How to mix patterns in your home without losing your Damn Mind

A well rounded collection that combines patterns and connects them through colours.

Pattern mixing in home decor is kind of like mixing cocktails - thrilling when done right, a total mess when you wing it with zero plan. But don’t worry, you don’t need a degree in interior design to make it work. You just need a few solid rules and a willingness to experiment (and maybe a return policy).

Let’s get into it:

1. Vary with scale

If everything in your room is shouting at the same volume, no one gets heard. You need a mix: one loud-mouth (big pattern), a few mid-level talkers (medium), and a whisperer or two (small-scale). Big florals? Pair them with tiny stripes or micro-checks. Think of it like a party - not everyone should be singing karaoke at once.

2. Mix and match

Stripes and florals? Yes. Plaid and animal print? Absolutely. Polka dots and abstract blobs? Why not. Combining different “themes” adds personality - like your room has stories to tell (and maybe some gossip). Just don’t go too theme-heavy unless you’re going for “Pinterest explosion”.

3. Connect your patterns

All your patterns need at least one thing in common so they don’t look like they came from seven different planets. Pick a colour that shows up in all of them - even if it’s just a smidge. This one unifying colour will make it look like you planned it, even if you totally didn’t.

4. Use colour theory (lightly)

Complementary colors (opposites on the color wheel) can create exciting contrast - think blue and orange, or pink and green. Analogous colors (neighbours on the colour wheel) are more chill. Use these combos with your patterns to keep your room feeling either “wow” or “ahh,” depending on your vibe. Don’t overthink it. This isn’t an editorial for Vogue - it’s your living room.

5. Unify with solids and neutrals

Your eye needs a break. Solids are the buffer zone between the wild stuff. They keep your patterns from getting into fistfights. Use them on walls, large furniture, bedding - anywhere you need a visual deep breath.

6. Change the background

This one’s sneaky but important. If all your patterns are on white backgrounds, things can start to look flat. Throw in a navy or charcoal or dusty pink base here and there - it adds depth and makes your space look layered, not like it was thrown together during a clearance sale frenzy.

7. Repeat patterns with purpose

Repetition is your secret weapon - it’s like giving your room a chorus it can sing on repeat. Got stripes on a chair? Echo 'em on a pillow or a lampshade. It says, “Yes, I meant to do that,” not “Oops, I blacked out while shopping.”

8. Trust your Designer

Plenty of designers have already done the heavy lifting with curated collections - aka pattern bundles that actually get along. Even better? Some collections are made as a full-on dream team, with a hero print, some sidekick coordinates, and a few low-key blenders to keep the drama in check. Basically, it's the pattern version of a well-dressed friend group.

On Spoonflower you can look for the ‘Designed Collections’ options in the left menu underneath the designer information. These are some of mine (obv).

9. Test with swatches first

Don’t just wing it. Toss those fabric swatches, paint chips, and pattern samples together in the actual room and see how they vibe. Stuff hits different in real light - and that bold print that looked chic online might scream clown car on your couch.

Spoonflower often has special offers on swatches, especially if you buy by the bundle.