How To Mix Fabric Patterns Like A Pro

Do you see what I see? Sooooo many pretty fabric combinations-- right?

When I sat down to come up with some examples to show you guys how to mix fabric patterns like a pro, I thought it would be quick. Problem is…. I’m sorta like a kid in a candy store when it comes to fabric.

I could look at it all. day. long and love playing around with the different colors and patterns. So 3 hours later, I’m finally sitting down to write this post after having way too much fun playing with all of the different fabric combinations.

One of the questions I get from readers most often is how to mix patterns. And since we most often use pattern on the fabrics we use in our home, let’s start there.

Of course these tips can be applied to pattern throughout your space too. So let’s get to some easy tips that will have you choosing fabric for your space to add an instant pop of your personality.

(Mixing up patterns can be a trick used to mix different decor styles, too. This post shows you how to get a coordinated look when mixing styles that works together and looks terrific!)

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I typically like to use 3 patterns in a space. This is just enough to make it interesting, but not so much that it will seem too busy. But don’t be afraid to break this rule. It will totally depend on the look you are going for.

Many of us are struggling with breaking up with the matchy-matchy look that our moms were so good at. Remember that your patterns don’t have to match, they just have to go. By that I mean they have to have some element in common. That might be color, style, or scale.

So if we are choosing 3 patterns to go together we are going to choose one of each:

• Floral/Organic
• Geometric
• Scale that is much smaller or much larger than your other 2 choices.

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1. Start with a pattern that you love.

This will be the jumping off point for the other fabrics that you choose, so of course it makes sense to start with one pattern that you can’t get out of your head. Chances are this pattern is going to say something about your personality and the colors will make you feel good.

2. Does your first choice pattern have an organic origin or is it a geometric?

Let me explain. Almost all patterns will be either organic or geometric.

Organic patterns can include floral patterns or anything inspired by nature. They can be very literal or a bit more abstract. Organic patterns can have a lot of swirl and movement and it is typically difficult to see where the pattern repeats itself.

Geometric patterns are those that have a definite pattern to them and typically have a lot of contrast, too. The simplest geometric patterns are polka dots or stripes, but there are a lot of really interesting and more complicated geometric patterns also.

If your first choice is organic inspired, you are going to want to choose a geometric next. If your first choice is geometric, you will want to choose something nature inspired.

Let’s do an example.

Let’s pretend we are going to be decorating a little girls room or nursery and we have fallen in love with this floral fabric. Since this is a floral I’m going to want to choose a geometric next.

3. Consider color.

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

Back to our example…

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

4. Now think about scale.

Large scale prints and patterns work best on large pieces like curtain panels and duvet covers and small scale prints and patterns tend to work best on smaller items like throw pillows, lamp shades, or valences. Take that into consideration, but don’t be afraid to break the rules a bit. I’m a sucker for a throw pillow with a large scale pattern on it.

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.

Back to our example…

My first two choices are medium in scale so I decided to go very small scale with this lilac gingham. Not only is it perfect for the feel of a little girl’s room, but it pulls out the purple perfectly and because the pattern is so small, almost acts as a solid without being a boring solid.

Now that wasn’t so hard was it?

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 all together. 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.

So that isn’t the only example I have for you. Remember when I said that I got a bit carried away and was playing with all sorts of fabric patterns? Here are a few of my favorites that I came up with…

Love this for a “big girl room” or if I was single and had a cute little apartment.

Maybe for a boy's room?

This fabric combination would work anywhere.

I love this modern organic inspired fabric! Here it is two ways…

Super subtle, but very pretty grown up look...

You can try out your new pattern mixing skills with these 8 simple sewing projects even a beginner can do!

Ready to create a home that feels like you without the overwhelm?

Inside my course, Style Your Way Home, I'll teach you my step-by-step approach to discovering your unique design style and how to incorporate all the styles you love into your own home design plan. Plus, you'll learn my simple 4 step process to to apply your decor plan to any room in your home so you can make quick and confident decisions and create a home that feels like YOU.