Tips on decorating with patterns

Here are my top three tips for combining patterns in your home

1. Limit yourself to one large scale fabric design.

2. When mixing prints, try not to choose more than once of the same scale size.

3. Layering patterns involves four main elements: colour, scale, shape and texture.

Here are three of my favourite examples using combined patterns:

The Artisan Sitting Room

This fresh, Summery room was created using different shades of greys and saffrons. Large scale Origami cushions work well against a simple stripe on the sofa, and I have kept the accessories neutral and to a minimum to show off the fabrics. A statement wall painted in Scree by Little Greene Paint Company, creates a dramatic finish against the light wood floors.

Try our decorating with stripes tips for more

Swatches for mood board are: Shibori – Light Pigeon / Shibori – Light Pigeon, Saffron / Shibori – Dark Pigeon / Simple Ticking Detail – Charcoal / Origami – Pigeon, Saffron

Find even more popular fabrics from our artisan collection.

The Meadow Sitting Room

In this room, I have used colours that co-ordinate but in varying patterns. The large scale of the Song Birds design works especially well for curtains with its vertical design, and I have picked out a stripe and floral in the same colourway for cushions against the backdrop of a plain cream sofa.

Select your favourite meadow collection fabrics from our range

Swatches for mood board are: Song Birds – Buttercup, Clay, Charcoal / Wild Rose – Buttercup, Clay, Charcoal / French Ticking – Buttercup, Clay / Plain Linen Union – Cream / Lapland Stripe – Dove, Saffron, Charcoal

The Birds and Beasts Sitting Room

Here is a room where three patterns have been combined with a stripe and tweed. Using different colourways of the same design gives a fun an eclectic look and the tomato red lifts the charcoal grey of the wall covering and sofa.

Choose your favourites from our birds and beasts collection fabrics

Swatches for mood board are: Pretty Maids – Winter / Wild & Free – Tomato / Wild & Free – Limestone, Soft Charcoal

Decorating Tips, Advice, Styles and Inspiration

If you’re redecorating multiple rooms, check our style guides to help understand which colours, styles and designs work best:

Decorating with yellows

Decorating with greens

Decorating with blues

Decorating with pinks

Vanessa

Founder and owner of Vanessa Arbuthnott Fabrics. Vanessa creates content around fabric types, blind styles and curtain designs to best suit the needs of Vanessa Arbuthnott customers.