8 Playful Patterns to Wake Up To
A floral, striped or ikat pattern can keep your bedroom looking smart day and night
Whether your home style is classically influenced or bold and eclectic, it will definitely benefit from the decorative effect of printed patterns. From quintessentially English florals to Indonesian-style ikats, there’s a pattern out there to suit every style and taste. In the bedroom, a print can wake up a boring decor scheme by adding depth and visual interest.
The key is to use pattern in moderation so it doesn’t overpower the space. If you don’t know where to start, choose one area that needs a pick-me-up, such as the headboard, bedding, a wall or the floor, and consider applying one of these on-trend patterns in a textile, wood paneling, paint or wallpaper. It just might lead to a whole bedroom revamp.
The key is to use pattern in moderation so it doesn’t overpower the space. If you don’t know where to start, choose one area that needs a pick-me-up, such as the headboard, bedding, a wall or the floor, and consider applying one of these on-trend patterns in a textile, wood paneling, paint or wallpaper. It just might lead to a whole bedroom revamp.
2. Leaf. Select leafy patterns or abstract motifs — such as dandelions or twigs — from nature. Look for patterns that are large and bold in just one color or varying tones of the same color. Experiment with pattern sizes — for example, using a large pattern in a small space can create a feeling of grandeur.
3. Stripes. Stripes are a simple way to add pattern to a bedroom, especially for a nautical theme. They can be wide and striking or fine and subtle. You can create a classic scheme by using a striped pattern on soft furnishings, such as cushions, bedding and curtains. Choose fabrics that feature stripes in varying tones of one color for a more subtle look, or add bold, bright stripes in contrasting colors for a more dramatic dimension.
4. Chevron. Chevron pattern consists of a series of continuous zigzag lines. It’s been around for a long time, dating to ancient Greek pottery, but it was made fashionable and famous in the 1970s by Italian fashion house Missoni, and we’ve embraced it ever since.
Try out a chevron-patterned headboard, sheet set or rug in your bedroom. If you choose a rug, make sure its color dominates the palette. Place it under the bed, as this will help anchor the rug in the space and make the pattern feel less overpowering.
Designer tip: Ensure the rug is large enough to extend 1 to 1½ feet beyond the end and both sides of the bed. Any smaller and it will look lost and make the space feel unbalanced.
Try out a chevron-patterned headboard, sheet set or rug in your bedroom. If you choose a rug, make sure its color dominates the palette. Place it under the bed, as this will help anchor the rug in the space and make the pattern feel less overpowering.
Designer tip: Ensure the rug is large enough to extend 1 to 1½ feet beyond the end and both sides of the bed. Any smaller and it will look lost and make the space feel unbalanced.
5. Herringbone. Herringbone and chevron look similar, but they differ in that a herringbone pattern is made up of an arrangement of individual rectangles in a distinctive V shape. As the name suggests, herringbone is similar to a fishbone pattern.
A popular method of introducing herringbone into a space is with wood, generally as flooring. For something different, consider creating a feature wall from reclaimed wood floorboards arranged in a herringbone pattern, as seen here.
A popular method of introducing herringbone into a space is with wood, generally as flooring. For something different, consider creating a feature wall from reclaimed wood floorboards arranged in a herringbone pattern, as seen here.
6. Greek key. As the name suggests, the Greek key pattern originated in ancient Greece. It symbolizes unity and infinity and generally appeared on architectural friezes and on pottery and vases. It’s created using one continuous line.
In the bedroom, it’s often found on rugs or classic furniture pieces. Here, it features in low relief on the front of a dresser.
In the bedroom, it’s often found on rugs or classic furniture pieces. Here, it features in low relief on the front of a dresser.
7. Ikat. Originating in Asia and Africa, ikat is thought to be a tribal pattern dating as far back as the 10th century. It’s created using a technique that involves dyeing strands of fabric before they’re woven together in a blurred pattern.
Look for brightly colored ikat bedding and keep the rest of the space light and neutral. Pick up some of the color from the pattern in other items such as throw pillows and artwork to tie the look together.
Look for brightly colored ikat bedding and keep the rest of the space light and neutral. Pick up some of the color from the pattern in other items such as throw pillows and artwork to tie the look together.
8. Spots. The gold polka dot ceiling treatment in this modern Regency-style bedroom, designed by Lindye Galloway, works with a vintage gold chandelier, the teal headboard and the geometric-patterned rug.
Tell us: What patterns have you embraced in your bedroom? Share photos or tell us about them in the Comments.
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Decorating Secrets: How to Layer Patterns Right
9 Ways to Jazz Up Your Decor With Pattern
Tell us: What patterns have you embraced in your bedroom? Share photos or tell us about them in the Comments.
More
Decorating Secrets: How to Layer Patterns Right
9 Ways to Jazz Up Your Decor With Pattern
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Try not to be too “matchy-matchy” with florals. Layer them with geometric patterns to help balance things out, or select a solid color that features in the floral and use it between layers. This approach will help tie the whole look together.