and small prints). This technique allows each pattern to stand out while maintaining visual harmony.
How to Mix Pattern Scales:
- Large Patterns: Use larger patterns for focal points—like a big floral print on a sofa or a bold geometric rug.
- Medium Patterns: Consider medium-sized patterns for cushions or throws, like a houndstooth pillow or a subtle stripe.
- Small Patterns: Incorporate small, delicate patterns for accent items, such as a polka-dotted chair or a micro-checkered table runner.
Why It Works:
The variety in pattern scale ensures that the patterns don’t compete for attention. The larger patterns dominate, while the smaller ones add texture and visual interest without overwhelming the eye.
4. Play with Different Pattern Types
Mixing different types of patterns is where the magic happens. Don’t be afraid to blend stripes, florals, geometrics, and even animal prints. The trick is balancing the contrast and ensuring there’s enough cohesion through color and tone.
Pattern Types to Mix:
- Stripes & Florals: Pairing stripes with florals gives a lively yet structured feel. The lines of the stripes can contrast beautifully with the soft, flowing nature of floral patterns.
- Polka Dots & Plaid: A playful combo of polka dots and plaid can work if they share a similar color palette. The key is the contrast between the regularity of the plaid and the whimsy of the dots.
- Geometric & Organic: Mixing sharp geometric shapes with more organic, flowing patterns (like leaves or waves) creates an exciting contrast while maintaining balance.
How to Mix Them:
- Grounding with Neutral Elements: Pair a loud pattern (like zebra stripes) with a more neutral one (like a geometric print) to keep it grounded.
- Accent Pieces: Use bold patterns in small doses—like throw pillows or small rugs—while larger patterns (like an upholstered sofa) remain more subdued.
5. Use Textures to Complement Patterns
Incorporating textures alongside patterns is a game-changer. Texture adds depth and can soften or emphasize a particular pattern. Using both patterns and textures together ensures the room feels cohesive and thoughtfully designed.
How to Add Texture:
- Layer with Fabrics: A velvet cushion, wool throw, or linen curtains can complement a patterned sofa without competing with it.
- Mix Hard and Soft Textures: Pair hard textures like wood or metal furniture with soft textiles (like cotton or velvet cushions).
- Natural Materials: Consider adding plants, woven baskets, or jute rugs to provide texture that complements your patterns.
Texture Tips for Pattern Mixing:
- Contrast Rough with Smooth: Pair a rough texture, like a woven basket, with a smooth, soft pattern (like velvet) to create dynamic contrast.
- Go for Subtlety: Don’t mix too many competing textures. Let one or two textured elements do the talking, while the others complement the overall vibe.
6. Start Small and Build Gradually
If you’re new to pattern mixing, start small and build up as you gain confidence. Experimenting with small accessories allows you to play around without committing too much to one bold combination.
How to Start Small:
- Pillows: Mix patterns on throw pillows first. Start with one large pattern (like florals) and one small pattern (like stripes or polka dots).
- Rugs: Layer rugs with subtle patterns or textures, and then add a bigger patterned rug to layer on top.
- Wall Art: Use framed prints with different patterns but a shared color palette. Abstract art with a geometric piece is a great way to start mixing.
How to Build:
Once you’re comfortable, start expanding to larger furniture pieces, like a patterned chair next to a solid-colored sofa. Incorporate textiles with both large and small patterns to create balance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I mix floral patterns with stripes?
Yes! Floral patterns and stripes are one of the easiest and most classic pattern combinations. The key is to use them in the same color family and keep the stripe pattern subtle, especially if the floral print is bold.
2. How do I avoid my room looking chaotic when mixing patterns?
Keep your patterns within the same color palette, balance large patterns with smaller ones, and allow enough neutral space in between to prevent visual overload. Don’t overcrowd the room with too many patterns at once.
3. Can I mix animal prints with geometric patterns?
Yes! Animal prints (like leopard or zebra) pair well with bold geometric patterns. The key is to keep the colors complementary and use one print as the focal point and the other as an accent.
4. What’s the best way to introduce pattern into a minimalist space?
Start small! Introduce patterned textiles like pillows or throws. Stick to a neutral color palette, and keep the patterns subtle. A few patterned accessories in a minimalist room can add the perfect amount of interest without overwhelming the space.
5. How do I make pattern mixing look intentional instead of haphazard?
Focus on a unified color palette. Ensure all your patterns share at least one common color to create a sense of cohesion. Choose a mix of pattern types and scales to keep things dynamic but balanced.
6. How do I mix patterns in a small room?
Stick to fewer patterns but vary their scale. Keep the color palette consistent to make the room feel cohesive, and use patterned accessories (like pillows or a rug) rather than large furniture pieces to avoid making the room feel cramped.
7. How do I incorporate pattern mixing on furniture pieces?
Start with simple pieces, like a patterned armchair next to a solid-colored sofa. Choose a bold pattern for one and keep the other more neutral. This allows both pieces to shine while maintaining balance.
8. Can I mix patterns on different fabrics?
Yes! Mixing patterns on different fabrics (such as velvet, linen, and cotton) can work well, especially when the textures complement each other. Just ensure that the color palette is consistent across fabrics to maintain cohesion.
9. Can pattern mixing work in every room?
Absolutely! Pattern mixing works in every room—just scale it appropriately. In the living room, mix large patterns on a sofa and rug, while in the bedroom, try smaller patterns on pillows and bedding. Be mindful of scale and color to keep it balanced.
10. How do I keep the room from feeling too busy when mixing multiple patterns?
Use a combination of neutral tones and simple furniture to balance out the patterns. Keep some areas of the room simple, allowing the patterns to take center stage in smaller doses like textiles, artwork, or accent pieces.