I can spend all my time in my workroom playing with fabrics! I love mixing the colors & patterns together to find perfect combination. Fabrics are the heart of interior design and knowing how to include the right mix of fabric patterns and colors can make or break how your rooms look!
From chevron stripes to floral designs, the variety of fabric patterns available is overwhelming!
If you want to know how to mix fabric prints in a room, I’m going to share a few easy tips that you can follow to ensure it’s cohesive, without being cluttered.
Whether it’s a few throw pillows and area rugs or your furniture upholstery, there are a few things you can do to create a gorgeous look as you learn how to mix and match fabrics.
Start Big and Work Your Way Down
The easiest way to start when you mix fabric patterns is to choose one item as your focal point. This focal point can be a large area rug, a pair of curtains, or a sofa in a large print. This will help to create the main visual point in the space.
Once you choose your main pattern, complement it with other items in smaller, more intricate designs. Tiny polka dots or a repeating geometric pattern look fantastic alongside oversized prints.
Choose finer patterns for items like throw pillows and blankets or a textured scatter rug.
Fabric Color Combinations
As you’re learning how to coordinate fabric in a room, remember to choose fabrics in the same color scheme similar.
For example, if you adore pastel hues, make sure that every fabric item you choose is featured in the same basic color intensity.
Keep it simple and choose fabric patterns that are all in a similar color family. Earthy hues of brown and green look great together, as do mixing shades of the same color.
EXPERT TIP: Black and white go with any color scheme and add a modern feel to your overall look.
Simple Rules to Mix Fabric Patterns
There are many fabric patterns to choose from including geometric shapes, stripes, floral motifs, solids and bohemian-inspired patterns such as paisley. Decide which general design suits your style, and then stick with that.
If you’re decorating a modern space, for example, you’ll likely gravitate toward geometric shapes. To keep things cohesive, don’t mix these with more eclectic prints like paisley.
When you’re decorating, incorporate the patterns and colors on a variety of items. The most common pieces you can use to enhance your space include comfy throw pillows, rugs, curtains and table linens.
Feel free to mixing fabric patterns scale ranging from itty-bitty designs to large, thick lines for visual interest. You should also choose a few fabric items in a solid color to complement the patterned pieces.
Remember to have fun with your eclectic design. Therefore choose colors that will enhance the other features in the room, not take away from them.
You may also like: How to Chose a Rug: The Ultimate Guide
Use the 60/30/10 Approach to Mix Fabric Prints
If you’re still not sure how to coordinate fabric or go about mixing fabric patterns in a room, try the 60/30/10 approach. Use 60-percent of your décor in the large fabric pattern, 30-percent in another pattern, and then choose 10-percent of a third pattern to be your accent pieces.
You can use this method with three patterns in a variety of scales like large floral prints, medium-sized geometric designs, and then a simple slender stripe pattern to finish the look.
If you need a little more “oomph,” add a fabric item in a solid coordinating color. Try a solid pillow you can toss on the sofa or create an anchor in the room with a solid-colored area rug.
The real key to mixing fabric patterns in any room is to have fun with your color and design choices for a dynamic look in your space.
Photo credits: Bassett Furniture, House Beautiful, Ballard Design, Leslie Hendrix Wood Interiors, Uncourier
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