Eclectic style in interior design refers to spaces that creatively combine various décor elements from different eras and cultures. An eclectic room often has a layered, collected look, incorporating vintage, modern, and diverse cultural pieces. This style values curated clutter over minimalism, prioritizing personal expression over rigid rules. Eclectic décor requires an artistic eye and bold confidence to pull off seamlessly. When executed successfully, eclectic interiors feel personal, warm, and welcoming. They tell a unique story about the homeowner’s tastes and travels.
Defining Eclectic Style
What exactly is eclectic style?
Eclectic style defies easy categorization. It borrows freely from various eras and cultures, mixing and matching with creative abandon. There is no unified theme or consistency to eclectic décor. Instead, diversity and contrast are celebrated. Furnishings may range from family heirlooms to flea market finds to modern statement pieces. Global designs from Moroccan patterns to Scandinavian minimalism come together in eclectic rooms. This style values the rule-breaking spirit and appreciates decorative items for their sentimental or artistic merit over a uniform look. Each piece tells a story, combining to form a personalized space.
Key elements of eclectic décor:
- Vintage and antique pieces from different eras: ornate Baroque mirrors, retro mid-century armchairs, rustic farmhouse tables, etc.
- Handcrafted and artisanal objects: ceramic vases, macrame wall hangings, woven baskets, etc.
- Diverse cultural artifacts: Turkish kilim pillows, French café signs, Balinese figurines, etc.
- Furnishings in a mix of designs: sleek modern sofa alongside cozy vintage armchairs, industrial metal stools by the farmhouse dining table, etc.
- Layering of decorative accessories like piles of books, framed photos, small sculptures, candles, flowers, etc.
- Bold, contrasting patterns and textures: herringbone wood floors, Moroccan tile, animal hide rugs, textured pillows, etc.
Unlike minimalism which values negative space, eclectic style fills the eye with richness and visual interest. Rooms feel curated yet personal, decorated with pieces that have meaning. It embraces imperfection and prizes comfort and character over pristine aesthetics.
Mixing Eras and Cultures
Spanning eras:
A hallmark of eclectic décor is blending furniture and objects from different eras. An eclectic living room might incorporate:
- Vintage: ornamental gilded mirror, tufted Victorian sofa, Persian rug, distressed leather armchair
- Mid-century: sculptural table lamps, velvet tuxedo sofa, abstract wall art
- Industrial: metal and wood coffee table, apothecary chest, Edison bulb pendant lights
- Contemporary: lush houseplants, bold graphic pillows, ceramic garden stools
Despite the age differences, the items share a common thread of character and craftsmanship. Grouped together thoughtfully, they create an inviting space with multi-layered charm.
Crossing cultures:
Another aspect of eclectic decorating is blending objects from diverse cultures. For example:
- Japanese: bonsai tree, silk print pillows, origami wall art
- Middle Eastern: Turkish kilim rug, brass morrocan lamps, enamel pottery
- Tropical: rattan chair, banana leaf prints, carved masks
- Bohemian: dreamcatchers, tapestry wall hanging, beaded curtains
- Scandinavian: light woods, minimalist ceramics, fur throws
Together, these multicultural pieces foster a sense of curiosity and global allure. It’s about appreciating beauty across borders. Display artifacts acquired from travels to add personal meaning.
Mixing Styles and Materials
Eclectic interiors shouldn’t look haphazard. The key is finding the connective threads between disparate elements and creating purposeful vignettes.
Blending materials:
Think beyond furniture styles and consider the textures and materials used in an eclectic space:
- Roughhewn wood dining table
- Polished concrete floors
- Brick accent wall
- Clawfoot bathtub
- Crystal chandelier
- Leather chesterfield sofa
- Macrame wall hanging
- Handwoven rug
Varying tactile and visual qualities prevent a room from feeling too homogenous. The contrasts add character and dimension.
Mixing old and new:
Eclectic rooms artfully integrate vintage and contemporary pieces. For example:
- Industrial metal floor lamp + tufted lounge chair
- Marble coffee table + abstract wall sculpture
- Distressed display cabinets + sleek track lighting
- Farmhouse dining table + colorful molded chairs
- Ornate mirror + minimalist sideboard
Blending classic with current creates dynamic spaces with visual tension and balance. Old and new can fuse into something fresh and inspired.
Arranging with Artistic Flair
Thoughtful vignettes:
Eclectic decorating relies on creating purposeful vignettes, or distinct arrangements of furnishings and objects. Group pieces based on:
- Related color palette
- Complementary textures
- Shared cultural style or era
- Visual weight and size
- Functional purpose like dining
For example, a corner could contain: a woven rug, velvet armchair, white orchid, antique books, brass lantern.
Pleasing compositions:
Think of eclectic vignettes as curated still life paintings. Compose each area in an aesthetically pleasing way with balanced proportions and clearly defined focal points. Use principles like the rule of three, asymmetry, and varied scales. Make some groupings feel lush and bursting with layers, while allowing breathing room elsewhere.
Artful displays:
Eclectic rooms tend to feature artful arrangements of meaningful collectibles. Display them in creative ways:
- Floating shelves showing off curios, books, and plants
- Walls grouping vintage paintings, sconces, and decó mirrors
- Glass cabinets filled with colorful ceramic pieces
- Bookcases styled with framed photos and sculptures
Such displays add personalized touches to ground the assortment of furnishings.
The Layered Eclectic Look
Rich textures:
Texture takes on heightened importance in eclectic interiors. Use tactile textiles and surfaces to warm up spaces and create cozy layers. Consider:
- Thick-knit throw blankets
- Shearling pillows
- Natural fiber rugs like jute, sisal, or wool
- Wood elements like rustic coffee tables
- Ceramic vases and bowls
- Leather ottomans or woven poufs
- Macrame wall hangings
- Linen or velvet curtains
Combining and contrasting multiple textures prevents sparsely furnished minimalist spaces and adds depth.
Abundant accessories:
Don’t be afraid to decorate abundantly in the eclectic style. Pile on the accessories:
- Books and coffee table tomes
- Vases of fresh flowers
- Scented candles
- Trays displaying trinkets
- Stacks of decorative boxes
- Vintage framed maps or posters
- Small sculptures or bowls of shells
- Collected artwork on every wall
Limit knickknacks to items with personal history or artistic flair. Quality over quantity.
Cozy furnishings:
In eclectic spaces, furniture provides ample comfort. Choose plush pieces like:
- Deep stuffed sofas and lounge chairs
- Tufted ottomans as extra seating
- Poufs piled with pillows
- Wingback chairs by the fireplace
- Chaise lounges for reading nooks
Curate seating areas with character, playing with proportion and styles for intrigue.
Eclectic Style Color Schemes
Color finishes connect the diverse décor. Build a cohesive palette with:
Earthy neutrals like beige, brown, tan, and cream. They serve as versatile backdrops.
Pops of color from pillows, art, flowers, and accessories. Opt for rich jewel tones, bright global patterns, or vivid contemporary hues.
Metallic accents like brass, gold, silver, pewter, and copper. Metallic finishes give a glam touch.
Natural wood tones in oak, walnut, maple, rustic pine, etc. Varying wood grains provide warmth.
Surprising combinations like pale pink walls with emerald accents, brick walls with cobalt blues, vibrant kilim rugs, or glossy lacquered finishes.
Global Eclectic Décor
Worldly artifacts:
Fill your eclectic rooms with exotic artifacts gathered from travels near and far. Think:
- Turkish kilim pillows
- Haitian metal drum sculptures
- Swedish woven wall hangings
- Japanese zen gardens
- Balinese flower pottery
- Peruvian alpaca wool throws
- Indian silk embroidered tapestries
- Moroccan matte pottery
Displaying handicrafts picked up as keepsakes makes for meaningful vignettes.
Cultural motifs:
Add global motifs to your soft furnishings and access ries:
- Indonesian batik and ikat patterns
- Native American designs like dreamcatchers
- Oriental chinoiserie motifs
- Indian paisley and floral patterns
- Traditional Oriental rugs
- Mexican blankets and textiles
World music:
Curate playlists that channel far-flung locales from African drums to Celtic pipes to Spanish guitar. Transporting music enhances the exotic vibe.
Bohemian Eclectic Style
Bohemian style embraces artistic whimsy and free-spirited flourishes. Incorporate a boho edge through:
Lush greenery like hanging ferns, potted palms, and wreaths of dried pampas grass. Let plants grow wild.
Carefree furniture arrangements centered around rugs and floor seating. Try a casual mix of beanbags, cushions, poufs and macrame hammocks.
Draped textiles like tapestries, ornately embellished throws, and gauzy curtains. Layer in mystery.
Candlelight and lanterns for a relaxed glow. Group mismatched candles for ambience.
Collections of found objects like shells, feathers, crystals, and geodes. Display natural trinkets in glass bowls.
Freeform artwork such as abstract paintings, mandala prints, and dreamcatchers. Opt for organic shapes.
Handcrafted pottery with imperfect edges and bright glazes for artwork.
Let your boho creativity run free!
Vintage Eclectic Finds
When perusing flea markets, antique shops, and garage sales, look for:
- Furniture: tufted wingback chairs, velvet fainting couches, ornate vanities, secretary desks, globe bar carts
- Lighting: crystal chandeliers, candelabra wall sconces, floral torchiere lamps, table lamps with beaded or tasseled shades
- Rugs: floral Persian rugs, Turkish kilims, rag rugs, wool dhurries
- Artwork: Botanical prints, still life oil paintings, portrait paintings, maps, Japanese woodblock prints
- China: vibrant vintage teacup sets, gilded glasses, decorative plates
- Accessories: tapestries, faded Turkish towels, embroidered pillows, trunks and jewelry boxes
Seeking out charming secondhand discoveries is part of an eclectic’s calling. Let your finds guide you.
Eclectic Kitchen Décor
Make your kitchen creatively eclectic with:
- Multicolored tile backsplash or vibrant wallpaper on an accent wall
- Mix of painted and stained cabinetry for variety
- Glass front cabinets displaying collectible dishware
- Open shelving with plants and ceramic pieces
- Two-tone kitchen island pairing butcher block and glossy paint
- Whimsical pendant lights like conical rattan or spinning globes
- Checks and floral pattern mixing for chair and table linens
- Vintage signage like an old pub sign as wall art
Embrace a cheerful mishmash of color and pattern for the heart of your home.
Eclectic Bathroom Ideas
Make it opulent with a stand-out clawfoot tub, sparkling crystal chandelier, and antique framed mirrors. Add a Persian rug, fresh flowers, and candles.
Use ornate wallpaper with cherubs, flowers, or Oriental patterns to liven up plain tiles. Hang an antique portrait print.
Display collections of perfume bottles, seashells, or colorful glass bottles on corner shelves.
Pick one statement antique like an elegant console sink, mirrored medicine cabinet, or embroidered ottoman.
Mix metals like polished chrome, brushed gold, and antiqued bronze for the mirror, taps, and sconces.
Add greenery with potted orchids or a eucalyptus shower wreath.
Eclectic Bedroom Ideas
Mismatched nightstands like a French provincial cabinet and midcentury teak side table.
Layered bedding in lush materials like velvet, linen, or brocade with decorative monogram pillows.
Ornate headboard like a filigreed metal frame, carved wood, or vivid floral upholstery.
Worldly layers with Moroccan poufs, Turkish kilim rugs, silk embroidered pillows, and rattan ceiling fans.
Collected artwork grouped salon style above the bed like family photos, abstract prints, sconces, and macrame pieces.
** reading nook** with a chaise lounge or tufted chair surrounded by bookshelves. Hang an eclectic pendant overhead.
Make your bedroom a relaxing retreat that’s entirely you.
Eclectic Living Room Ideas
Modern graphic rug layered over a timeworn Persian rug for doubling up on patterns.
Symmetry-breaking off-center fireplace with artwork arranged asymmetrically on the mantel.
Pair vivid wallpaper on one wall with otherwise neutral walls and furnishings. Try bolder global patterns.
Section into vignettes like a Saharan oasis lounge with Moroccan poufs and kilims or a reading nook with tufted sofa and pile of design books.
Zoning with area rugs and distinct styles between sitting, dining, and reading areas. Vary styles and layouts.
Make it musical with a piano or collection of exotic instruments like djembe drums worked in as sculptural art.
Surround yourself with the things that tell your style story. The living room sets the mood for the rest of your home.
Curating Your Eclectic Look
Seek the unusual: Choose conversation-starters that express your tastes rather than generic decor. Seek out flea market treasures and handcrafted pieces.
Focus your collections: Build up artfully displayed collections bit by bit rather than cramming in random items. Collections like books, ceramics, or music instruments make great focal points.
Vacation mementoes: Objects picked up on trips near and far become eclectic accents that remind you of cherished travels. Souvenirs with memories deserve prized display placement.
Rotate seasonal accessories: Use vases, pillows, throws and artwork to freshen up your eclectic rooms for the changing seasons. This adds variety.
Future heirlooms: When choosing investment pieces, seek out those crafted to become future heirlooms. Period antiques, handcrafted furniture and quality lighting last for generations.
Edit ruthlessly: If items feel random rather than purposefully eclectic, don’t be afraid to remove them. Less can be more. Stay true to your personal style vision.
Eclectic Style Decorating Tips
- Mix wildly contrasting eras and styles for dramatic flair. But also incorporate subtle connections between disparate elements.
- Vary texture, color and shapes. Too much of one look makes rooms feel flat and one-note.
- Collect artwork, furnishings, and objects that speak to you regardless of style. But do display treasured pieces artfully.
- Be bold with lighting fixtures, wallpaper patterns, rugs, and accessories. Don’t be afraid of color and visual interest.
- Arrange furnishings asymmetrically and at varying angles. Avoid a rigid, matchy look.
- Incorporate sentimental items like family photos, travel mementos, heirlooms or personalized details. Eclectic decor should feel authentic.
- Allow some randomness but also pay attention to individual vignettes within a whole room. Each area needs a composed feel.
- Make comfort a priority with plush sofas, lounge chairs, pillows and poufs. Visitors should wish to linger.
Eclectic Style Q&A
How do you decorate an eclectic living room?
Focus on curating unexpected combinations like an ornate gold mirror paired with a modernist sculpture, vintage rug with contemporary furniture, clawfoot tub as a sofa table, or distressed cabinets to store records and vintage electronics. Think outside the box.
What colors work with eclectic style?
Earth tones like mocha, tan, cream and olive green create a warm neutral backdrop. Then introduce rich pops of color via changeable accents like throw pillows, art, flowers, and rugs. Blue, green, and red work well.
Does eclectic style work for small spaces?
Definitely. Just be careful to not overcrowd or make spaces feel chaotic. Stick to two or three focal points per room. A small space can feel intimate yet eclectic through striking lighting, worldly layers via textiles, curated collections of artwork, and personal memorabilia.
