How to Use Prints: The Secret to Mixing Patterns Like a Designer
Prints have the power to transform any space, adding depth, personality, and visual intrigue. Whether you're drawn to bold florals, timeless stripes, or playful geometric designs, prints can be used in countless ways to bring a fresh and dynamic look to your home. But knowing how to use prints without overwhelming your space is key.
Gone are the days of playing it safe with solids—layering prints is the modern way to create a visually rich and personalized home. The trick? Balance, coordination, and a little bit of confidence. Whether you’re experimenting with statement wallpaper, patterned upholstery, or a simple set of printed throw pillows, mastering the art of mixing prints will give your home an effortlessly stylish edge.
If you’re ready to embrace the world of prints but unsure where to start, we’ve got you covered. This guide will walk you through how to use prints in a way that feels intentional, sophisticated, and well-balanced.
1. How to Use Prints: Stick to a Cohesive Color Palette
The easiest way to make multiple prints work together? Keep your color scheme consistent. A well-curated palette ensures that different prints blend harmoniously rather than clash.
Start by choosing a base color—whether it’s neutral tones like beige and gray or bolder hues like navy or emerald green. Then, layer in prints that share similar undertones or complementary shades. For example, pairing soft blush floral prints with deep burgundy and muted rose creates a warm and cohesive aesthetic.
If you’re unsure, monochromatic schemes (prints in different shades of the same color) are a foolproof approach to keeping things stylish and balanced.
2. How to Use Prints: Mix Different Pattern Sizes
A common mistake when working with prints is using patterns that are all the same scale. This can make a space feel overly busy and chaotic. Instead, mix different pattern sizes to create contrast and dimension.
For example, if you have a bold, large-scale floral wallpaper, balance it with smaller, more delicate prints on your throw pillows or rugs. Stripes and geometric patterns often pair well with more intricate designs, adding structure and stability to the overall look.
The key is variety—let one print take center stage while others play supporting roles.
3. How to Use Prints: Balance with Solids
Too many prints without a break can feel overwhelming. To avoid visual overload, introduce solid-colored elements that allow your patterns to breathe.
For instance, if your sofa is covered in a bold botanical print, balance it with solid-colored cushions in coordinating shades. If you have a patterned rug, keep your curtains or upholstery simple. These solids act as visual “resting points,” ensuring your prints remain eye-catching rather than overpowering.
4. How to Use Prints: Play with Texture
Prints don’t just belong on fabric or wallpaper—texture itself can be a form of pattern. Woven textiles, embossed wallpaper, and textured ceramics all create visual interest without relying solely on printed designs.
A boucle throw blanket, a rattan coffee table, or a marble countertop all introduce pattern in a subtle way. Layering these textures with traditional prints can add depth and sophistication to a room without feeling overwhelming.
5. How to Use Prints: Distribute Patterns Evenly
Avoid concentrating prints in just one area of the room. Instead, spread them evenly throughout the space to create balance and cohesion.
For example, if you’re using a patterned area rug, pick up similar motifs in your curtains or upholstery. If your wallpaper features a bold design, incorporate that color or theme elsewhere—like in your artwork or accent pieces. This technique ensures that prints don’t feel like isolated statements but rather an integrated part of your overall design.
6. How to Use Prints: Layer Different Print Styles
Mixing different types of prints can add richness to a space—just be strategic about it. The best print combinations often include a mix of organic and structured designs.
Try pairing a floral print with stripes, or a geometric pattern with an abstract motif. This interplay of styles keeps the space from feeling too “matchy” and instead makes it look curated and intentional.
A great rule of thumb? If one pattern is detailed and intricate, balance it with something more simple and structured.
7. How to Use Prints: Start Small if You’re Unsure
Not ready to commit to a patterned wallpaper or printed sofa? Start small. Printed throw pillows, blankets, lampshades, or even decorative trays can be an easy way to dip your toes into the world of prints.
This way, you can experiment with different patterns without a major investment. Once you find a combination you love, you can gradually incorporate larger elements like curtains, rugs, or wallpaper.
8. How to Use Prints: Use Prints to Highlight Architectural Features
Prints can be an excellent way to draw attention to architectural elements in your home. Try using wallpaper to emphasize built-in bookshelves, alcoves, or the back of a glass cabinet.
A boldly patterned tile backsplash can turn an ordinary kitchen into a statement space, while a printed runner on a staircase can highlight its structure beautifully. Strategic placement of prints can enhance and define the existing features of your home.
9. How to Use Prints: Think Beyond Traditional Textiles
When we think of prints, we often imagine them on fabric—curtains, rugs, upholstery. But prints can extend far beyond textiles.
Consider using patterned tiles for a kitchen backsplash, printed wallpaper for a ceiling, or even a stenciled pattern on hardwood floors. These unexpected applications add creativity and uniqueness to your home.
10. How to Use Prints: Be Fearless and Have Fun
At the end of the day, design should bring you joy. If you love a particular print, don’t be afraid to use it. Home décor is about self-expression, and prints offer an amazing way to showcase your personality.
Take risks, play with patterns, and most importantly—have fun with it. The best spaces are the ones that feel uniquely yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I mix prints without making my home look cluttered?
Stick to a cohesive color palette, vary pattern sizes, and incorporate solids to balance the look.
What are some classic print combinations that always work?
Stripes + florals, geometric + abstract, polka dots + plaids—these all create contrast while maintaining balance.
Can I mix multiple prints in one small space?
Yes! Just be mindful of scale. Pair one dominant print with smaller, subtler ones to avoid overwhelming the space.
Need Expert Help? Work with BY Design And Viz!
If you’re ready to refresh your home but need guidance, our expert interior designers at BY Design And Viz can help! Whether you’re incorporating prints, planning a full-scale renovation, or simply looking for inspiration, we offer personalized design solutions tailored to your style and space.
