Unless you are a home decorator, the thought of using multiple fabrics in a space can be a little intimidating. It doesn’t have to be though. In fact, simply understanding some basic principles about mixing colors, patterns, and textures in your home can make it much easier to step outside the comfort zone of neutrals. Let’s take a look at how to use multiple fabrics cohesively in your space.
Create a Color Palette
We make several decisions based on color, so it’s no surprise that creating a color palette is the best place to begin. Always remember that your style (not the style of others) is what needs to be expressed in the space. Also, remember that jumping on each trend that comes by can be a mistake. Trends come and go quickly, so create a foundational scheme that will be timeless and then build upon it with the season’s hottest colors.Â
When narrowing down your color selections, be sure to choose colors that make you happy. If you have a favorite color and want to use it, use it! If you aren’t sure what colors to even start with, consider ordering some swatches, picking up some paint chips, or browsing websites like Pantone who provides seasonal palettes each year.Â
Use a Variety of Pattern Sizes
Patterns were made to be mixed but if the scale doesn’t make sense, then you could end up with decor disaster on your hands. For example, you wouldn’t want to pair two large patterns together. Instead, it would be wise to pair a large pattern with a small one to give the space a cohesive look. Additionally, it’s important to know how and where the fabric will be used. This will help ensure the pattern fits the piece it’s covering.
Some quick tips to guide you on scale:
- Small-scale patterns will be easily mistaken for a texture or a solid if used in a large room and large-scale patterns will overpower small spaces and look fragmented on small pieces.
- Medium-scale patterns work for large and small rooms.
- Use stripes to add height or width.
Build Layers of Textures
Texture plays a huge role in visual interest. And because it does, the textures you choose also need to vary. A great place to start layering textures is with pillows. As you become more confident, incorporate more textures throughout the space by way of window treatments or a reupholstered chair. Use swatches to mix and match until you have your favorites.
The Rule of Three
If you truly want to use multiple fabrics cohesively, do your best to stick to the rule of three, meaning limit yourself to three (no more than four) fabric choices. Adding solids will help balance everything out. Finally, don’t try to match all of the colors. Instead, create visual interest by finding colors that blend and complement one another. Have a color you absolutely love and want to use in big ways? Instead of going all-in with that single color, opt for different shades of that color so it fills the space in a way that doesn’t come across as overpowering.Â
How to Achieve Optimal Results
Even with the above tips, incorporating a mix of textiles in your home can still be intimidating for some people, especially if they’re just starting out. Granted, with time, you can get it. But if you’d rather get fast results as well as results that look amazing, a surefire way to do that is to have certain items custom made.Â
Not only is it easy to have items custom made, but it’s also the best option when you can’t find something you love. Plus, it saves you hours of scouring the internet or driving around town trying to piece together the look you have in mind for your home.Â
The good news is that Cutting Corners has just what you need to achieve optimal results. From discount designer fabrics to pillow inserts to custom furniture, we have something that will turn your home into a thing of beauty. We also have a wide array of area rugs that can serve beautifully as a pattern in space where you’d prefer to keep your fabric choices a little more on the neutral side.Â
When the time comes to start making those fabric updates, be sure to stop by our showroom or browse our lovely selection online.Â
