Guide to Mixing Patterns Without Overwhelming a Space
Image courtesy of James Dunlop Textiles
Patterns can bring life, depth, and personality into a room — but they can also feel intimidating. Done well, mixing patterns creates a layered, sophisticated look that feels curated and unique. Done poorly, it can feel chaotic. The secret is knowing the right balance of scale, color, and placement.
Here are our tried-and-true designer tips for mixing patterns with confidence.
Start with a Cohesive Color Palette
Patterns don’t have to match, but they do need to coordinate. Choose 2–3 main colors to anchor your room, then allow your patterns to play within that palette. For example, if your base colors are navy, cream, and rust, you could mix a navy-and-white stripe with a floral pillow that has hints of rust, then layer in a neutral geometric throw.
Pro Tip: Keep one consistent color running through each pattern to tie them together.
Vary the Scale of Patterns
Image courtesy of Ballard Designs
A common mistake is choosing patterns that are too similar in scale. Instead, pair one large-scale pattern (like bold floral drapes) with a medium-scale pattern (like striped cushions) and a small-scale pattern (like a subtle polka dot or herringbone). This creates balance without competition.
Think of it like music: you need a lead singer (large pattern), backup vocals (medium pattern), and rhythm instruments (small pattern) to make a complete song.
Mix Pattern Types Thoughtfully
The most dynamic rooms combine different types of patterns. Consider blending:
Stripes (structured, classic)
Florals (organic, soft)
Geometrics (modern, bold)
Abstracts (playful, artistic)
Mixing a floral with a stripe or a geometric with an abstract often feels more intentional than pairing two florals together.
Ground Patterns with Solids
Too many patterns without visual rest can overwhelm a space. Use solids — a solid sofa, wall color, or rug — as a backdrop to let your patterns shine. Solids act like white space in graphic design: they give the eye a place to rest.
Test Before You Commit
If you’re unsure, test combinations in small doses. Try layering patterned throw pillows on a neutral sofa, or mix patterned napkins and placemats at a dinner table before investing in larger pieces like rugs or drapes. Once you’re comfortable, scale up with confidence.
Final Thoughts
Mixing patterns is about creating balance, not perfection. When done right, it brings energy and personality to your home — and showcases your unique style. If you’re ready to explore pattern play but aren’t sure where to start, our design team can help you craft a space that feels bold yet beautifully cohesive. Let’s chat—we’d love to help!
Xoxo,
Tonya