How to Mix Colorful Patterns in a Room

Select a fabric that contains most, if not all of the colors to be used in the room. Fabrics can be in the form of actual cut yardage, a store-bought pillow, upholstery or drapery.

Note the scale of the pattern in the fabric. Is it a large or medium overall pattern, a small geometric, a thick or thin stripe?

Select a second fabric that uses at least one color found in the first fabric as the main color. The scale of this fabric should differ from the first fabric. If the first fabric is a large, oversize floral, the following fabrics should be smaller in scale.

Select a third fabric that uses at least one other color found in the first fabric as the main color. The scale of this fabric should differ from the first fabric. It is acceptable to use multiple fabrics of similar scale as long as there is variety in the overall fabric scheme.

Incorporate solid fabrics into the mix. If every fabric in the room is a pattern, the end result will be too strong for most tastes.

Lay all fabric selections out on a table. Where possible, fold them into individual, manageable bundles so they can be easily viewed together.

Evaluate the fabrics. Is there an interesting variety in scale and pattern? Do the colors work well together? If one pattern type or scale is overrepresented, consider reselecting one or more fabrics for a more balanced scheme.

Remove any fabrics from the selection that do not work with the others and reselect if necessary.