Mixing Patterns In Your Decor – Follow These Five Easy Tips

By / / Design ideas
A living room with blue walls and white furniture featuring mixing patterns.

Mixing patterns in your decor is easy when you follow these five easy tips. Patterns add visual interest. This means that you will have a more high-end looking room. In addition, mixed patterns add color and warmth.

A living room with blue walls and white furniture featuring mixing patterns.
Decorate with mixed patterns (nwrugs.com)

TIP 1: USE ODD NUMBERS OF PATTERNS

First, use odd numbers of patterns. Odd numbers are more pleasing to the human eye.

A living room with colorful furniture, mixing patterns.
Indeed, mixed patterns look divine. (nwrugs.com)

Start with three patterns. After you find three patterns that look good, kick it up to five Of course, this choice depends on the size of the room. For example, stick with 3 in a small parlor. On the other hand, go for 7 in a large great room.

TIP 2: MASTER YOUR SCALES

Of course, the scale of the pattern makes a difference. In a large dining room, you can use a large format print. However, select smaller prints for a small home office.

A living room with a blue couch and striped rug, featuring mixing patterns.
Because this is a large room, a large print pattern works well. (today.com)

TIP 3: STAY GROUNDED WITH SOLID WALLS

If you’re new to mixing patterns, paint neutral walls. This gives the room a grounded look. In addition, you can then switch the accessories often. This means that you will always have the hot trend colors through accessorizing.

A living room with brown furniture and a cowhide rug that expertly mixes patterns.
Of course, taupe is a great neutral for adding mixed patterns. (freshome.com)
A living room with mixing patterns of colorful pillows and zebra rugs.
On the other hand, rich gray is a cool tone for your pattern mixing (freshome.com)

Conversely, you can do a soft wash of solid color that pairs nicely with your patterns.

A living room with pink walls featuring mixing patterns.
Decorate with mixed patterns to add charm. (annieselke.com)

TIP 4: PATTERN COLORS DON”T NEED TO MATCH

Pattern colors need not match. Instead, they must coordinate. Look to the color wheel. Use colors on opposite sides of the color wheel. Or, use the colors next to your color on the color wheel.

A living room with mixed patterned chairs and a table.
Mix patterns with colors that coordinate well. (freshome.com)
A white couch with a mixture of blue and white pillows.
Indeed, coordinated colors are the key to mixed pattern success. (heartmainehome.com)

TIP 5: STICK WITH TEXTILES

Perhaps you are a renter and aren’t allowed to paint. Or, maybe you’re uncertain of how to mix patterns. If either of these sound like you, stick with your textiles. In fact, it’s easy to mix patterns with textiles. These include blankets, accent pillows, or area rugs. Also, these add color without painting your walls.

A bed with mixed pattern blue and green pillows and curtains.
Indeed, accent pillows are an easy way to mix patterns (howtodecorate.com)
Wicker furniture on a porch with green and black pillows, showcasing mixing patterns.
Additionally, you can mix patterns in any room. (focalpointstyling.com)

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