The power of pattern holds a special place in human history. Scholars agree that pattern recognition helped early humans survive by allowing us to predict our environment and solve problems. (For instance, imagine the benefit in distinguishing between predator and prey or recognizing where a food source renews itself every year.)
Beyond survival, patterns of all kinds can have a deeply pleasing and soothing effect on our brains. Think about the rhythms and recurring chorus of a song you love, the satisfaction of a neatly organized space, or the impact of a ritual that grounds you. Visual patterns are also a mainstay of art and design. Adorning interiors around the world, patterned furnishings, accessories, and art let us liven up our spaces with a pop of style.
If you’re curious to incorporate patterns into your home but need help in getting started, we’ve got you covered. Below is our guide to designing with patterns, big or small, for any aesthetic taste. Featuring tips from Maurice Brantley and Will Joffroy, sales associates and design experts at Copenhagen Tucson, this post goes over common patterns, practical advice, and product recommendations.
There is a plethora of reasons why you should consider accessorizing with patterns. They can create visual interest and enhance the aesthetic of a room, often adding a touch of energy. Patterned items form natural focal points, drawing the eye around a space and making it feel multilayered and dynamic. Because so many different patterns exist, patterned prints are a prime opportunity for expressing your unique style and personality.
Though any repeated element can form a pattern, here are some of the most well-loved and widely used, featuring examples from the Copenhagen collection.
Stripes: Clean and versatile, stripes can coordinate with nearly any design theme. See our sleek, louvered Corridor TV Stand or colorful Omaggio Nuovo Vase.
Dots: Dotted patterns add a pop of fun and playfulness to their surroundings. Embrace the vibe with our soft Dotto Rug or bold Earthtone Spots Vase.
Geometric: These eye-catching designs are great for jazzing up modern spaces. Geometric patterns can vary from the circuit-board print of the Beckett Office Chair to the harlequin design of the Anneli Pillow.
Floral: Soft and elegant, floral patterns bring blooming beauty to your home year-round. Try our Fused Floral Charger for a vibrant accessory.
Organic: Featuring waves, curves, or other natural motifs, these patterns have a soothing, laid-back feel. The Lavander Sideboard is an exquisite example, crafted in Italy.
Abstract: Whether bold or subtle, abstract patterns create a unique, artistic effect. Our modern art-inspired Paressi Vase is an instant conversation piece.
If you’re looking to spruce up your interior with pattern play, here are some designer-approved tips for unlocking the possibilities of patterns in your home.
1. Work with your existing color palette and aesthetic.
“When collaborating with clients, I start by asking about their space,” says Will Joffroy. “What are their flooring and walls like? What are they working with in terms of paint colors and furniture colors that are already set? From there, we can better understand how to approach patterns.”
By identifying the main hues in a room’s color palette, you can ensure any new patterns will harmonize. A pattern that unifies all the colors in your palette will look especially pleasing. Think too about your design theme and ambiance – for instance, floral patterns can shine in a room with a more ornate, traditional look, while plaid amplifies the coziness of a rustic interior.
2. Start small.
“For clients who are feeling unsure, I tell them they don’t have to make a big commitment to a vivid pattern in upholstery if they’re not comfortable,” says Maurice Brantley. “But that’s a great opportunity for pillows, throw blankets, vases, and other accessories – and let’s not forget about all the great artwork we carry.”
Smaller pieces are ideal for experimentation because they can be easily moved around or switched out depending on your preferences. You could place a fun pillow like Sphere on your sofa, or a striking vase like Artura on a sideboard. For mid-size pieces, try some wall art like Laviano, with its blend of figurative and abstract styles, or a funky accent chair like the bright and cheerful Namy or the geometric-print Ludo.
3. Incorporate subtle patterns for an understated accent.
Joffroy says, “Often, when we think of patterns, we think of chevron, houndstooth, and the like. But textures in material can also create a subtle pattern. You can see this when you look closely at boucle fabric or the grain on leather, for example.”
Indeed, thinking of texture or the natural variations in material as forms of patterning can expand your design possibilities and introduce multisensory layers to your space. Consider a piece like the Bella Clara Bed – its headboard combines laser-cut wood and stitched eco-leather that form subtle striped and zigzag patterns. The Ripple Console boasts a carved front that resembles ocean waves, while the inlaid wood grain of the Oliana Table forms a symmetrical design like a snowflake or sunburst.
4. If you’re ready, go big and bold.
“For dedicated pattern lovers who want to make a bold statement, you can opt for a larger patterned item that forms your focal point,” says Brantley. “This is where you can really take a chance, but if you’re willing to jump in, we can help you.”
Brantley is a particular fan of Italian manufacturer Egoitaliano for their unique upholstery options. Their sofas, chairs, and sectionals can be special-ordered in a wide array of patterned fabrics, like the multicolored Frenzy fabric of the Namy, or the orange and burgundy Grimaldi fabric of the Ludo.
A patterned area rug can be another daring design choice that instantly elevates a room’s aesthetic. Take a look at the striking, snakeskin-inspired Sedona Diamondback Rug or the jewel-toned splashes of color on the Bayshore Granada Rug.
5. Remember repetition.
You may find it more aesthetically pleasing to repeat the same or a similar pattern in multiple places in a room, rather than having only a single instance of it. For instance, one patterned pillow in a room of solid colors will stick out, but having a similar pattern on the rug, curtains, or artwork will help the overall design feel more intentional and cohesive.
6. Explore what the world has to offer – while staying culturally aware.
Both Joffroy and Brantley praise the beauty and craftsmanship of indigenous artwork and patterns. “I think the art and geometry that goes into Native American rugs and handicrafts from around the world are fascinating,” says Joffroy. “I’d love to see more of that at Copenhagen, if we did it in a manner that is respectful of the work.”
Brantley agrees, highlighting the ways in which indigenous patterns can mesh with modern design. “In many customers’ homes, we see Native American patterns and rugs, and their geometry really lends itself well to contemporary furniture. It’s just a matter of doing it harmoniously and making sure the art is respected.”
If you’re interested in incorporating Native artwork and accessories into your home, it’s highly recommended to buy directly from Native artists or reputable galleries. Educating yourself on the cultural significance, meanings, and traditions surrounding the pieces you’re purchasing is another way to respectfully engage.
Featuring more than one pattern in a space can create visual intrigue and a dynamic, eclectic vibe. To successfully mix patterns, the best approach will thoughtfully balance cohesion with contrast.
A cohesive color palette in the room as a whole is essential to provide unity. Make sure there are enough solid colors to visually anchor the space – neutrals are often a good choice as a blank canvas for patterns to shine. What’s more, keeping patterns visually or thematically similar is often a safe bet, such as plaid paired with stripes, or a floral pattern with a leaf pattern.
On the other hand, contrast is also necessary for a multi-patterned space to feel balanced. Play around with juxtaposing larger scale patterns with smaller ones, complex patterns with simple ones, and high-contrast patterns with subtle ones. If you’re a design beginner, you may want to stick to 3 or 4 patterns in a room for your maximum, since more than that may start to feel chaotic.
If you still feel unsure, you can ask for help from one of our interior designers or design experts to guide you in the right direction. Advances in technology like virtual floorplanning software or Augmented Reality can also help visualize the look of a room.