Decorating with pillows is an easy and affordable way to quickly transform any space. The key is selecting pillow patterns and colors that complement each other to create a cohesive and stylish look. With so many options to choose from, it can be tricky to figure out which patterns pair best together. This article covers 17 foolproof pillow pattern combinations to help you mix and match like a pro.
Classic Stripes and Florals
One of the most traditional and timeless pillow pattern pairings is stripes and florals. The linear nature of stripes works perfectly with the soft, organic shapes of floral prints. Be sure the colors in both patterns coordinate and contain some of the same hues for a more cohesive look. Try combining:
- Blue and white stripes with a floral featuring blue, pink, and green blooms
- Black and white buffalo check with red rose florals
- Nautical navy and white stripes with tropical leaf prints
Mixing different scales of stripes from wide and bold to thin pinstripes can add extra visual interest too. Go for florals in both large and small-scale prints to balance it out.
Polka Dots and Florals
Another classic pillow pattern pairing is polka dots with florals. The playful polka dots complement and contrast with the romantic florals beautifully. Make sure to repeat some coordinating colors between the dot and floral patterns.
- Navy polka dots on a white background with pink peony florals
- Red dots on a neutral background with blue botanical prints
- Rainbow polka dots with watercolor flower splashes
Varying the size of the dots keeps this look interesting. Stick mostly to solid color polka dots with just one or two patterns mixed in.
Che Chevron and Horizontal Stripes
The sharp angular lines of chevron patterns pair seamlessly with bold horizontal stripes. The color blocks created by both prints have a modern graphic feel. Keep the color scheme cohesive between the patterns for the biggest impact.
- Black and white chevron with thin blue stripes
- Red and navy chevron with coordinating blue pinstripes
- Neutral chevron with earth-toned stripe patterns
This works well in children’s rooms too. Try colorful chevrons with coordinating solid stripes. Mix in a few textured knit pillows to soften the geometric patterns.
Plaids and Buffalo Checks
Both buffalo checks and plaids have a classic preppy vibe, making them ideal pairing partners. The crisscross lines and checkered grids complement each other beautifully. Pick plaids and checks in the same color family for a pulled-together look.
- Red, Navy and tan plaid with red and navy buffalo check
- Hunter green, Navy and taupe plaid with gray and white check
- Bright multicolored madras plaids with black and white checks
To prevent this pattern pairing from feeling too busy, choose predominantly two-color plaids and checks in similar color blocking.
Modern Geometric and Abstracts
For contemporary pattern mixing, combine graphic modern geometrics with abstract prints and shapes. The pairing creates impactful dimension and depth. Use patterns in the same color palette so they flow together seamlessly.
- Black and white aztec prints with gray and white abstract splatter designs
- Blue rectangles and squares with tonal blue abstract watercolor blobs
- Paint splatter prints with abstract shapes and lines in analogous colors
This edgy pattern pairing works in modern, industrial and eclectic spaces. The key is combining graphic prints with artistic abstract designs.
Global Boho and Exotic Florals
Mixing boho prints like global motifs and ikats with large scale exotic floral prints creates an eye-catching globally inspired pairing. The patterns share an artistic vibe while the scale contrast adds interest.
- Turkish inspired tiles with oversized pink peonies
- Blue and white Moroccan tiles with watercolor flowers
- Ikat chevrons with orange hibiscus blooms
This exciting pattern pairing brings drama and vibrance to a space. Keep the color palette consistent between patterns and add in some coordinating solids.
Modern Paisleys and Abstracts
Give traditional paisley patterns a modern twist by pairing them with abstract prints. The pairing adds movement and contrast. Choose boldly colored or graphic black and white paisleys along with coordinating abstracts.
- Red, orange and yellow paisley with modern art abstracts
- Teal and blue oversized paisleys with green and blue abstract Terrazo
- Black and white oversized paisleys with gray sculptural abstracts
Varying the scale between large statement paisleys and smaller allover abstracts keeps the eye moving.
Damask and Animal Prints
Pairing traditional damask designs with fun animal prints creates a bold and unexpected combo. The patterns share intricate details yet contrast in vibe and scale. Choose damasks with some color to coordinate with leopard spots or zebra stripes.
- Metallic gold damask with leopard print in browns and blacks
- Blue and yellow damask with zebra stripes in shades of blue
- Blush pink damask with snakeskin prints in pinks and grays
Damask patterns lend traditional refinement while animal prints bring in warmth and playfulness.
Wool Textures and Kilim Motifs
Mixing cozy textured knit pillows with flat-woven Kilim pillows creates tempting tactile and visual contrast. Coordinate the color stories between both patterns for a harmonious pairing.
- Ivory cable knit pillows with multicolored Kilim patterns
- Charcoal and navy woolen knits with tribal Kilim prints
- Neutral chunky knits with abstract woven Kilim designs
The pairing of soft and nubby with flat-woven gives rooms a collected feel. Kilim’s tribal patterns also complement wool knit’s organic texture beautifully.
Plaid Flannel and Buffalo Check
For a cozy cabin vibe, combine buffalo check and plaid flannel pillows. The small and large check scales pair nicely together. Stick to classic color combos like red, black, tan and navy for that comfy rustic look.
- Red and black buffalo check with coordinating red plaid flannel
- Navy and gray check with gray and navy plaid
- Hunter green and navy check with windowpane plaid
Add in a few faux fur pillows for extra warmth and texture. This check and plaid pairing gives family rooms, porches and vacation homes a welcoming feel.
Watercolors and Batiks
Pairing fluid watercolor designs with batik’s saturated color blocking creates flow and contrast. Both techniques result in soft blurred edges that complement each other beautifully.
- Neutral tan and gray watercolors with indigo blue batiks
- Rainbow watercolor washes with earthy brown batik patterns
- Delicate floral watercolors with abstract batik designs
The pairing works especially well in boho and eclectic spaces. Play with mixing both small and large-scale prints.
Ethnic Ikat and Tribal Suzani
Traditional ikat weaving and suzani embroidery patterns beautifully capture global textile traditions. Combining both designs creates a globally eclectic vibe.
- Uzbek suzanis with coordinating blue and white ikat patterns
- Tribal Caucasian suzani embroidery with oversized ikat florals
- Multicolor tribal suzanis with ikat stripes and shapes
The rich cultural histories of both suzanis and ikats make them ideal for mixing and pairing. Keep colors and patterns complementary to tie the look together.
Modern Graphic and Geometric Solids
Pair graphic mod patterned pillows with solid geometric and textural pillows to create playful contrast in modern spaces. Coordinate colors between the pillows for cohesion.
- Black and white graphic starburst prints with fuzzy solid gray pillows
- Printed rectangles and squares with coordinating solid triangle and circle velvet pillows
- Bold graphic florals with coordinating nubby linen and velvet solids
The pairing adds great texture, dimension, and color to contemporary rooms. Mix graphic black and white pillows with bright solid pops.
Pretty Pastels and Pompoms
For a soft and playful pillow combo, mix pastel tone prints with fluffy colorful pompoms. The pairing adds both color and whimsical texture.
- Solid pastel pillows with colorful pompom trims
- Watercolor pastel florals with wool pompoms in coordinating hues
- Ombre pastel plaids with white fluffy pompoms
This pairing is perfect for kids rooms, nurseries and feminine boho spaces. Try mixing pretty floral prints with pompoms in accent colors pulled from the florals.
Modern Moroccan and Global Boho
Pairing boho pillows featuring global pattern mixes creates an eclectic vibe. Moroccan motifs, Turkish tiles, and suzani embroidery all work seamlessly together.
- Multi-patterned Moroccan wedding blankets with Ikats and Suzanis
- Turkish tiles with antique suzani embroidery
- Colorful kilim pillows with modern graphic Moroccan patterns
With such intricate patterning, focus on coordinating colors between pillows to tie the look together. The pairing brings a vibrant world traveler vibe to a space.
Faded Vintage Florals and Worn Leather
For farmhouse chic style, mix printed floral pillows with distressed leather pillows. The soft faded florals contrast beautifully with the worn leather’s patina.
- Antique-looking faded roses and daisies with distressed brown leather
- Vintage inspired floral medallions with worn black leather pillows
- Pretty spring blooms with ivory and tan leather pillows
Leather’s texture combined with the charming floral prints creates cozy vintage appeal. Add some burlap and linen textures for extra farmhouse character.
Putting It All Together
When mixing and matching pillow patterns, varying textures, shapes and sizes along with creative pattern combinations keeps a space lively and interesting. Follow these pro tips:
- Pick 2-4 coordinating patterns in the same color family
- Repeat some colors between patterns for cohesion
- Mix and match pillow scales and shapes
- Combine geometric, organic and graphic prints
- Add in a few textural solids like velvet or linen
- Limit patterns to 2-3 per pillow to avoid busyness
Following this foolproof pillow pattern playbook will have you mixing and matching pillows like an expert in no time! Have fun creating stunning pattern combinations that reflect your personal style.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest way to mix pillow patterns?
Start by choosing 2-3 coordinating patterns limited to 2-3 colors from the same color family. Repeating some colors between patterns creates cohesion.
What makes a good pillow pattern combination?
Effective pillow pattern combos combine contrasting styles like florals with geometrics or tribal patterns with plaids. Varying pattern scales and mixing different textures also creates interest.
How many different pillow patterns should you mix?
Limit pillow patterns in one sitting area to 2-4 designs for best results. Any more than that and things start to look too busy or mismatched.
What color pillows go with everything?
Neutral solid pillows in creams, whites, browns and black work with pretty much any pillow pattern combination and make a great base.
Should you mix patterned and solid pillows?
Yes, combining 2-3 printed pillows with several solid textural pillows in coordinating colors helps anchor busy patterns.
Conclusion
Creative pillow pattern pairing allows you to put your own signature style on a space. Following basic color and pattern mixing principles keeps the look cohesive. Start with these pro tips and recommended pattern combinations, then have fun designing your own foolproof pairings. The right mix of prints and textures makes transform any room from boring to beautiful in an instant.
