Master the Art of Mixing Patterns Like a Pro

Glam open concept living room with mixed patterns by Decorilla

Why does one room sing with vibrancy while another feels cluttered when patterns collide? The difference lies in strategy. With a few thoughtful moves, mixing patterns in interior design transforms a chaotic clash into a masterpiece of cohesion.

Simple Rules for Mixing Patterns in Interior Design

Mixing patterns in interior design by Decorilla — Mixing patterns in interior design by **Decorilla**

Stick to a Color Palette: Anchor your patterns with 3-5 unifying colors for consistency. Let one dominate, and the others harmonize.
Vary Pattern Scales: Pair large, bold motifs with medium and small-scale ones for balance and rhythm.
Blend Different Pattern Types: Combine geometric and floral patterns, or stripes with plaids, for a dynamic yet balanced mix.
Limit the Number of Patterns: Avoid overwhelming the eye; three patterns per space, max, will create a sophisticated room design.

Explosive vibrancy from mixed patterns in a bedroom by Decorilla — Floral vibrancy in a bedroom by **Decorilla**

Anchor with Neutrals: Use solid colors on walls or large furniture pieces to ground a room full of patterns.
Mind the Density: Combine dense, intricate designs with open, sparse ones to create breathing space.
Unify with Texture: Repeat fabrics across patterns to connect their visual story.
Echo Shapes: Pick patterns that share a shape—curved florals with rounded geometrics, for example—for an intentional, eclectic feel.

Pro Tip: Mix patterns in ways that align with your favorite interior design style. Not sure what that is? Take our Free Interior Design Style Quiz to find out today!

Mixing Pattern Inspiration

Geometric rug and floral cushions in a room by Decorilla — Geometric rug and floral cushions in a room by **Decorilla**

Can interior design mixing patterns make or break your space? The answer is always in the execution. How to mix patterns isn’t about chaos—it’s about control. Done right, it creates a space full of character. Let’s explore some of the creative ways to get there.

1. The Power of Anchoring Neutrals

How to mix patterns in earthy interior design by Decorilla — How to mix patterns in earthy interior design by **Decorilla**

Imagine a living room buzzing with life: floral throw pillows, a plaid armchair, and a geometric rug. Without a neutral backdrop, it risks sensory overload. Soft beige walls or a muted sofa give the eyes a place to rest, allowing patterns to shine. Layering rug patterns also works well over a solid floor in a similar base color, like hardwood. This technique tames the chaos while letting each pattern command attention.

2. Playing with Scales: The Rule of Three

Spanish-inspired living room design mixing patterns and colors, by Decorilla — Transitional living room mixing patterns and colors, by **Decorilla**

Pairing a floral wallpaper with delicate stripes on a couch? Add a large-scale graphic rug to complete the trio. Scale contrast is the unsung hero of pattern mixing. Large patterns dominate focus, medium ones bridge gaps, and small ones whisper details into the design. For instance, mixing wallpaper patterns with oversized decor motifs and pairing them with tiny checkered curtains creates balance without looking busy.

3. Stripes as a Foundation for Playful Layers

Mixing patterns in eclectic rooms by Decorilla — Mixing stripes with other patterns in eclectic rooms by **Decorilla**

Stripes are the chameleons of mixing patterns in interior design. Their linear repetition creates a visual baseline that lets other prints shine without feeling chaotic. For example, a striped sofa or area rug easily provides a steady rhythm that pairs well with bolder designs like abstract or tribal motifs. Try using a striped table runner as a subtle pattern that complements your dining room’s textured upholstery, or combine a striped duvet with polka-dot pillows or a floral quilt in the bedroom.

4. Mastering Plaids Without Going Rustic Overload

Vintage eclectic bedroom design by Decorilla — Vintage eclectic bedroom design by **Decorilla**

Mixing plaids in interior design requires a thoughtful approach. Don’t flood a room with tartan everything. Pair one bold plaid throw with a subtler gingham pillow and stripes in a similar color. For pattern mixing in the bedroom, try layering a plaid bedspread over monochromatic sheets and topping it with a textured blanket. This allows for a classic eclectic look, rather than overwhelming.

5. Defining Spaces with Distinct Rug Patterns

Mixed-and-matched rug patterns by Decorilla — Mixed-and-matched rug patterns by **Decorilla**

In an open-concept space, rugs can create structure without physical barriers. Now, do you believe a bold modern rug under the dining table can’t pair with a subtle floral in the seating area? Think again. The trick to mixing patterns lies in using color to tie the rugs together. For instance, if one rug boasts deep blues and rust tones, echo these hues in the other but through different patterns. Blend in other room elements cohesively, and you got it right.

6. Mixing Pillow Patterns Without Chaos

Mixing pillow patterns in interior design by Decorilla — Mixing pillow patterns in interior design by **Decorilla**

Think of throw pillows as accessories to your space’s “outfit.” To achieve cohesion, use the same color family but vary patterns and scales. Mixing pillow patterns works best when one piece ties them together, like a unifying color or trim detail. For example, in a living room, pair a bold chevron with a floral and a delicate dot.

7. Floral Fantasies: Balancing Vibrancy with Subtlety

Mixing flower patterns in a bedroom by Decorilla — Flower patterns galore in a bedroom by **Decorilla**

Mixing floral patterns is both art and science. In a bedroom, layer a vivid botanical quilt over pinstriped sheets. Ensure that at least one floral is abstract or muted to keep the room from looking overly saccharine. Soft lighting amplifies the tranquility, highlighting each floral layer without overwhelming the senses.

8. Wall Patterns Without Overpowering the Room

Eclectic bathroom with mixing wall patterns by Decorilla — Eclectic mixing of wall patterns in a bathroom by **Decorilla**

Pick one wall to feature a bold design when mixing wallpaper patterns—perhaps a tropical print or metallic motif. Surround it with solid or faintly textured walls to balance the room. You can also opt for a half-wall approach if you worry about overloading the backdrop. Install wainscoting to accentuate wallpaper and convey visual balance.

Ready to embrace bold choices with mixing patterns?

Hire a professional to create a home that stands out in every possible way. Book your Free Online Interior Design Consultation to get started today!