How to Mix Prints and Patterns Like a Pro
Pattern mixing might seem like a bold move, but when done right, it can transform a room from predictable to full of personality. The best part? You don’t need to be an interior designer to pull it off, you just need to understand a few key principles and have the confidence to trust your instincts.
Whether you're a maximalist at heart or simply looking to add a fresh layer of interest to your space, learning how to mix prints and patterns in home decor can completely elevate your interior style. This expressive approach isn’t just about making a statement, it’s about creating harmony through contrast, depth through detail, and personality through pattern.
Why pattern mixing works
Decorating with a mix of prints and patterns is a layered, expressive, and often deeply personal design style. It draws from traditional layering techniques, global influences, and a love of artistic expression. From the patchwork of bohemian interiors to the elegance of English country homes, pattern play has long been used to bring rhythm, warmth, and soul to a space.
As home design shifts toward individuality and comfort, it’s no surprise that more people are embracing this playful, layered approach. Mixing patterns isn’t about sticking to a formula, it’s about finding that sweet spot between contrast and cohesion.
So, what’s the rule for mixing patterns? There isn’t just one. But understanding scale, color harmony, and visual contrast will take you far. Ready to dive in? Here’s our top tips on how to mix prints and patterns in home decor across three popular interior design styles.
Vintage charm
Cottagecore, shabby chic, and vintage-inspired styles are a natural fit for pattern play. Think soft floral wallpaper paired with gingham cushions, lace-edged linens, and antique-style furniture. It’s all about layering muted tones and delicate motifs to create a cozy, lived-in look that feels both romantic and authentic.
Start with a wallpaper that features vintage florals or botanical sketches to set the tone. Then build in texture through embroidered linens, ditsy-print throws, and subtly patterned rugs. This style thrives on charm and comfort, so don’t stress about everything matching perfectly.
Image Credit - @ourss9
Maximalist energy
Mixing patterns in a maximalist style is where creativity can truly take center stage. This style thrives on contrast but the key is scale and color. This approach isn’t about rules, it’s about rhythm. Break it up with solids or texture to keep the energy balanced, and consider the Double Drenching trend to complement.
Wondering what patterns go well together in this style? Stripes and florals, for example, are a timeless combo. So are animal prints with geometrics. The trick is to vary the scale, pairing a large wallpaper motif with smaller, tighter patterns in soft furnishings to create rhythm and flow.
Start with a statement wallpaper, then, layer in saturated hues and bold textiles: velvet sofas, patterned rugs, and even painted ceilings. It sounds daring, but when colors echo each other, it keeps everything feeling intentional rather than overwhelming. Feeling brave? Try mixing two wallpaper patterns in the same room, just like @tatt.family. She embraced a cowgirl theme by pairing our Moo Monochrome and Jessie Light Pink designs, then pulled everything together with a pink-toned palette for a cohesive, playful finish.
Image Credit - @tatt.family
Subtle meets striking
If you love the idea of pattern but prefer a more restrained look, let your wallpaper play a supporting role and introduce bold prints through statement furniture and accessories. Opt for a wallpaper design like a striped, checked, or tonal pattern, and build contrast with expressive decor.
Picture a refined yet striking wallpaper like our Maranoa Pink, paired with a patterned armchair, a bold graphic rug, or colorful statement cushions. A beautiful real-life example comes from @number7treeview’s home, where she styled our Zen Neutral mural with printed soft furnishings, patterned lampshades, and bold decor accents.
Image Credit - @number7treeview
The joy of decorating with mixed patterns
There’s no one-size-fits-all rulebook when it comes to how to mix prints and patterns in home decor. But when you start with a patterned wallpaper that captures your style, the rest of the design journey becomes a joy. Whether you lean into romantic vintage layers, go all out with bold maximalist flair, or sprinkle in a few graphic prints against a pared-back backdrop, your space will tell a story that feels completely personal.