Prints Charming: How to Mix Prints Like a Design Pro

If the thought of mixing stripes, florals, and geometrics makes your palms sweat, you're not alone. Pattern mixing can feel like high-stakes design roulette but when it’s done well, it transforms a room into something bold, stylish, and undeniably personal!

So how do interior designers make it look so effortless? We’re pulling back the curtain on the secret sauce behind pattern play. Whether you’re working with wallpaper, textiles, or tile, here’s how to layer prints like a pro without losing your mind (or your aesthetic).

Start with a Star Player

Every great ensemble has a standout, and your room is no different. Begin with a hero pattern! This is something bold, beautiful, and brimming with personality. Think oversized florals, an abstract rug, or a graphic wallpaper. This is your anchor, and everything else should play supporting roles.

Designer tip: Choose a print that speaks to you emotionally. If you love it, you’ll be more inspired to build around it.

Color is Queen

Even the most unexpected pattern pairings work when they share a common color story. Stick to two or three dominant hues and weave them through each element. When patterns align chromatically, they feel cohesive—even if the prints themselves are wildly different.

Try this: Pair a navy stripe with a floral that features hints of navy, or balance a blush-toned geometric with a tribal print that echoes that same soft pink.

Play with Scale (This is Where the Magic Happens)

Here’s the rookie mistake: choosing patterns that are all the same size. The trick? Layer large, medium, and small-scale prints to create rhythm and movement. A room with all large-scale patterns feels heavy. All small-scale? Busy and chaotic.

Think of it like a music composition - some parts loud, some soft, all working together to create harmony.

Mix Motifs with Confidence

Contrary to popular belief you can pair polka dots with paisleys. The key is mixing pattern types intentionally: stripes, florals, checks, abstracts. The variety adds depth, but the cohesion comes from your color palette and scale.

Just don’t go overboard. Limit yourself to three pattern families per room to avoid a design identity crisis.

Give the Eye a Place to Rest

Pattern mixing is exciting but even a maximalist needs a breather. That’s where solids and neutrals come in. These quieter elements like a linen sofa, a plain white wall, or a solid throw pillow help balance the business and keep the space feeling grounded.

Insider tip: Neutral doesn’t have to mean beige. Charcoal, sage, or navy can act as grounding tones, too.

Repeat and Echo

A well-designed space tells a cohesive story. One of the easiest ways to connect your patterns is through subtle repetition. Echo a stripe from your drapery in a cushion, or repeat a floral motif in artwork or bedding. These little callbacks keep your space from feeling disjointed.

Texture is Your Secret Weapon

If you’re feeling pattern-shy, try layering with texture. Think nubby boucle, chunky knits, woven rattan, or velvet. Textures add visual interest and dimension, and they behave like patterns just more quietly. They're especially effective in neutral or minimalist spaces.

Try Before You Buy (Seriously)

Before you commit to that $200/yard patterned upholstery, test your swatches together. Lay them out in natural light. Step back. Let them sit for a day. What feels exciting? What clashes? Design is a process so take your time to get it right.

Your Pattern Personality? Let it Shine

Mixing patterns isn’t about following rules, it’s about creating a space that feels alive, layered, and uniquely you. Whether your vibe is eclectic boho or refined classic, pattern play lets you showcase your style in unexpected ways.

Remember: if it feels right, it probably is.

Need a Designer’s Eye?

Want help creating a layered look that’s effortlessly chic? Saint Street offers design consultations to take the guesswork out of decorating. Whether you need help with a single room or a full home refresh, we’ll help you turn your inspiration into reality!

Featured Pattern Mix Ideas to Try Now:

• Floral wallpaper + striped rug + velvet solid armchair

• Geometric tile + textured linen curtains + subtle animal print pillow

• Plaid throw + abstract art + solid moody wall color