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If you’ve ever walked into a room and felt like it was bursting with personality, chances are you stepped into a space where someone wasn’t afraid to mix patterns. And not just any patterns—we’re talking about florals dancing with stripes, plaids hanging out with chevron, and polka dots finding harmony with abstract swirls. It sounds chaotic, but when done right, it’s magic.
Eclectic decorating is one of those styles that gives you permission to break the “rules,” and let’s be honest—some of us were never great at following them in the first place. But there’s still an art to mixing patterns. The goal isn’t just to pile on prints and hope for the best; it’s to create a space that feels both expressive and harmonious. If you’re craving that funky, cozy, collected-over-time kind of vibe, this guide will help you get there without the overwhelm.
Start with a Solid Foundation
Before you throw every pattern you love into a room, it’s wise to anchor your space with a neutral base. Think of this like giving your patterns a stage to perform on. Walls, floors, or large furniture pieces in solid tones or subtle textures can ground the space. A simple beige sofa or white walls can act as your visual “pause” between all the pattern play.
If you love color (and if you’re here, you probably do), you can still use a colorful base—just keep it consistent. For example, soft sage walls or a rich navy couch can serve as the backdrop for all your pattern mixing adventures.
Choose a Color Palette
This is your secret weapon. You can mix just about any patterns you want, as long as they share a similar color scheme. Whether it’s soft pastels, earthy tones, or bold jewel hues, a common color thread ties everything together.
Personally, I like to pick 3-5 colors I want to play with and let them repeat in different ways throughout the room. Your throw pillow might have blue and mustard in a tribal print, while your area rug picks up those same colors in a geometric pattern. That little connection is what makes the room feel thoughtful instead of thrown together.
Vary the Scale
One of the biggest mistakes people make when mixing patterns is using prints that are all the same size. When everything is medium-sized and busy, it can feel visually cluttered. Instead, mix large-scale patterns with smaller ones to create contrast and balance.
Imagine a big, bold floral on your curtains. Now pair that with a small polka-dot pillow and a medium-scale plaid throw. See how each element gets its moment to shine? That’s the beauty of playing with scale.
Texture Counts Too
Mixing patterns isn’t just about visuals—it’s about texture, too. A woven macrame wall hanging, a chunky knit blanket, a velvet cushion with subtle embossing… these all add layers to your space without necessarily competing visually.
Texture can actually calm things down when you feel like you have too many competing patterns. A natural jute rug or a linen slipcover can act like a buffer, giving your eye a break while still contributing to the overall eclectic vibe.
Anchor with Solids
Sprinkling in some solid pieces among your patterns helps prevent the space from feeling too busy. Think solid-colored lampshades, furniture, or even a large piece of artwork that offers a bit of breathing room.
I like to use solids strategically. If I have a patterned bedspread and a mix of pillows, I’ll throw in one or two solid pillows in complementary colors just to ground the look. It also helps those special prints pop even more.
Let One Pattern Lead
If you’re new to this whole pattern-mixing game, it helps to pick one print to be the star of the show. Maybe it’s a vintage-inspired rug or a floral duvet. Let that piece guide your other choices. You can echo its colors in other smaller patterns, or choose shapes that mimic its design.
This approach works wonders in avoiding overwhelm. It gives you a focal point and makes the rest of the process feel more intentional.
Trust Your Instincts
This is your home. If something makes you smile, you’re doing it right. There’s a lot of advice out there (including this post), but at the end of the day, eclectic style is about reflecting you.
Some of my favorite rooms are ones where the rules were bent a little. A groovy 70s-inspired cushion sits happily next to a traditional toile print. Somehow, it works. Why? Because the person who decorated that space loved both, and that joy translates.
Shop with Curiosity
When looking to add pattern to your home, think beyond the usual big box stores. Yes, you can find great pieces on Amazon (hello, affiliate links!), but don’t skip thrift stores, online vintage shops, local artisans, or even that dusty corner of your grandma’s attic. Mixing old and new is part of what makes eclectic style so soulful.
That said, here are a few easy patterned pieces you can find online to get started:
- Patterned throw pillows: These are low-commitment and instantly transformative.
- Textured or printed area rugs: A great way to define your space and add cozy vibes.
- Mix-material furniture: Think rattan chairs with colorful cushions or a wood-and-metal bookshelf.
- Wall art sets: Combine abstract with photography or retro illustrations.
You can find all of these with a quick Amazon browse … 🛋️🏡
When It All Comes Together
There’s something deeply satisfying about stepping into a room that just feels like home. Not the polished, showroom-perfect kind—but the real, lived-in kind. The one with a story in every corner and a vibe that says, “Yes, this is where you can be yourself.”
That’s the heart of eclectic design. It’s not about perfection or impressing guests. It’s about creating a space where joy, creativity, and comfort collide. And patterns? They’re one of the easiest (and most fun) ways to get there.
So go ahead—pull out that polka-dot pillow, hang that groovy tapestry, and pair it all with a textured pouf that doesn’t match a thing but still belongs. You’re not decorating by the book. You’re creating a vibe. And that, my friend, is the art of living colorfully.
