8 Playful Patterns to Wake Up To
From floral prints to nautical stripes, use pattern to keep a bedroom looking smart all 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 floral prints to Indonesian-style ikats, there is 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 that 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 bedhead, bedlinen, a wall or the floor, and consider applying one of these on-trend patterns in a textile, timber panel, paint or wallpaper. It could lead to a whole bedroom revamp.
The key is to use pattern in moderation so that 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 bedhead, bedlinen, a wall or the floor, and consider applying one of these on-trend patterns in a textile, timber panel, paint or wallpaper. It could lead to a whole bedroom revamp.
2. Leaf
For a less feminine look, select leafy patterns or abstract motifs from the world of nature, such as dandelions, twigs or gumnuts. Look for patterns that are large and bold in just one colour, or varying tones of the same colour. Experiment with pattern sizes – for example, using a large pattern in a small space can create a hotel-like feeling of grandeur.
For a less feminine look, select leafy patterns or abstract motifs from the world of nature, such as dandelions, twigs or gumnuts. Look for patterns that are large and bold in just one colour, or varying tones of the same colour. Experiment with pattern sizes – for example, using a large pattern in a small space can create a hotel-like feeling of grandeur.
3. Stripes
Stripes are a very simple way to add pattern to a bedroom, especially to add a nautical theme. The can be wide and striking or fine and subtle, depending on the look you are trying to achieve. You can create a classic scheme by using a striped pattern on soft furnishings, such as cushions, bedlinen and curtains. Choose fabrics that feature stripes in varying tones of one colour for a more subtle look, or add bold, bright stripes in contrasting colours for a more dramatic dimension.
Stripes are a very simple way to add pattern to a bedroom, especially to add a nautical theme. The can be wide and striking or fine and subtle, depending on the look you are trying to achieve. You can create a classic scheme by using a striped pattern on soft furnishings, such as cushions, bedlinen and curtains. Choose fabrics that feature stripes in varying tones of one colour for a more subtle look, or add bold, bright stripes in contrasting colours for a more dramatic dimension.
4. Chevron
Chevron pattern consists of a series of continuous zig zag lines. It has been around for a long time, dating back to ancient Greek pottery, but was made fashionable and famous in the 1970s by Italian fashion house Missoni. Since then we have embraced the use of the chevron pattern in our homes.
Try out a chevron patterned bedhead, sheet set or rug in your bedroom. If you choose a rug, ensure its colour dominates the palette. Place it under the bed, as this will help to anchor the rug in the space and make the chevron pattern feel less overpowering.
DESIGNER TIP: Ensure the rug is large enough to extend approximately 300 to 450 millimetres beyond the end and both sides of the bed. Any smaller than this and the rug will look lost and make the space feel unbalanced.
Patterns to partner with chevron
Chevron pattern consists of a series of continuous zig zag lines. It has been around for a long time, dating back to ancient Greek pottery, but was made fashionable and famous in the 1970s by Italian fashion house Missoni. Since then we have embraced the use of the chevron pattern in our homes.
Try out a chevron patterned bedhead, sheet set or rug in your bedroom. If you choose a rug, ensure its colour dominates the palette. Place it under the bed, as this will help to anchor the rug in the space and make the chevron pattern feel less overpowering.
DESIGNER TIP: Ensure the rug is large enough to extend approximately 300 to 450 millimetres beyond the end and both sides of the bed. Any smaller than this and the rug will look lost and make the space feel unbalanced.
Patterns to partner with chevron
5. Herringbone
Herringbone and chevron patterns look similar to each other, however, they differ in the sense that herringbone pattern is made up of an arrangement of individual rectangles arranged in a distinctive ‘V’ shape. As the name suggests, herringbone is similar to a fishbone pattern.
A popular method of introducing herringbone pattern into a space is with timber, generally as flooring. For something different, consider creating a feature wall from reclaimed timber floorboards arranged in a herringbone pattern, as seen here behind the bed.
Herringbone and chevron patterns look similar to each other, however, they differ in the sense that herringbone pattern is made up of an arrangement of individual rectangles arranged in a distinctive ‘V’ shape. As the name suggests, herringbone is similar to a fishbone pattern.
A popular method of introducing herringbone pattern into a space is with timber, generally as flooring. For something different, consider creating a feature wall from reclaimed timber floorboards arranged in a herringbone pattern, as seen here behind the bed.
6. Greek key
As the name suggests, the Greek key pattern originated in ancient Greece. It generally appeared on architectural friezes and on pottery and vases, and symbolises unity and infinity. It is created using one continuous line.
In the bedroom, it is often found on floor rugs or on classic furniture pieces. Here, it features in low-relief on the front of a bureau of drawers.
Go geometric without going overboard
As the name suggests, the Greek key pattern originated in ancient Greece. It generally appeared on architectural friezes and on pottery and vases, and symbolises unity and infinity. It is created using one continuous line.
In the bedroom, it is often found on floor rugs or on classic furniture pieces. Here, it features in low-relief on the front of a bureau of drawers.
Go geometric without going overboard
7. Ikat
Originating in Asia and Africa, it is thought that ikat is a tribal pattern that dates as far back as the 10th century. It is created by a technique that involves dying strands of fabric before they are woven together into special characteristically blurred pattern.
Look for brightly coloured bedlinen with ikat pattern and keep the rest of the space light and neutral. Pick up some of the colour from the pattern in other items such as throw pillows and artwork to tie the look together.
Originating in Asia and Africa, it is thought that ikat is a tribal pattern that dates as far back as the 10th century. It is created by a technique that involves dying strands of fabric before they are woven together into special characteristically blurred pattern.
Look for brightly coloured bedlinen with ikat pattern and keep the rest of the space light and neutral. Pick up some of the colour 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 bedroom, designed by California-based Lindye Galloway, also features in a vintage gold chandelier, the teal bedhead and the geometric patterned rug.
TELL US
What patterns have you embraced in your bedroom? Share photos or tell us all about them in the Comments section.
MORE
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The gold polka dot ceiling treatment in this modern regency bedroom, designed by California-based Lindye Galloway, also features in a vintage gold chandelier, the teal bedhead and the geometric patterned rug.
TELL US
What patterns have you embraced in your bedroom? Share photos or tell us all about them in the Comments section.
MORE
12 Decorating Tips to Make Any Bedroom Look Better
Restful Bedroom Schemes Strike Gold
Mix Master: How to Clash Prints and Patterns Like a Pro
Floral patterns can be feminine and delicate or edgy and bold, depending on what pattern you choose and the look you want to achieve. For a contemporary feel, impressionistic floral patterns will probably work best, while traditionally styled bedrooms will benefit from more realistic patterns.
Try not to be too ‘matchy-matchy’ with floral patterns. Layer them up with geometric patterns to help balance the femininity of florals, or select a solid colour that features in the floral pattern and use it between layers. This approach will help tie the whole look together.
Florals for a contemporary home