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Writer's pictureAcel Rivers

How To Mix Fabric Patterns for Room Decoration

Updated: Aug 22, 2023

Using diverse patterns to combine several decor styles is another method. This article demonstrates how to mix styles in a way that creates a cohesive appearance that looks great.

(Photo by Hermes Rivera on Unsplash)


1. Start with a design you adore.

Going with something that you can't get out of your mind works logic because this will serve as the foundation for the other fabrics you select. This design probably reveals something about your character, and the colors likely make it feel comfortable.

(Photo by Mitchell Luo on Unsplash)


2. Is the first pattern you've chosen geometric in nature or does it have an organic origin?

Let me elaborate. There will almost always be organic or geometric patterns.

Floral patterns and other designs influenced by nature might be considered organic patterns. They could be quite concrete or somewhat more abstract. Organic patterns frequently feature a lot of swirl and movement, making it challenging to determine where the pattern repeats.

Geometric patterns are ones that clearly follow a pattern and frequently feature a lot of contrast. Polka dots and stripes are the most basic geometric patterns, but there are many other highly intriguing and complex geometric designs as well.

You should pick a geometric pattern if your first option is organically inspired. If your first option is geometric, you should pick an item with a natural theme.

(Photo by Wander Fleur on Unsplash)


3. Think about color.

Is there a color in your first choice fabric that you want to highlight? Use that color to make your second fabric choice.

I decided to bring out the orange and black and found a geometric pattern that mimics lattice to go with a sort of aesthetic feel.

(Photo by Kasturi Roy on Unsplash)


4. Consider the scale.

Small-scale prints and patterns typically work better on smaller items like throw pillows, lamp shades, or valences, whereas large-scale prints and patterns typically work best on large pieces like curtain panels, rugs, and duvet covers. Take it into account, but don't be afraid to err on the side of caution.

That said, for your 3rd pattern choice you are going to want to consider scale. If both of your choices so far are medium to large-scale, you will want to choose a small-scale pattern for your third choice. But if your choices so far are smaller in scale, you will want to choose a large-scale pattern. This is also a perfect opportunity to pull out another color from your choices so far.

(Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash)


I love to shop for fabrics online and usually pin them to a secret Pinterest board when I’m brainstorming so that I can see my choices altogether. Then I can go to the board and see them all next to each other to make my final choices. I would suggest that you always order swatches first if you are ordering online since the colors and textures can be a little off on your screen.

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